Going back to get RN from LPN, scared to death

ann945n, RN · Apr 23, 2008

Take it one quater at a time and make an effort to keep it in perspective. Looking at it all at once is overwhelming for anyone. But little by little, not so bad. And just think how fast it will go by, hasnt the last 3 years just seem like a flash? You will look back at the next 3 in the same way. You CAN do it!

kakamegamama · Apr 23, 2008

Hey--congrats on your fortitude & ambition! Hang in there! Just remember--one day at a time. Or, as a proverb or whatever it's called says "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." When I went back to grad school (3 kids, husband, full time job/part time job) I realized that unless I looked at school as an extension of my job instead of another thing I was doing, I would probably not make it. So, I began to see school as an extension & that helped a lot. Enjoy where you are & you'll do fine. Best to you!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Apr 23, 2008

Sometimes, you can't look at the whole picture-it can overwhelm you before you start. Take it one semester at a time, one day at a time. Becoming an LPN was a challenge, but when you look back at it, it is now over...the same can be said for the RN...just a bit longer.

GYPSY1349 · Apr 23, 2008

i've been a lpn for appx 18 months, i'm 36 years old, with an 8 and a 10 year old boys,and married. when i did the lpn program full time, it about killed me. the reason that i'm forcing myself to go back is because after five years post lpn, i have to take all my sciences again, and that doesn't sound appealing. i'm going to take micro in august, in january i'm going to take medical terminology and phlebotomy due to the fact that i can only take patho in january of 2009 because you have to apply for it and have micro done. then in august 2009 i'll do the bridge semester with pharm ii. then in jan 2010 i can start my two full time semester of the second year of the rn program. it looks like a lot of work ahead of me, especially seeing it in black and white. i'm petrified. any positive words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated. i thoroughly enjoy working as a lpn, but since in reality i don't have alot to do quickly but over time, i feel that if the five year time limit comes up and i don't do this, i'll kick myself in the butt later. and on thing to my advantage is my boys will be older and more self sufficient by the fime i go fulltime again. any advice or words of wisdom would help greatly. hey on a lighter note, i could possibly have my rn by the time i'm 40. better late then never, i guess.
thanks in advance

:yeah: ok now...take a deep breath!!! congrats on making a great decision...you'll be amazed at how much you already know having worked as an lpn. many of us also had families and obligations that appeared overwhelming while going through school. and there are a lot of us who also were lpn's when we decided to take the plunge and become rn's.

if nursing is the profession you love, whatever it takes to get where you want to be will lbe worth it! when things get tough, repeat after me...."this too shall pass!!" blessings to you, you can do it! :redbeathe

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Apr 23, 2008

I started nursing school at age 45 so to me the age is not significant. The time will pass anyway so you might as well be working towards a goal. And as for the classes, remember, you will be doing them one day at a time as well and will learn what you need as you go along. Good luck!

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2008

Wow--how exciting. Like everyone has said you must just take it one semester at a time. I started school in my 30s with 4 very busy children, one being a baby!!! I also had a husband who though loved me, was not all that supportive. I think he thought of my school as a hobby!!! ok what ever!

YOU can do it, and when your done you will reap the rewards, and have the personal satisfaction of knowing you were able to complete something so challenging.

Congrats on such an exciting future!!

Itshamrtym · Apr 23, 2008

Hello:

I think that it is normal to be scared when you look at the whole, big, picture.... But as others have mentioned, just look at things one step at a time.... One accomplishment at a time... and before you know it... you will have your RN.... And... I totally agree. Who wants to take A&P over again... uugggg...!!!!! You can do it!!!!!! Go for it!!!

Good luck to you!!

Dorito, ASN, RN · Apr 23, 2008

I had been an LPN for many more years before I finally got the courage to return to school. (probably about 12 years-15 before I finished). I agree with Gypsy....RN school was a lot easier because I had learned so much as an LPN. Going back to school was one of the best things I ever did- I only wish I hadn't waited so long!! You'll do great and best of luck to you!

Nurse2184 · Apr 23, 2008

Congrats on going back for your RN. The hard part is always getting started, and it sounds like you have a good plan to follow. Just take it one semester at a time, and remember to take time out for yourself when possible. A clear head will help you focus on your studies. You will do fine and congrats again! You also have LPN experience so that will help you a great deal, you are already familiar with how the nursing world works.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Apr 23, 2008

Okayyyyyy...simple question...why are you going on to be a nurse? What is it that you will take away from nursing that will help yourself mind/body/spirit and your family (and honey you can say better income it is okay with me!) that makes you want to do this???

I find that is a very good and foundational question that one must really understand in themselves and their family must understand in any time of change and...well..total schedule changes...LOL (you have kids...you know what I mean! LOL!).

To understand the reasons...true honest reasons why you do something...well that gives you the actual power to do it despite all odds ....

kstec, LPN · Apr 23, 2008

TriageRN 34

I am presently a nurse, LPN. I'm furthering my education, because I want more opportunity. Where I live LPN's are limited, and I enjoy what I've done so far, LTC and family practice, but there is a whole world of opportunity out there for RN's. I'm hoping that by going back to school to eventually find my niche. I love LTC, and if during clinicals if nothing else makes me feel inside the way LTC does, than LTC is where I'll remain, but as a RN. I also feel that since I have a time constrant (sp) of either getting my RN within 5 years of LPN graduation or starting over with my sciences after 5 years, that now is a better time than any to get going. I feel that if that 5 years is up and I didn't get my RN, I'd regret being so close and not taking advantage of that opportunity. As far as money goes, I make as much as a RN presently due to the fact that I'm prn at my facility and get increase of pay due to not getting or needing benefits. I will not get much of a raise. If I go to a hospital I'll start out at what I'm making per hour now around here anyway. As far as more of the why, I feel that RN's have more power of the ultimate decision making of healthcare. I despise the short staffing at LTC and would love to have more knowledge to back up my fight for better care for my residents, if I decide to work LTC after getting my RN. So wherever I end up working, the status that goes with being a RN may help with a pull for better care. I would love to find that perfect place, but from what I've learned so far in nursing they are very rare. I live by "Treat others as you would like to be treated" and "Try to remember that your patient is someone's special somebody", and that is why I want to further my career. Sorry so long.