CNA to LPN to RN

Published

I am 36 years old, married with 3 children. I work full-time M-5 8 to 5. My husband was laid off from his job so aside from unemployment, my wages are our main income. I really really really want to go to nursing school but it seems as if there is always an obstacle in the way. I want to go to Ivy Tech in Indianapolis because I have heard good things about the school and also for financial reasons. The problem seems to be there are no night schools for nursing programs. I have looked into being a CNA thinking that maybe I could get hired on at a nursing home that would work with me on scheduling around classes. I called many places on the NAT website, and was told that most places only provide training for their employees, or that the classes are during the day, which I cant do because I have to work. I am becoming very discouraged and feel like giving up already, but then I start thinking how tired I am of living paycheck to paycheck and having 0 savings at the age of 36. I just dont know what to do! I spend hours on the computer every nigtht trying to think of a way to make it work. I cant really afford to take out student loans due to overwhelming debt and I was approved for a Pell Grant. The obstacle of having a fulltime not completely flexible job is really stopping me from my dreams. Does anyone have any advice whatsoever? Help! I want to get ahead while I am still somewhat young.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 3 yrs CNA.

You say that you don't want to consider student loans, but they very well may be your ticket to a better future. For me, they were the only way I could realistically get the college education I truly desired ( and I did it as single mom of preschoolers). Anyway, that is just my opinion, and I will get off my soapbox!:smokin: Where I live, there are CNA programs that are offered at night to accommodate those who work during the day. Some of these are offered at "CNA schools" and others are offered through local community colleges. When you call nursing homes, ask if they have a program where they will train you in return for a work commitment of 6 months or so. Many nursing homes offer such contracts in order to secure employees for their facility. Also, think about what it is you really want. Do you want to be a nurse more than anything, or is it financial security you really desire? If you want to be a nurse, then you have a pretty finite path to travel to meet your goal. If you want financial security, you have lots more options of how to get there. Think about what you want, and what you are willing to give up to get there. Then you will know what you need to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Don't give up. Keep researching all your possibilities. I'm 34 and have been working on prerequisites since 08 for the RN program that I am about to apply to. I've waited until I've just about completed all the prerequisites (plus some) because I'm afraid to get rejected. It was much harder than I ever imagined, and I'm lucky that my son is 13 and I can devote a lot of time to school with only a small part time job. I don't know anything about your area, but are there any community colleges that offer any online classes, at least to start off? Look into programs that may be a future possibility and consider their prerequisites (English, math, etc). At least it would be a start. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your help. I live in Indiana and hopefully I can find a cna program in the evening. I will keep looking! Im glad everything worked out for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

Unquestionably, there are programs out there that you can do at night. However, if I was you I would get my prerequisites out of the way first, get information with any of the colleges in your area for computer classes that you can do at home, or visit the campus, while there checkout the ADN make sure you apply for the FAFSA financial aid for the prerequisites as well as the nursing program & trust me you will qualify,then when you're almost finished with your prerequisites then apply for the nursing program, there's always one than one way to skin a Cat:lol2:. Lastly, I commend you for not wanting to give up your goals good luck:yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute rehab, LTC, Community Health.

Hi there,

I don't know if this is an option in your state, but I was able to study independently for a NATO (nursing assistant test out) through a community college and take the test without actually taking the class. Just an idea....Good luck to you! I do have to agree with the others, that the loans may be well worth it, I like yourself, was unable to find a job to work around my schedule, so I took out loans. You shouldn't let that stop you from achieving your dreams! Just my opinion though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice/Mental Health/LTC/Home Health.

i got my stna from a joint vocational school, the kind that high schoolers go to during junior/senior year, but they also have adult education. maybe if there is something like that where you live, i live in dayton ohio so im not sure.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Many Technical Colleges provide CNA training on Friday nights and Saturdays. Maybe that is an option for you.

Good luck!!

otessa

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

Even a class or two at a community college doesn't work for you? Community colleges have classes at nite and you need to get started on those pre-req's for nursing school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac.

I got my CNA cert through central nine career center in Greenwood, Indiana! It was in the evenings and at the nursing home they do clinicals at, you can cone in to do clinicals any day and time you want.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

well I am going to be 45 this year and a first time grandmother (a young granny thank you)

I went to CNA school. took me a month (full time) to finish I got into a great nursing home about a two months after graduating. This is a union hospital so after one year I can apply to RN or LPN school and they will pay 100%. I just have to agree to continue to work there for 5 years. That is the only done side for me. I live in NY and want to move to NJ. But the up side is, I can commute to NY and still work full time and go to school. I can do my clinical at the hospital and get paid. Look to your local Health Union. Good luck :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thank you for your help. I live in Indiana and hopefully I can find a cna program in the evening. I will keep looking! Im glad everything worked out for you.

I don't know where you live, but here in western NC, we have CNA classes during the day, at night, on the weekends, accelerated programs, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion