Going Crazy-- What would you do???

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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Hi All,

Ok, I know the ULTIMATE decision is up to me; however, I need some help rationalizing and thinking things through. Weighing the pros and the cons of my actions.

I made the decision to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse around last month. I started researching programs and requested some admissions packets. I missed the application deadline to get into the lottery for the September 2013 LPN program because I needed to take the TEAS exam by May 11th. I had begun studying for the exam for about 2 weeks now but unfortunately, due to a death in the family I have to attend a funeral tomorrow (May 11).

Because I cannot take the TEAS by May 11th I have to wait for the lottery to open for the January 2014 LPN Class.

On the other hand... I looked at an ADN program. I can take the TEAS and apply to the program but I will have to retake 4 of my pre-reqs between August and December before I begin the core nursing classes in January 2014.

So basically I wouldn't be starting the core nur

What it boils down to when I compare LPN vs. ADN

LPN ADN

Public School Private School

Lottery System Straight application & interview

LPN is $5,5000 ADN is about $35,000

LPN is about 15 months ADN is about 20 months

Will have to bridge to RN then BSN Will have to bridge to BSN

Can pay out of Pocket Will require student loans

Now here's the HEART ATTACK... I have been looking at the balances of my student loans from my undergrad degree and where I had attempted to getting my Masters. I made some calls to the US Dept. of Education to verify... and I owe about $115,000 in student loans.

Would you go for the LPN or go for the ADN? I'm already down ... don't beat me up to bad but give it to me straight!

~UB~

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(((HUGS)))

Condolences on your bereavement.

What is your gut telling you?

Also, how will you get the financing for the ADN program? (35k)

This is probably totally inappropriate; please forgive me (I don't want to hurt you in any way), but I am wondering if there is any way you could have a serious talk with your family and find a way to take the test tomorrow.

(I have no idea if you are talking about a close family member...)

If you can't do that, perhaps you could call the school and ask for a special arrangement to take the test in the next few days, given your situation...?

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I have to say, given the very, very little I know about you/your life, I'm a fan of doing the LPN, then working through the RN-BSN... and then doing pre-reqs through your required work time (between getting your LPN and your bridge).

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Hi WideOpenHeart,

Thanks for the ((HUG)). I needed that. Ok, to answer all your questions as best as I can...

1. My gut is tell me LPN program but because its a lottery program of course I am nervousN

2. No, I cannot miss the funeral services. Its a close family member.

3. I talked to the LPN Admissions Advisors today and she basically said that I cannot retest on another date. They have a lottery system and you have to complete all of the steps to even have your application entered into the lottery. The 1st step is taking the TABE test or proof of a college degree (which I have), the 2nd step is taking the TEAS exam, and the 3rd step is attending the mandatory info session which is May 15th. You must have steps 1 and 2, completed to even receive the invite (yes, it is like official invite only...) to the mandatory info session which is where they hand out the official LPN Program Application Packet. After the info session you have to submit all required documentation and the application packet by the deadline to have your name put into the lottery.

4. I have completed all the "pre-reqs" for a state university/college; however, because I earned C's in my A&P I and II, and Micro I need to retake them.

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Is there possibly another ADN program (public) you could attend?

How many do they select from the lottery? (i.e. what are your odds? 1/3? 1/2? 1/8? Better?)

I will tell you that your RN will be worth a lot more in salary, and if you can possibly work in an under-served area, you may be able to have some of your ADN loans forgiven.

How are you going to borrow the money? (Given that your student loans appear to be maxed out...?)

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Specializes in Med Surg.

A public ADN program should NOT cost you 35k (unless you live in a much more expensive area than I do). Talk to all of the programs in regions closest to you. An ADN will pay much more than an LPN, and you can do the ADN to BSN online.

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There are also LPN to BSN bridge programs, so you wouldn't HAVE to do RN before BSN

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Hi all,

Thanks for your reply. The problem that I am running into with public ADN and BSN programs is my pre-req GPA. With the pre-reqs that I had completed between 1999-2002 my pre-req GPA is like a 2.8. This was taking a full load schedule and working 2 jobs. Now that I reflect back on my life I wish that I could have just focused on school and not had to work but I had to put myself through college (hence the loans) and take care of my family. I could retake the 4 classes that earned C's in and improve my GPA but still I would be paying out of pocket to retake classes.

The amount that I was given for my loans is high but from what was explained to me that includes the loans, interests, fees, etc... As for if I am maxed out on receiving any loans I will have to inquire about that. I can't afford to pay 35K out of pocket ... which is why I am leaning towards the LPN.

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The local community college ADN program is approx. $11,300 and LPN brigde to RN program is approx. $10,150. So if I do LPN then bridge to RN that is estimated about $15,650. Which is still a whole hell of a lot cheaper than $35,000. However, the local community college admission packet states the min GPA is 2.5 but their last class had an incoming min GPA of 3.5.

So my mere 2.8 GPA is no competition against someone with a 3.5 or higher GPA.

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Well... I think your next assignment is a call to your student loan servicer to find out what, if any, funding and scholarship availability there is for you through government loans and grants.

Also, I have started doing something for myself, which may be of help to you.

When confronted with two options and feeling mired in a struggle between the two, or even feeling there is no really GOOD option, I ask God, the Universe, my higher self (whatever you want to call it) for the option I'm NOT SEEING.

Oftentimes, there IS an option one is simply NOT SEEING.

Start praying/thinking... "What is the option I'm NOT SEEING?"

It may be something as simple as working toward doing the LPN lottery with a detached attitude that stays in the moment and appreciates life, as it is now, boo-boos (from school loans, etc.) and all.

It may be something like a move to an area where LPN programs are easier to get into, or where there may be RN programs designed to be affordable, in order to address nursing shortages (which are very real in my state, for example, Oklahoma)...

It may be something you can't imagine until you "let go, and let God," which I would strongly encourage you to do.

I know today was surely a hard day for you, on other fronts; I hope you are okay after the funeral.

There are other paths to an RN, including starting as an EMT!

The main thing is to realize that the fact that you only see a few possible "paths" doesn't mean there aren't others...

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I think that it is good of you that you would not miss your relative's funeral. It says a lot about you as a person. It is unfortunate that you can't take the tease test for the lpn program. I also think that it sucks that you have so much student loans. I think that you should get a part time job and do the ADN program. It's a lot of money, but maybe you can pay for some of it buy getting any kind of part time job.

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I must say that 55k for anything that isn't at least a BSN program isn't worth the time or money. Since you already have a degree you may as well apply to an ABSN program which most are 12 months long. Also, the maximum you can borrow from Federal Student Aid for an undergrad degree is $57,500. Since you already racked up $115k in undergrad loans you may have to get personal loans to finance another degree program. There's always Entry Level Master's programs out there that you can apply to, and you may still be able to get Federal Student Aid because it's a Graduate program. However, that's another $70-120k. Sorry for your loss. Good luck!

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