advice pls

[flopmingale]

I had left this question in the Lpn corner but realized I should ask here. I graduated with my LPN in '97, didn't work as a nurse until last yr when I worked in an urgent care clinic. I wonder now if working a year in a med/surg unit of lg hospital would be better than moving into RN pgm since it's been a while since I was in school and don't feel as if the clinic prepared my that well to be back in the clinicals mode of school? Any thoughts from those of you that had the same decision? Thanks!

[Jenny P]

I haven't been in your place, but I would think that it would depend on how YOU feel about it. What type of RN program are you planning to enter: a 2 year ADN program; a 3 year diploma program or a 4 year BSN program? After deciding which type of school you plan on going through, you need to carefully exam the individual programs' clinicals to see how much time is spent at the bedside. Your experience of working in an urgent care clinic could be enough of an asset; or you may decide that you will need more experience first before you tackle going back to school.

I think it is a personal decision that only you can make. One question that may also be pertinent here that you might want to ask yourself is: what took so long between graduating and working? Childbirth or family reasons may give you one answer; indecision or??? may give you another reason.

[live4today, RN]

If I were in your shoes, I'd go ahead and move on into the RN program of your choice. You'll get plenty of clinicals and other RN coursework to make up for that absent time. Don't worry. You'll graduate prepared to work as a RN after you pass the RN boards. If you are considering the BSN program of study, check it out first to see how much clinical experience you'll get as a student since all BSN programs vary when it comes to their students receiving enough hands on time in the clinical setting. Some are good, some aren't. The ASN progam will definitely prepare you clinically speaking, so you can do your AAS/ADN and move on to your BSN if that's what you desire. That's what's so special and unique about nursing. There are so many options available that each person can choose which one fits their life, their family budget, etc., and still have the option of advancing your education later. Whatever you decide, best of everything to you! :)