Degree/ASN/BSN...which did you do?

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm a newbie to this forum and have only been here a few days but WOW:D I've learned so much already and I hoping you all can give me some insight on how you progressed through your education.

I have the fortunate opportunity to go to school and have decided that I am going to pursue nursing. So I've been looking at the various avenues one can take to be a nurse, each it seems has pro's and con's. My options are to go to a vocational school and complete an LPN certificate in 3 semesters, getting me into the work force right away,putting minimal financial strain on my family (I'm a single mom) but prohibiting me to perform some functions of nursing. The other option is to attend the cc where my bf works and get my ASN which prepares me to get my RN. The problem is that I have zero college education and I'm afraid it's gonna take me forever to finish. The math terrifies me and I'm afraid I'll waste time taking remedial courses. Plus it'll be a strain on my family financially, the longer I'm in school the less I can contribute. Someone suggested I get an LPN/LVN and take "bridge" courses for RN. I just don't know what to do. This is my one time chance to better myself and have a career that I like, I want to get the most bang out of it.

How did you go about it? Is there a huge difference in the "hierarchy" of nursing professionals?

Thanks for listening!!

Stephanie

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hi and welcome. I'm an RN now who started as an LPN, did the bridge program to RN and am now completing my BSN (graduate in May 04) and then right into the MSN program. If I had to do it over again (I'm 45 now) I would definitely do the BSN program from the beginning. However, I understand the financial concerns and perhaps an LPN, then LPN-RN bridge program is the the way to go! I wish you luck...what state are you in?

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Hi! Good luck. If I'm not mistaken you have to have those basic courses in math and English, etc. to get your LPN, so I would take courses with the idea in mine your ultimate goal is to be an RN. There are pros and cons to each, but I would set my sets on the RN if I were you, even if you must persue the LPN first, take courses that you will ultimately need for your RN.

Look into your local hospital's scholarship programs, etc. Our hospital has an awesome program that allows for full-time pay while going to school part-time to persue RN degrees.

Of course, as a single mother, I'm sure you're very much aware of all the programs out there for you. Good luck and aim high!

Depending on the area you practice there can be a big difference in scope of practice and pay between LPN and RN, so you will want to research this in your own practice area.

I was in a tight $$$ situation when I was young too...did my LPN 1st and worked my way through RN school. Many facilities today give tuition reimbursement for their staff to continue their education, so this may be a good option for you if you need to work quickly, as I did. LPN schools are 1 yr, ASN's are 2...BSN's are 4. Not every family can tolerate a reduced income for years.

I agree that if you can swing it, that BSN will be your smartest long term goal in today's nursing climate...more options for career mobility and a steppingstone to advance practice. It is not always feasible for all of us, though, so do what is best for YOU. Best wishes..there's lots of ways to become a nurse. !

I would definately suggest BSN. Get it all over with at once. I would also suggest getting a job in the field asap. Such as a nurses aide. It is great experience.

I got a ASN at a cc.

Lots of work but worth it. At the time with small children it's all I could handle. Everyone I know says to get it all at once. When your done and out in the field working it's to hard to go back.

Good luck.

P.S. I wouldn't been able to do it without the support of my husband and my family. "Thanks" to them

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