Help for new Member:)

[LuluNy]

hello everyone ive been on this site for hours and enjoyed reading everyones experiences and advice. i finally decided to register and ask for some help. i finished my bachelors degree almost 2 years ago and have been researching becoming an rn for a long time. im not sure what would be the best course of action after much exploring as to the most sensible way to become an rn. any suggestions? become an lpn first then what would i have to do to become an rn? thanks in advance for being patient with me and advising:)

[jenni82104]

Since you already have a Bachelor's degree I would find out if there are any schools in your area that offer an accelerated second degree program.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I agree. Since you already have a Bachelor's Degree, it would pay you to use that academic credit to help your nursing education if possible. Check in your area for programs that cater to 2nd degree students such as yourself.

Some of those programs might be accelerated BSN programs, which are very intense and require a huge committment for a short amount of time. Other programs are not accelerated and can even be done on a part-time basis, allowing you to have a job and earn some money while you complete you BSN. They review your previous classes and give you credit for those that fulfill their BSN requirements: some schools are more "generous" about what they accept than others. Then you take their required nuring courses the same way that other students do. It may take a little longer (2 or 3 years total) than an accelerated program, but it might be less stressful.

So ...check what is available in your area and go from there. There is no need to begin a nursing career as an LPN and it may just add a lot of time and investment in your education that will cost you more than it is worth for you. The same may be true of going to an Assoiciate's Degree program. While there is really nothing wrong with either the LPN or ADN routes, they may add time and expense to your career path that will not pay off in the long run.

An exception to what I just said can be for those people who can get that LPN or ADN very cheaply and quickly -- and then get help from their employer to complete their BSN. However, in many areas of the country, the requirements for the ADN for someone your situation are so great that you might as well go for the BSN to start with.

Good luck