where should I start?

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Specializes in mainly I assist during pregnancy& birth.

Hi! I'm hoping for some direction from you kind hearted care givers! I'm 46 years old and about to go back to school - my ultimate goal is to be a NICU nurse. What I'm trying to figure out is the quickest way from point A to point B - I don't have any useable credits so I'm starting from scratch. Should I try to knock out my general ed stuff and then move on to get my RN or should I just get an LVN and go from there? I'm amazed at the lack of information and guidance out there for older students like me! I really need a plan here and I'm hoping there might be someone like me on this site who can point me in the best direction. Thanks!!

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If you want to work in the NICU, start working towards RN. LVNs don't work in the NICU from what I understand.

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Specializes in mainly I assist during pregnancy& birth.

Thanks. I realize that, but I was thinking at least I would be working in the field quicker while I continued school - bad idea?

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I thought about that too, but...

The LVN program had a waiting list that was longer than it took to complete my RN pre requisites! I also thought it would be very difficult to work at a new job, in a new field AND attend nursing school. I can't even manage to work more than 2-4 days a month at the job I currently have and I know that job inside and out!

LVNs also have very limited opportunities in some areas. You're more likely to find a job in long term care than in an NICU as an LVN. Soooo, if NICU is what you're hoping for, it might just be better to go all the way. If you can find a good ADN program, becoming an RN won't take too much longer than becoming an LVN. You can go back to school and work on your BSN or MSN after you settle in to your new RN role.

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Go the RN route. In the end it will be shorter.

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Specializes in ccu cardiovascular.

The RN route imho. You might want to get a cna in the meantime and see if you can get your foot into a nicu. If not a cna in a critical care or pediatric setting. It can get you experience to put on your resume.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU, Home Health/Hospice, Cath Lab,.

You might check your school's program and see if you can take the LPN boards halfway through. My ADN was like that, after quarter 4 you could take LPN boards but classes continued on through an RN degree.

Getting your LPN could be beneficial in that you might find other areas of interest if NICU doesn't appeal to you.

Hope this helps,

Pat

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