Would like ur insight on my career plan

BETSRN · Feb 4, 2005

Hello All,
I would like some of your insight as to my current plan to become a nurse. Like all of us out there, I have several challenges to getting established in the career of nursing, but I think I might have found myself a solution. Could you be kind enough to review my plan and let me know if I'm missing anything, failed to consider anything, etc.? Any thoughts? I've obviously put a lot of thought into this, but, the over cautious person I am, I like to make sure I have all bases covered. Thank you. I look forward to reading your reactions.
Miya
My Current Situation:
I am a 25 year old single mother living in NYC. I work full time in an office (m-f, 9-5). My son is in pre-k/day care full time. I earned my Associate's degree in Journalism a few years back.
My Goal:
To get my BSN and begin a career as an RN
Barriers:
Schedule/Money: I must continue to work full time in order to pay bills and support my son. However, I cannot find any BSN programs in my area that are not in the evening/weekends.
I did find a weekend RN program, but the problems with that is that
1. it's pretty far from my home (can't get to Friday classes on time),
2. it's a 3 year program (not sure if i want to commit to 3 years, weekends only, for my AA), and
3. it's an AA and I'd like to get my BSN (so that I can go on to advanced degrees down the road)
My Solution:
I found an LPN program, 18 months long, weekends only, very close to my home/work.
I could complete that program and begin working as an LPN. Ideally, I would like to work late night/weekend shifts (perhaps in a hospital?). That way, I could have some days free to enroll in a part time BSN program (while my son is at school).
This will give me a decent paying job that will cover my expenses, get me into the field of nursing sooner rather than later, accomodate my schedule so that I can enroll in a BSN program, and even perhaps allow me a bit of time to still mother my son (which, ideally, I would like to do - take him to school in the mornings, pick him up in the afternoons, put him to bed most evenings)

I would initially look for a TWO YEAR Associates degree RN program. I know you already have an AA but you might be able to skip most of the non-nursing courses and concentrate on the nursing portion of the program. You can always get the BSN later. You have plenty of time. I would always tell someone to go for the RN because as an LPN, you are far more limited: especially if you want to work in a hospital setting.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2005

I think that's a very good plan. Many a BSN has started with an LPN, heck many have started as nurse assistants.

For some of us it's a long long road. But we get there. I got my ADN 15 years ago and just started my BSN. Many LPNs get caught up in work and family and don't go back in a timely fashion, as I did with my BSN. So keep plugging away at it. Like the person above, I always recommend getting the RN if that is possible. If not the LPN to RN to BSN route is one way to get there.

Whatever you decide, best wishes to you and good luck.

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Feb 4, 2005

I would agree with going ahead and getting your RN. I took me 26 years to go from LPN to RN. The best laid plans are always subject to change because life always seems to get in the way. Go for your RN from the git-go. You'll be that much further ahead.

miya · Feb 6, 2005

Thank you all for your insight. But I just don't see how an RN is possible for me now. Really, my main barrier is what to do with my son. I could go for a night BSN program, but I wouldn't have anybody to watch my son during my classes. So, my options are limited. I would much prefer to just go get that RN first. I just don't see how I can make it happen.

I always hear, u know, when there's a will there's a way. Or, I hear the stories about women who had x amount of kids, worked full time, but still did it and made it through school. I don't doubt their truth, but my questions is: HOW??? I only have my one 3-year-old and I can't seem to make it work. I have to do something with my son - can't bring him to class.

My parents are here and they are willing to help as much as they can. But they work crazy hours (my mother from 3 pm - 10 pm and my father from about midnight to 9 am). So it's difficult to sync up our schedules to meet everyone's needs. They take him nearly every weekend for me, that's why I'm considering that weekend LPN program.

I'm not giving up just yet. I sit and think about this, it seems, nerly 20 out of 24 hours of my day. A solution will become apparent. I hope!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2005

Miya, when there's a will there's a way. But as you say, there's only so much you can do. Working full time, nursing school and a three year old is a bit much for any one person to handle. You can't kill yourself, or sacrifice you child, who only will be a child a short while.

Getting the LPN first is not a bad idea, especially because the BSN takes longer and requires a lot more pre-req and co-req courses that you could take part-time while working as a nurse.

Lots of things to think about. Again, good luck.

HarryPotter · Feb 6, 2005

Hi Miya:

Your going to get a lot of replies and advise. In the end, do what feels right for you and your family.

Myself, I got a AA in Nursing and had 3 kids and was single. No help from my X, but then I had the help of my Parents and Grandmother who helped me out financially. I don't know how I could have done it while working full-time.

Have u looked into schlorships and/or government grants???

As a single Mom, you might qualify for financial help.

I'm not in your shoes, but my advise is to go for a AA in Nursing (maybe on-line?) rather than a LVN. You'll get a better salary and can still go for your BSN.

