Help Opinions needed.

Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN · Nov 17, 2013

Both plan A and B have pros and cons. The only thing with plan A is that the school is too far and would if your son gets sick or something? Or would if something happened to your car (God forbid)? You also have to think about traffic as well. However, if you have a back up plan for plan A then I would say go for that so that you won't max out of your loans when it is time to go back for your BSN.

Plan B sounds good because the school is only 20 minutes away from your home and you are closer. Yes everything might be included but I am sure that the fees that may have to come out of pocket or; you will still come out way cheaper than paying 21,000. For Plan A, you have 18 months to save up for your nclex exam and I am pretty sure that you could put up a certain amount of money for that test. Like I said, outweigh your pros and cons BUT, I would probably choose option B because it is closer and everything is included and I would be able to afford to pay back my loans once I am a nurse. Good Luck and let us know your decision :).

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Nov 17, 2013

Personally, I would choose A. Why? Because of your personal background in racking up student loans, plus it works with your support system's schedule; you will be going to school during the evenings and on weekends. It will be over 1 1:2 years, and you can bridge later-you may need that cushion of money for your BSN.

Check out both schools; as well as the job market in your area; nursing is going through a very tumultuous time; keep in mind in casting your net wide for jobs as well.

Best wishes on your success!

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Nov 18, 2013

Another thing to consider is how far away the clinical sites are. Even though 1 school'a campus is closer, the clinical sites may be further away.

For example, my LVN school was only 20 mins from home BUT almost every clinical site was at least 1 hour from school.

I'd choose option A because it is cheaper. I had children at home when I attended LVN school and it worked out just fine to travel to the sites. The fact that the school is much cheaper is an important factor, in my opinion.

Cynt87 · Nov 18, 2013

THANK YOU EVERYONE! You all brought up some things I didn't even think about like what if my son gets sick or if I hit my fed loan max before completing my BSN. I guess I need to really think it out. I'm going to school B on the 27th to take my teas and depending on the score I can really narrow it down. Besides I can apply to both and see what happens. I wanted to see what some other opinions were. I will let you all know what I decide in the coming weeks!

SWM2009 · Nov 18, 2013

I would go with option A. You already have 12k in debt so adding $21000 when you have the option to go to school A for $5500 does not seem wise to me. Also NCLEX testing will run you about $300 depending on your state, you may be able to buy used books from other students at the school or online... Even if you ended up paying an extra $5500 for books/NCLEX (which you won't, just an extreme example!) you'd still spend $10,000 less than the other school.

As for distance, I go to a school that is 45 min away from my house and have been to clinicals that were 1.5 to 2 hrs away. So for me that wouldn't be a deterrent. Not taking in more debt than I had to though would.

If I were you, I would try option A first and go with B only if A did not work out.

Nurse-Rose · Nov 26, 2013

You mentioned you owe money already.. Are you required to pay that money off first before being able to use the pellgrant money? I would double check. I have a co-worker who went to school, left owing about $10,000. She wants to go back to school.. However must pay off the $10k prior to being able to use the pellgrant.

Cynt87 · Nov 26, 2013

You mentioned you owe money already.. Are you required to pay that money off first before being able to use the pellgrant money? I would double check. I have a co-worker who went to school left owing about $10,000. She wants to go back to school.. However must pay off the $10k prior to being able to use the pellgrant.[/quote']
No. I'm not sure what kind of loan she has but mines is federal I've been paying it down. I owe about 8k now down from 12k. I already asked, they told me I could defer it until I finished school if I wanted and i will keep paying unless some how I couldn't pay anymore. My payments are very very reasonable.
I have my TEAS test yomorrow so ill be making a decision soon on which school to attend.

Flnolegirl · Nov 26, 2013

I would go to school A for all the reasons everyone else has mentioned. Once you finish that you can work, finish any pre-reqs you may have and do a lpn-rn bridge or even maybe a lpn-bsn bridge. At the end of the day you have to make the best decision for you and what is best for your fam. Good Luck I know you will make the right choice.

Marsha238612 · Nov 26, 2013

Option A sounds better to me because it's less expensive. If you have loans pending already, you shouldn't get into even more debt. 5,500 sounds like a good deal plus that grant will pay for it and you'll just be responsible for the miscellaneous.

Option B, sounds a bit concerning. 45% on the Teas Test, and they take anyone until it fills up?! Ummm!!! Not the best option I think.

Good luck whatever route you decide to go. :)

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Cynt87 · Nov 26, 2013

Option A sounds better to me because it's less expensive. If you have loans pending already, you shouldn't get into even more debt. 5,500 sounds like a good deal plus that grant will pay for it and you'll just be responsible for the miscellaneous.
Option B, sounds a bit concerning. 45% on the Teas Test, and they take anyone until it fills up?! Ummm!!! Not the best option I think.
Good luck whatever route you decide to go. :)
Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

THANKS FOR ALL THE OPTIONS IM LOVING THE SUPPORT!

Option B min score is 45 then you have an interview and background checks and stuff to get iN The class caps at 30. They don't just take you lol. Classes are 3 per year

Option A class caps at 36 with a max 125 application put in. The TEAS, and TABE is averaged amoung all the apps and a score is assigned everyone who hit that score is interviewed. Then comes in background checks etc. Part time classes are yearly

The process between the schools is very different.

As for debt its no way around it. Yes A is cheaper however that shouldn't be the only reason I not attend B. Honestly if I had of finished my BSN the first time I'd be about 60k in debt. Say I walk away with 16k from the LPN the local CC is 4k a year I only need about Max 2 years to finish a concurrent Asn to bsn. So it isn't to bad being that it is rewarding in the end.

My plan is to go all out for a seat in school A but if I can then B it is.

Sighhhh this is sooo hard lol.

Cynt87 · Dec 5, 2013

Okay everyone I went with school B. The cost is higher but it honestly works better for me. My job offered only offered a 830am to 430pm shift. School A is an hour away so lord help me if there is traffic or im stuck on a call past 430pm (call center travel agent). Attendence is a huge role in school. School B starts at 6pm and i have cushion and wiggle room. I start sooner and its closer to my son in case of emergencies. I start January 13th. I'm super nervous and super excited. I know it isn't ideal for a lot of you but its going to work for me! Thanks everyone for your words and opinions!