be honest....

MedSurgeNewbie · Mar 8, 2008

To be honest, if you can do it get the BSN, it will give you a lot more options out of the gate and you will get a lot of the schooling out of the way. The deal is working and going to school full time it’s just too much. I am a firm believer in you can’t serve two masters so to speak. If I was a single person I would move home if that was an option and just do school and may be a little job for pocket money. Yes its means living poor for four years, but in the end you are light years a head. If you can stay away from “accelerated” programs you are missing out on the whole college experience, and they are way too stressful that and I am going to get flamed here if you are doing something in half the time there has to be cuts some place.. Class from 8-3 can you really retain any of that? Hope this was helpful, whatever you do I hope its smooth sailing..

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 8, 2008

Since you're not doing it accellerated, then it's going to be a bit light load for your to go LPN to RN.

Many nurses in LPN to RN programs have to work full time to pay be bills. However, it would be best if you didn't do that. Most are able to work some. I'm not saying from experience, but just from coworkers who have had to adjust their schedules. You're still going to have clinicals, in areas such as pysch., L&D, etc., care plans, the whole nine yards. Give yourself a break and don't plan on working full time. Work what you need to pay the bills, you've got the rest of your life to work, don't kill yourself.

Jules A, MSN · Mar 8, 2008

Hi,

I have found the 2nd year of the RN program to be much easier in many ways thanks to LPN school. I'm prepared for all the mental stuff like the politics and I know how to take NCLEX type exams. I don't worry about taking my boards. I know I'll pass, been there done that. Our schedule is lighter and the information while more indepth is very similar to what I've already been taught. I worked about 30 hours a week through both programs. Good luck!

Jules

dsanto3 · Mar 8, 2008

Thanks so much for your experiences. I am so excited, yet I remember being so excited before LPN school also. Then when school starts and the intense study begins I didn't have time to be excited anymore! It's nice to hear that in some ways it will be a little less stressful. I do get A's on all (well most) of my tests, but I am also not working through LPN school. I am just afraid that once I start working and school that my GPA will come down. Unfortunately, I am not one who it comes easily to. I have to work SO hard for my grades. :eek:

A fellow student mentioned the other day that when I start working as an LPN I can work per diem or regular and the facility should be flexible and will help accomodate my school schedule. They also said that 32 hours is considered full time. If you have any other thoughts or suggestions I'd really appreciate it.

Again, thanks to all that reply.

caliotter3 · Mar 8, 2008

There were many LVNs in my BSN class and it seemed that they had a better understanding of the entire process than, say, the people who had no nursing experience. I only remember one who was having academic difficulty. They were all holding down full time jobs while going to school at the same time. I would think there would be some advantage, even if a small one, to having attended a previous nursing program. Regardless, you will have to put a lot of effort into what you are doing, especially if you are planning to work simultaneously. I can speak from experience when I say that it is difficult to work one or more jobs and go to school full time, especially with a long commute thrown in. You have to be organized from the start and don't let anything get in your way. Make certain you watch out for your health. Getting sick is one of the biggest reasons people encounter problems. You'll be more likely to get sick if you attempt too much. So practice good health habits. Good luck.

not2L84me · Mar 14, 2008

It definitely is the truth! Be as healthy as a horse, because even if crapping out the whazoo with the stomach flu, and also having the flu, having a doctors note, THEN having your son being assaulted, he was kicked in the head numerous times, I was with my son in the E.R. (same hospital) where I was doing my clinical rotation. According to the witch who was my clinical instructor, maybe I had too much going on in my life to go through the RN program. So, pack yourself with plastic bubble wrap, or build a pretty strong fortress around you, because you have to be untouchable. Basically what everyone here says, is true, you cannot have a life. Forget that you're human. I don't understand how we go into a profession of caring yet we don't get the support WE need to make it through school. AND THEN what about this nursing shortage in our good old US of A. I'm so sorry!! I just don't understand this. I've been freshly booted out of the program and I'm still licking my wounds. I cannot find a school that will accept me now. Any suggestions? Can an LVN challenge the boards? I'm in California.

caliotter3 · Mar 15, 2008

Are you saying you are an LVN and you want to challenge the RN boards not2L84me? Or is it the LVN boards you want to challenge? The LVN boards can be challenged with a certain amount of paid bedside nursing care experience, a pharmacology course, and other requirements. You can find the info on the BVNPT website under option 3. The RN boards can be taken as a non-graduate under certain circumstances. You need to explore this on the BRN website and talk to someone at the Board. It is not an easy process. Either way, a license obtained through special circumstances without graduation from a nursing program can not be used anywhere outside the state of CA. You need to talk to someone from the BRN or BVNPT about your options.

DebanamRN, MSN, RN · Mar 22, 2008

I have found RN school tremenously easier as an LPN. I have a better understanding of the material. I really understand, not just memorize! I'm basically skipping thru RN school. I will say, I got a better basic nursing education at the LPN school than I'm getting at RN school. It gave me an excellent foundation on which to build. I was recently discussing BSN programs with the nurse-educator at work and she advised me to go straight to the MSN program. A few months longer, but with greater opportunities. All built on my LPN.

Good luck!

Maco · Mar 22, 2008

I feel rn school is easier than lpn because I'm aleady familiar with the information...I feel i"m actualy learning now instead of just memorizing like i did in lpn school...the hardest part is finding time to study because i have to work now...

dsanto3 · Mar 22, 2008

Yipee! :lol2: I'm so happy to know that you found RN school easier after LPN. I was really starting to think I'd been through this year of hell for nothing. Unfortunately, I have to do my prereq's so I'm trying to figure out how long it will take me until I can actually start Nursing 1. OCC is trying to work it out and they are bringing the Mobility track back so I think I will be able to pass 1 and move right on to 2.

I don't know what to expect since I was lucky enough to collect unemployment during LPN school and not work (and it was still difficult). I'm not sure how many classes and work I can hadle at the same time. If you have any suggestions, I'd be happy to hear them. I want to make it go as fast as I can, but I don't want to take on too much and blow it.

Any suggestions on what math to take? I HATE math but I know one is required. Also, is it true that I shouldn't plan on working while doing the actual NURSING semesters? Everyone said it is so very hard to do both but I don't think I can afford not to. Is this where my LPN schooling comes in?

Thanks so much for your time.:loveya:

dsanto3 · Mar 22, 2008

Yes! Yes! LPN school is totally memorizing everything from each class you learned that day and cramming it all into your brain that night and being tested on it all the next morning. Then the teacher wonders why when she mentions something she taught months ago and the class looks at her with a blank face. I'd rather learn and understand why I'm doing something. I think I'll like that much better.

How many classes are you taking and how many hours are you working? Any advice would be appreciated. I better enjoy my few weeks off this summer, it looks like it's going to be a long ride. :bugeyes:

Good luck to you both.