HELP ME PLEASE!!

ItsTheDude · Jan 28, 2010

there is a difference between adn and bsn, some employers will only hire a bsn, just look through job openings, some specify bsn (generally a bit better pay), other's just want a rn (diploma, adn or bsn, no real pay difference based on degree, maybe $1 more for bsn's).

bsn also helps with advancement and other nursing related job opportunities. with that said there are diploma and adn rn's in high level positions everywhere.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2010

Is there any way that you can drive across state lines to attend an LPN program in a different state? It might be inconvenient, but it is not unreasonable. Commuting might be what the doctor ordered.

lpnhopeful21 · Jan 29, 2010

Well guys, my status stands as follows: I'm 21 years old and I currently work for a really great CNA School as an Administrator. I did college way back when I was 18 and flunked out of school because I was just not committed as much and if you can believe it I was married then as well (w/ no children.) And so basically the last couple of years I've worked as a CNA at a nursing home and as an administrator for this school and little by little I learned to love the profession of nursing. Obviously the pay is wonderful, but after being in a nasty divorce and seeing my entire family find their way I knew I wanted to be in a profession where I honestly make a real difference. So as you can imagine I work with a slew of nurses day in and day out. At the school most of the nurses I work with are LPN's and for the most part got their training at a technical school I was hoping to get into because it was right here in my hometown. But as I mentioned before the state shut down the LPN programs at state-run technical vocation centers. So my options became very small. I've always known I wanted to at one point in my life go on to pursing the adn and then eventually the bsn degree in nursing. But I thought starting off with the LPN would be the smartest bet and the most bang for my buck. But now I have two choices: I could go to the LPN School in Poughkipsee which is the nearest state-run school in this area but it's across the state line in NY. That school is called BOCES of Dutchess County. Tuition there is just under 8 thousand, which is highly affordable. However the commute would be about 1 hour each way to and from. Which again would limit my working hours and put a huge strain on my budget. And then my second option would be pursing the adn at a community college in this area. The nearest one is in Naugatuck, Connecticut which is give or take about a half hour away each way to and from. It's a traditional 2 year program, however with all the pre-reqs I'd end up having to take it would be about a 3 year program and they don't offer the program in any other schedule other than days. It would total up to about 3 thousand per semester. About 6 thousand a year plus books and other fees and a grand total of about 18,000 after graduation. So, as you can imagine, I'm still in a dilemma. Anyone else has any other suggestions or tips?

racefan88 · Jan 29, 2010

Hi. I was wondering if you inquired about any entry exams or waiting lists for the ADN program at the community college. You might want to check. You can't assume that all you have to do is pass some pre-reqs and you're in. Most programs have waiting lists or worse (in my opinion) no waiting list and you have to apply fresh every year. You'd be suprised how long it can take to get accepted. I knew a woman who had been in CC for almost four years still waiting to get into the ADN program. It's very competitive and many candidates are taking nursing pre-reqs while still in high school. I had two high school students in my A&P class at a local CC. I'm NOT trying to scare you, I just want to make sure you're asking the right questions when you talk to the CC advisors. Community Colleges are a lot cheaper, but if you're spending twice as long there it isn't quite the bargain it seems to be.

In my program some of the students travel almost two hours, one way, every day. You just have to ask yourself one question...How bad do you want it?

Then, GO FOR IT! Good Luck!

lpnhopeful21 · Jan 30, 2010

This particular ADN program does have waiting list actually now that I come to think of it. Which will most definitely make it a little harder to get into the program itself. I think my best bet is actually going across state line into NY and taking the LPN program there and then pursing the ADN/BSN at a later date. Chances are if I do this I'll save a bundle and get to my ultimate destination. But one thing all of us have to realize is that one way or the other whichever route we take to get to our destination we all play a vital role in the healthcare system. I know some LPN's and some ADN's and BSN's have commented on this thread and they've all given me unbelievable information that truly helped me make my decision but in realtime the economy is tough and people are hurting, so we must do what we have to do to get to our destinations. In my case, I need to take the LPN program and slowly but steadily climb the latter. Thanks to everyone who helped me out. Your help was invaluable.

