At a crosswords...could use some words of wisdom.

[DelanaRN, MSN, APRN, NP]

My husband has his BSN. I have my Associates with course emphasis on business. For the past 6 years I have watched what he has been doing and kicking myself for not getting into the healthcare field from the get go. Now I am 31, and I still don't know "what I want to be when I grow up". I have taken the net and have gotten 3 letters of recommendation and completed my essay, etc for the LPN program at Colorado Tech and I am almost set to start. Then today, I go to Concorde Career College and there LPN program is cheaper, and after I did the entrance exam, I was talking to the advisor about what other programs they offered and did some research on Respiratory Therapy. Now I am in a connundrum. Do I continue the path of LPN, then down the road the LPN to ADN bridge program, and then later obtain my BSN, because I have always wanted to work on a Labor and Delivery ward...or do I go the RT route and finish my schooling in the next two years and become a Registered Respiratory Therapist and make 45,000 a year? The LPN program at Concorde starts this month and I may or may not be able to get into it because there is already a waiting list...however, my advisor said my scores are high on the NET and the entrance exam and after some drop out (the original 30 that are signed up because he said not everyone follows through) I will have a good chance of getting in. RT sounds great too. I think it's the "here and now" where I know I can get into the program, get finished and begin my career...or I can start the LPN program...wait a couple of years, and then do the bridge. My husband is in the Army so I know we will be moving in 2-3 years...do I take a chance another state might not allow me into the bridge program because I don't have that's states LPN license. I don't want to work my tail off and still only make the 12-14 an hour I can make now with my business degree as an LPN. I am confused. If you've read this far...thank you for listening. I could really use a sounding board, some advice, and some direction. Also, it's not just about the money...either way I will get to work with patients. So I guess...is it Snot (RT) or Poop (LPN)?

[allthingsbright]

Well, what do you really, really WANT to do ultimately? Think long term. For me, my dream is to be in L&D, teach CBE class and be a lactation consultant--ultimately I would like to be in midwifery. So, although there have been tempting pitstops along the way, I have stuck with my dream...

Maybe think/pray/meditate about where you want to be in 5 years--your dream job--and then see what it will take to get there. Just a thought: the RT program will always be there...if you get into the LPN and change your mind, then thats ok, girl! Oh, and dont pick a school JUST based on cost--make sure you look at the NCLEX pass rates and such.

Good luck!

[DelanaRN, MSN, APRN, NP]

Dear Allthings,

Thank you for responding...that means alot to me. You really made a valuable point. What do I want to do years down the road. Working L&D and RT are very different things. I love the whole pregnancy, birth, new baby process. I think the entire thing is an intriguing miracle and I'd love to play some part in that. I guess, all in all, I will have to reflect back to what my obtaining my LPN was supposed to be...and that is a stepping stone en route to ADN so that I can get on the L&D ward like I've always wanted.

Thank you for the helpful advice. RT is a tempting prospect, and I still have alot to think about. However, I think I will call Concorde tomorrow and see about getting into the LPN program and see what happens with the waiting list. Thank you again!!

Delana