Help me out on this, please

I would toss out option C for the time being. I usually advise people to go the BSN from the get go, but it doesn't sound like it fits your family and financial situation.

I would strongly consider option B first. The caveat being the "presuming there's no wait period" which is a big "if" because most public schools have waiting lists for the ADN programs these days.

The first semester of RN school provides the basic education needed for you to work as a CNA. So you can get that out of the way while progressing towards your RN.

What's going to be tough about option A is that you get your LPN, then at the same time you say you're going to immediately start RN school, you're going to be studying for NCLEX-PN, looking for a job, starting orientation in a new job, learning a tough new stressful role, and going to RN school. What you're probably going to do is drop out of RN school and put that on hold for at least a year. Also note that the pre-reqs still need to be taken prior to your starting the LPN to RN bridge. So that road might not be the smoothest fasted road.

So that's my advice. Strive for option B and get that RN out of the way and start earning that RN salary, at the same time you might get a CNA position, and find work in a hospital that has some sort of tuition reimbursement, or "earn as you learn" type of program.

The next best option for your situation would be option A.

Good luck and I hope your wife jumps on board as she see's this is what you desire.

Ok. With option B I would be starting the core curriculum Spring 2011 & finishing Spring 2012. That would put me at 37 years of age at time of completion. Not bad. As far as the first option, I didn't even realize I'd be doing THAT much. Studying for NCLEX-PN, job search & orientation, learning the ins and outs of being an LPN while starting RN courses. DAMN that's a lot. All I was looking at was being able to pay for everything and getting in the field asap. Option C was there because maybe I should've bit the bullet and jumped into the BSN. But thinking about it I can tolerate my current job (chef de partie) for a few more years.

Thanks!

ps: I found out that the ADN program goes off a point system & by aiming for Spring 2011 entrance (and not anytime sooner) I give myself the MAXIMUM amount of points. That virtually assures me a spot in Spring 2011.

As a nurse that worked as a CNA, medication aide, and LPN while in school to complete my RN, I can say that the hands-on experience as either CNA or LPN will really get you more comfortable with the idea of touching your patients in a professional manner. This is something that we just don't think much about, but in our society we don't touch strangers, and this was very anxiety producing for me at first. I started working an a SNF and discovered that I love the aspect of knowing who my patients are, predictable environment, etc. LPN or CNA experience will teach you a lot about physical assessment, time management, getting along with difficult people (show me a nurse that doesn't have to deal with difficult people-- I want her job!). Working as an LPN will help you value the LPNs that will eventually work under your supervision.

I started the LPN program at 33 yo as well, married, no kids. We have a summer healthcare internship program at the SNF where I stayed after school, and over the past couple of summers, we have had nursing students, RPT students, an OTR student, a PA sudent and a couple pre-meds-- all working on hands-on care to develop that professional touch we all need to master. I think all of our internship staff have been complimentary about what a great learning experience they had while working with us.

I agree mlolsonny getting hands on experience is valuable. You get that in clinicals and sometimes that just has to be enough and for many people that works out o.k. But there's nothing like some real life experience. That is why the last six months of my RN program, I worked as a nurse tech and it was great. Plus it paid better than what I was making at Pizza Hut.

Ok. With option B I would be starting the core curriculum Spring 2011 & finishing Spring 2012. That would put me at 37 years of age at time of completion. Not bad. As far as the first option, I didn't even realize I'd be doing THAT much. Studying for NCLEX-PN, job search & orientation, learning the ins and outs of being an LPN while starting RN courses. DAMN that's a lot. All I was looking at was being able to pay for everything and getting in the field asap. Option C was there because maybe I should've bit the bullet and jumped into the BSN. But thinking about it I can tolerate my current job (chef de partie) for a few more years.

Thanks!

ps: I found out that the ADN program goes off a point system & by aiming for Spring 2011 entrance (and not anytime sooner) I give myself the MAXIMUM amount of points. That virtually assures me a spot in Spring 2011.

They all are good plans, each with merits of their own. Good luck in however it works out for you. Becoming an RN is never easy, but then again anything worthwhile takes work.

this is just my humble opinion..

i suggest you do the lpn thing first...

if there is no lpn to rn bridge program then you will already have the experince..

and.... you will already be a nurse...

i don't know how many pre-req's you have out of the way ... but as an lpn

many of those would be used... depending on your school...

i do some prn teaching @ an lpn school and i highly suggest it...

and besides.. when you do get into rn school... you will already be a nurse... big advantage!!!

either way.. i wish you the best of luck.....

email me if you have any ?'s!!!