Accepted into program...needing advice.

[klynn81]

Forgive me if this gets long but I need some advice from others...

I applied to a community college to get into their 3 yr BN program. (A program that they aren't even accepting new applications at this time as they have enough applicants to fill seats for 2013, 2014, 2015). This October I got the letter offering me a seat in the program to start in August 2013. I've wanted this for so long and now I finally have the letter in my hand. Great right? Except about 6 months ago the husband and I moved 2hrs away for his new career. Accepting the seat for this program would mean me moving back and attending school and him commuting 3 1/2 hrs for work. He works 2-3 days a week so he'd stay out here for the days that he's working and then come back to the city on his off days. Which means I'd need to find a place to live in the city, and btw. school, studying, and his schedule we worry that we'll never see each other and what kind of stress that would put on our marriage. But if I went and did 3 yrs I'd finish mid 2016.

Where we live now they have a community college that offer a 2 yr LPN program. I am in the process of applying for this but it's a 1 1/2 yr wait to get in. In the meantime I could start taking (a&p1, a&p2, medical microbiology, sociology, nutrition). If I got accepted into the program I'd finish mid 2016 as well.

Being an LPN isn't a bad thing, and there are jobs here for LPN's but there are way more opportunities for RN's, and in the same amount of time (when you factor in the wait to get into the LPN) I could be finishing with my BN vs. my LPN.

There is always the option to take the LPN and bridge at a later time however I'd have to go through 2 yrs to get my LPN, work minimum of 1 year, and then apply to get into one of the the LPN to BN bridging programs for 2 more additional years of schooling. (one of 2 of the schools that offer this only accepts 6 students per year).

I'm 31, and currently my husband and I don't have any children.

I know me moving back and the husband commuting (time apart) isn't ideal but feel like it would be a short term sacrifice (3yrs in the grand scheme of things) in the long run. He is VERY supportive of me going to school for nursing, but we are both nervous about what the time apart and stress of school will do.

I know no one can make this decision for me but if you were in my shoes what would you do?

*as a side note, I wouldn't be working while going to school. While we'd have to budget and money might be a bit tight finances are not something that worries us.

[Saysfaa]

That is funny! My family has benefited from that book (yes, I forgot the five was in the title).

Actually, I've been rethinking my answer. I would still do it - my husband and I actually talked about a very similar situation a few months ago if certain circumstances happened. But we have 25 years of solid history - including some experiences with being apart more than we wanted to be and and at least a little experience with two hour commutes. Three years after that isn't as much as three years would have been even ten or fifteen years earlier in our marriage.

I think it definately can be done, even early in marriages. I even know some people who have done it. But that doesn't mean it is the best choice for the two of you. It might be. Good luck to you both whichever way you decide.

[klynn81]

That is funny! My family has benefited from that book (yes, I forgot the five was in the title).

Actually, I've been rethinking my answer. I would still do it - my husband and I actually talked about a very similar situation a few months ago if certain circumstances happened. But we have 25 years of solid history - including some experiences with being apart more than we wanted to be and and at least a little experience with two hour commutes. Three years after that isn't as much as three years would have been even ten or fifteen years earlier in our marriage.

I think it definately can be done, even early in marriages. I even know some people who have done it. But that doesn't mean it is the best choice for the two of you. It might be. Good luck to you both whichever way you decide.

As a side note...we've done the long distance thing. I'm American, he Canadian, and dated long distance (8hrs) for 4 years before moving in together. Now 8yrs married, with 4yrs prior to that having been the long distance I think it's safe to say we know what distance is like. Not Fun! :)

Where's the dang easy button? I'd be hittin' it so hard right now.

[smatrang001]

I think you should go for the BSN. The wait time for the LPN and completion of the LPN will be equal to the Completion of BSN. Three years isn't that bad. Just tell your husband that it's gonna be hard. There will be days he'll have to be eating left overs or (my husbands twice a week now meal) pizza hut.

My husband is military and works long hours 5:30-1900 and he's in the field one week a month. So I understand the not being able to see each other. Just manage your time. All test dates are outlined in the syllabus, so plan your study times for when he's at work.

I usually listen to lectures while cooking dinner so we can eat dinner and relax at night together. He'll feel a little neglected, but just inform him that you're working hard so he can be proud of you.

My husband is anticipating orders to a new location (Alaska) while I'll be staying here (Louisiana) for six months to finish my ASN. We discussed this before hand. Hey, I've waited 10-17 month deployments 3 times. He can be a little patient right? :) we can't wait forever. The opportunity is there, go for it!

[klynn81]

I put the deposit down to save my seat for the August entrance of the BN program. Not sure if that's the route I'll go...I swear every other day I'm back and forth...but at least I'll have some more time to think about it and figure it out.