Does it make sense to go the LPN route or stick to BSN in the scenario

[Divalish918]

If I already work as a CNA in a hospital making 22/ hour and have great benefits would you risk going to an lpn school if your hospital warned you they wont hire you as a LPN? They also offer 25% tuition reimbursement for each semester as long as I work full time and I already have 50 something college credits towards my RN-BSN. I am kind of tired of my CNA job but it obviously pays well. I am also 28 years old and do not have time to waste. My hospital will automatically hire me as a BSN nurse because they are at "magnet status". So what should I do? I have the opportunity to start LPN this semester but I will have to wait until january to apply to the BSN program. I kind of just feel like I want to do it once and get it over with. WHat should I do. Keep in mind I am a single mom of a 4 yr old and live on my own, but not struggling.

[rnflash]

I do not know where you live, but I'm in California and $22 an hour is a drop in the bucket. You could make 3 to 4 times that here. It's not all about the money, but money sure does make life easier.

Unfortunately no one can give you an answer 100% either way, but I would say that you should identify what your goals are. For me personally, I always wanted to receive my BSN, so the LPN or ADN would not have worked for me. There are some hospitals out there that are not interested in hiring anything less than a BSN, but again those are few, so it all boils down to what you want and what would be good for your family.

28 years old and no time to waste... I'm 27 and I think you need to relax a bit. Give yourself some credit. You already have experience working in the hospital with patients. You're on the right track, don't worry about it. You'll make the right choice.

[dclamb3]

Not to hijack the thread but, rnflash, you mentioned that you're in CA. How is the nursing job market there? I plan to move back to CA in about 6 mos. (probably LA, but I'm still evaluating colleges), enter nursing school (I have a BS, but want a BSN), and hopefully work as a CNA during school until I get my RN.

[Isabelle49]

I have been an RN for 26 years. I wish I was an LPN, since I would have much more job flexibility. The pay may not be as high, but the jobs are there.

[LVNBSN2]

Stay as a CNA and get your BSN, then promote within your hospital. I have been an LPN for 6 years and regret not going straight for my BSN like I started to.