If distance is a big issue, have you considered relocating so you'll be nearer to a school???

Good luck to you. Let us know what you decide.

BAtoLPN · Feb 6, 2005

Miya, when there's a will there's a way. But as you say, there's only so much you can do. Working full time, nursing school and a three year old is a bit much for any one person to handle. You can't kill yourself, or sacrifice you child, who only will be a child a short while.
Getting the LPN first is not a bad idea, especially because the BSN takes longer and requires a lot more pre-req and co-req courses that you could take part-time while working as a nurse.
Lots of things to think about. Again, good luck.

I totally agree!

I am in a similar situation, and BSN is my goal - eventually. I am getting my LPN first - not my "dream," but frankly I think it will be helpful in the long run (experience as a "nurse," if not an RN, still as a nurse). My plan is to take and pass the NCLEX and AS SOON AS my LPN license comes in I will apply IMMEDIATELY to the LPN to RN program (that is kind of my only option here). That way I will be less likely to "put it off." Also, if you can get your foot in the door somewhere as an LPN, a lot of places will pay for you to get your LPN to RN as long as you agree to work for them for a certain time period after you graduate. They are also more likely to work around your school schedule if yyou do this, as they know the sooner you graduate, the sooner they have another RN, and one they KNOW at that.

Good luck!

:specs:

BETSRN · Feb 6, 2005

Go to a day (meaning morning) program for your ADN. You said your mother works from 3pm on. You may have to bite the bullet and find some day care on occasion or for a couple of hors on your clinical days. If you are leaving your child anyway, go for the RN. I think those LPN's here who have advised you are giving sound advice. You may never go on (or not for ages) so do it now!! When I went back to school(I was married), I had one under 6 and my lab partner had middle school kids. It was a lot easier for me than for her because my child was less involved in school activities.

You might have to take out some school loans. Part of my loans went for day care fees in addition to my school tuition. They are long paid off and it was well worth it. I would set it up so you don't have to depend on your parents completely.

I would assume that there are probably several ADN programs that you can choose from in the greater NYC area. Good luck. I'd keep looking. If your heart is set on becoming an RN, then don't settle to be an LPN. Being an LPN is a wonderful career, of course, but you will be far more limited than you will be with your RN.

BETSRN · Feb 6, 2005

Go to a day (meaning morning) program for your ADN. You said your mother works from 3pm on. You may have to bite the bullet and find some day care on occasion or for a couple of hors on your clinical days. If you are leaving your child anyway, go for the RN. I think those LPN's here who have advised you are giving sound advice. You may never go on (or not for ages) so do it now!! When I went back to school(I was married), I had one under 6 and my lab partner had middle school kids. It was a lot easier for me than for her because my child was less involved in school activities.
You might have to take out some school loans. Part of my loans went for day care fees in addition to my school tuition. They are long paid off and it was well worth it. I would set it up so you don't have to depend on your parents completely.
I would assume that there are probably several ADN programs that you can choose from in the greater NYC area. Good luck. I'd keep looking. If your heart is set on becoming an RN, then don't settle to be an LPN. Being an LPN is a wonderful career, of course, but you will be far more limited than you will be with your RN.

Try the site I have linked below. I am not even suure this site even has the ADN programs on it.

http://www.allnursingschools.com/find/NY/?src=goto_ans100104_246

Pamilina · Feb 6, 2005

Davita (Dialysis Company) will pay for your BSN as long as you commit to working for them for 2 years after you are all done. The pay for the two years might be around $18.00 or so dollars, but they have AWESOME benefits, and 401K and a 100% match for pension...health care ect...

The reason I say this area of nursing, is one...they will pay you to get your RN degree...and two they will employ you and train you in dialysis. Three, Dialysis openings in the Acute area are on the high demand list...so, after two years, you can go to learn Acutes and make top cash...the clinics are busy...but acutes are something that isn't as demanding on your feet as the ratio in Acutes is one to one nursing care. The money is way more as well...and you really get to spend quality time with your patients.

Good Luck.

HarryPotter · Feb 6, 2005

Davita (Dialysis Company) will pay for your BSN as long as you commit to working for them for 2 years after you are all done. The pay for the two years might be around $18.00 or so dollars, but they have AWESOME benefits, and 401K and a 100% match for pension...health care ect...
The reason I say this area of nursing, is one...they will pay you to get your RN degree...and two they will employ you and train you in dialysis. Three, Dialysis openings in the Acute area are on the high demand list...so, after two years, you can go to learn Acutes and make top cash...the clinics are busy...but acutes are something that isn't as demanding on your feet as the ratio in Acutes is one to one nursing care. The money is way more as well...and you really get to spend quality time with your patients.
Good Luck.

WOW. I wonder who many other places would pay for u to go to school???