Can you take pre-reqs outside of LPN program

JettaDP · Jul 28, 2008

I am starting an ADN program this fall and I am going to take two classes on top of the nursing courses. I will also be working part-time. And I am also a single parent to a 3 year old. The reason I am taking extra classes is because immediately after I graduate I intend to enter a RN-BSN program at the university. And I am also in the Honors Program and we are required to take one honors class each semester. And I really don't want to drop out of it. So, I can understand how you feel. But one thing I can tell you is that you can definitely do it. No one is going to tell you it is going to be easy. You are going to have to stay focused and work your butt off. I know I can do it. So I know you can too.

Take a step back on your finances if you possibkly can. Are you a single parent? If so, look into low-income housing so you don't have to work as much. Look into any kind of state assistance. Such as food stamps, child care and so on. WIC can provide healthy food. Do whatever you need to do to get through nursing school with as little stress as possible. Because when you're done, you'll be an RN and you'll probably be making plenty of money.

jcmazza101 · Aug 4, 2008

I am 44 years old and a single parent. One son is 22 and married (12 year old granddaughter) and I have a 7 year old at home. I moved back in with my parents. I attend Western technical college (practical nursing program, cub scout den leader, work full time in a CBRF, Lay Formation with the Catholic Church; one weekend a month with a month's worth of homework, being trained in the Bereavement Ministry (seminars and a lot of reading material, Faith Alive Program Facilitator(one thursday a month; facilitate the class) , and am being trained to take over the PCCW (women's group) at church. My goal is to go on to become an RN with a Bachelors in Nursing and a Minor in Parish Nurse Ministry. I just finished an 8 week Chemistry class (summer school). That was the first gruelling class I have had (did get that A). I have A&P this fall, then I get into my core classes. I work in a CBRF for @$8.00 and hour. I love my job tho. It is so rewarding.

I didn't realize how much I really do until I sat here and typed it out. But, I just tackle one task at a time. I find that I am under a lot less stress than some of my counterparts. I have many benefits with my job. Sometimes I can bring my son to work and he calls numbers for bingo or he gets out the activity ball and helps residents exercise.

I could be making more money at another facility with the training I have had. But I would really be compromising the fulfillment I have with my life now. Before you make a decision about going for more money may I advise you to look before you leap. Don't rush into it. Think it through.

There are good and bad places of employment when it comes to continuing education. I myself work in a facility that has been very supportive of my education schedule. They are priceless when it comes to their support. Other facilities are not very accomodating. It is one of the leading complaints from some of my classmates. The stress of this is sometimes reflective in their grades. Remember right now as you are in college you are working to provide a better life for you and your child. When you graduate, you will in all likelihood have empowered yourself with better financial opportunities.

Sometimes us single moms need to remember that we make more obvious sacrifices in our lives to reach that point where we don't have to do that anymore. You do need to take the time and feel good about having completed the CNA part and not look at it as not being enough. Don't sell yourself short on what you have done so far.

Some advice I have is to look at the financial aide package and look to see if there are other grants you may qualify for that you may have missed. There are times that counties will reimburse single mom students for childcare as well.

I find the LPN program to very rigourous at the Technical college level. I am praying that I have learned to cope with stress in such a way as to benefit me when I work with others in adverse situations.

I hope you stay focused on your dreams of nursing, remember to set your goals realistically, and to not underestimate what the desire of one person can accomplish. Mother Teresa had 20cents in her pocket and wanted to save Calcutta. Just food for thought, food for the soul.