What was your experience: What was the best RN track?

[mari55]

I would like feedback on choosing between the generic, accelerated, or LPN to RN tracks, regardless of which South Florida Nursing Program. Previously, I earned a degree, and I could prepare for either track at any local college. However, the program that I have been preparing to apply to is the LPN to RN track. While completing prerequisites, I chose to work on my LPN because I liked the of idea of obtaining more experience, and the possiblity (however remote) that I could eventually earn part-time wages, while working on my RN. Also, the 20 credits per semester of most Accelerated programs sounded exhausting to me. Does the combination of LPN vocational school and the LPN to RN track really offer comparable preparation to a 6 semester generic program? Does your final transcript show which program you completed, and does that matter at all, in terms of seeking future employment? Thank you. I appreciate all feedback.

[labrador4122, RN]

as I read here on these boards, that there are many licensed LPN's looking for jobs, and most hospitals are only hiring RN's.

at broward college's LPN-RN program, you only skip the first class, then follow with the generic students, so you are only saving 8 weeks.

Im not familiar with other programs except for BC in broward county.

But, remember that LPN school is a year, and you go to school all week m-f for day 7am-3pm for day, and for nights it's 14months 7pm-10pm m-thr.

if you do an LPN-BSN program, which is what Barry university offers, it is a full time 3 year program, so I'm not sure how people work as LPN's and do school there.

there are other online programs like Excelsior College, but it's very expensive, and you have to do your research to see if your state allows the EC students to take boards there, I think in florida you have to work 2 years out of state then transfer license back here.

[jam911]

i was very undecided at one time.. I even went to Sheridan took and past the TEAS. Did all my background check and everything and was placed on the waiting list. however, i decided to try to get in the RN program first. I was to close. ALl i had to do was complete my sciences.. So i crammed by AP 1 and 2 at dade during there summer 6 weeks program (Summer A and Summer B)and i just completed my Chm this December @ BC.. So now i am applying for May.. just that fast.. so think about it.

IT may not seem that difficult but once you set your mind that you are going to get this done and no one is stopping the Show. it will be a piece of cake. and i have a husband and three kids, which one now is a newborn.

Mind you I was 7-8 months pregnant waddling to my AP classes all summer lol..

I had my baby the first day of Fall semester 2009 and I asked my chm prof can i miss the first 3 weeks and i will study on my own she said YES, then i was good to go.

doing my health core online as we speak for 3 weeks and then I will apply for May..

If i would have completed the LPN, I would be there all day and evening Mon - Thur and still have to sit for a State Board ,,, Nerve wrecking...

after becoming and LPN you would have to complete all sciences to get in the RN (same requirements), cuz remember you wont be able to do it while you are going to school as a LPN..

Then you can only apply once a year, which is May.

So you wont be in the RN program for a long time.....

then you will have to do all the courses that you did as an LPN now as an RN but quite different but similar

and take ANOTHER State Board... once again Nerve wrecking..

Yesyou will be able to work as an LPN but it will more than likely be in an Nursing home or private duty...

if do the RN program, like what Bumble said in another forum.. you can work as a NA Per Diem or part-time. You will gain a lil experience there and you will have 18 months of clinical s.. you will be good to go when you are done...

I have not one lick of nursing experience.. i am going in with my eyes close.. so i know how you feel.. I will be learning and grasping everything from scratch.. LOL!!!!

Plus 6000 for LPN and 6000 for RN... i cant get FASFA cuz i have a BA in Business so i have to pay out my pockets..

i hope this help, I am not trying to discourage you but just show you what i went thru and what made me decide to at least try to do the RN first since it has much more requirements and it may be better to get it out the way.. now if i don't get in May or Aug.. I then will do the LPN:angryfire.. I wont be a Happy camper if that happens..

this is my any welcome to the nursing board.. you will have fun here...

[mari55]

THANK U Jam 911. Three children! My hat is off to you.

[jam911]

my pleasure.. I learned everything from this forum/ Because the the counselors dont tell you anything.. funny!!! you have to go to them with the questions.. the right questions then they will elaborate on it.. you have to be ahead of the game... they dont tell you anything unless you know already...

I love this forum. there are so many people that are in the same boat.. you ask a question and you will get an answer...

everyone here is so informative.. its crazy,, especially.. Bumble and Sunray... :bowingpur lol!!!