- Sincerely,

Lpnhopeful21.

racefan88 · Jan 30, 2010

Best of luck! You know what they say...slow and steady wins the race. :)

lpnhopeful21 · Feb 1, 2010

Thanks racefan! I honestly think I'm in this for the long haul regardless! But either way I'm going to make it to my destination. I think ultimately I'm going to have to either commute to the Poughkipsee, NY or move to my native Brooklyn to get my LPN there. It's not going to be an easy road but I'm up for the challenge as they say divorcees end up with thick skins and can make through the harshest of weather.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2010

CT native here and a stones throw from Fairfield County. Have you looked into St Vincent's School of Nursing in Bridgeport. Its an RN program but the only "pre-reqs" are College Chem w/Lab and College English. You could take those 2 courses in one semester and apply to St V's. Its pricer than the community colleges but far less pre-reqs etc. You'd graduate with your ADN in 2 yrs. ALL of the community college nursing program are very competitive to get into. Add to that, the long wait list.

Or depending on how close to the NY border you are, could you do an LPN class in NY?

I'm currently an LPN (was licensed in July 08) and I am going to do my college chem again (way back in the day I took college chem (circa 1987 LOL)..but sciences need to be taken no more than 5 yrs to you applying for nursing schools) and send off my application to St Vincent's.

Wish you the best.

lpnhopeful21 · Feb 3, 2010

Actually YES I was interested in taking the LPN program in NY! I was looking into one of the BOCES Schools out in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties but again my biggest problem then would be finding employment over the weekends, finding a room to rent out while i finish school and balancing that with paying the tuition ahaha. What do you think CT Pixie, which school should I go to and where? I live in Danbury haha...So that gives you a pretty clear idea of where I am and where all the other schools are in the area!

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2010

I'm not sure your reasons for saying you want to start with LPN and then further your education.

With your options being limited with LPN school (either shell out the 40K for the private LPN schools or cross the State border and try to start a new life in NY) I'd say go to RN school. **Disclaimer** I am not affiliated with, nor am I endorsing St Vincents** that being said (heehee) St V's DOES have a part time RN course and if I'm not mistaken I think its available in the evenings.

I'm older (Will be 41 in a couple months ugghh) and went the LPN route due to certain circumstances. However, if I were younger, single and childless, I'd definatly just go RN route.

lpnhopeful21 · Feb 3, 2010

Well the main reason for me wanting to go through the LPN route first and eventually pursuing being monetary reasons (LPN schools in NY are somewhere in the range for 4 - 9 k for a total of 9 - 11 months of schoolwork) and secondarily because I know that if anyone is get anywhere in life and truly make a difference in the patients' lives like every nurse says they want to (and hopefully get into this business for) then we all have to start bottom up. The best nurses I've ever met were CNA's and LPN's before ever becoming RN's and ultimately people that serious influence change and procedure. In reality my options are limited due to my stupid reckless choices I made as a younger person. I flunked out of college and for me to get into an RN program regardless of how well I do on my pre-reqs one would have to acknowledge that it would be 10x harder for someone like me versus someone who got it right the first time around. So in my case starting with LPN first is both an experience well worth the time and a consequense of my more reckless actions when I was in high school. But, to each is it's own - as far as I see it I think I was made to be a nurse and whichever route i take is honestly fine by me because I know ultimately I will reach my final destination and that is to eventually one day become an MSN. So my question now is really where to start? When to start? And HOW to start? I've checked into literally about 20 different LPN schools in the Metro-NYC area (adjacent to Fairfield County in CT) and not ONE of them have returned my calls or emails. What am I doing wrong???

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2010

I said that the only pre-req for St V's is Chemistry, forgot to add Bio.

Whatever route you take, I'm sure you'll end up right where you want to be.