How does everyone feel about the schooling for nurses here in illinois?

suebird3 · Apr 4, 2006

i am very confused on if i should even go back to school anymore or not i am really worried that i won't make it. what i would like is to find out which route to go with this, i am freaking out about all the different programs that are out there, i am currently working as a cna and need a little guidance. what my main question is, i have not been in school for years i dont think i even remember basic math let alone all of the courses and that go with nursing. has anyone here been in the same situation?
what are the different programs like, difficulty wise?
lpn,bsn,adn what is the best way to start?
what type of people do they usually go for when accepting students into the program?
thanks in advance for any help,
nat

hi, nat. thanks for dropping by! i would suggest stopping by your local community college for academic testing, if you are unsure of how your math skills are, etc.

as for the different programs, lpn's are "entry level" nursing positions. adn programs are "2 year" programs, and bsn programs are the 4 year programs. each is "difficult", but can be done!!! i had been an lpn for several years before going on for my rn.

i would also suggest dropping by the pre-nursing forum at: https://allnurses.com/forums/f198/ when you can. i believe you might find some useful information there.

good luck, and keep us posted!

suebird

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Apr 6, 2006

I second Sue,, i was a LPN and went on to finish the ADN program. Would have done it a bit differently had i known then what i know now, but circumstances led me down the road i took. Older student, family at home, etc etc.

I was math stupid, had to take classes before i could finish the ADN even after the LPN,, so eventually you have to do the math. UGHH,, i hate algebra still.

But,, yes it can be done, yes you should go for it, and yes it is worth your while to put all the hard work into it.

That said,, JMHO,, look into an ADN program at your local community college for now. You can finish the BSN later if you want. But time wise and for the sake of saving time and money look into an ADN program first. If you find it isnt for you, or the time constraints arent in your favor right now, go check out the LPN programs. I have a feeling you are looking for a program that will give you employment opportunities sooner?

One isnt going to be easier than the other thats for sure.

MidLifeRN2012 · Apr 11, 2006

How do I feel about nursing progams in Illinois? I'm sure they are fine as long as you can go to school during the day and not have to work. But if you are a single mom working 40 hrs 9-5 and want to become a nurse...good luck. There are no evening and weekend programs in the Chicago area UNLESS you have a bachelors in another field and then you can take the Lewis University BACH to BSN program, which is held in the evening and weekend, but is very expensive and since you have a bachelors degree already..there are no grants available. But that is the only program that I can go for as I need to keep my 40 hr well paying job until I graduate nursing school.

I would prefer a ADN program thru a community college, but none will accomdate a working person's schedule. I hear other states have these night/weekend ADN programs...Chicago is a big enough area, why don't we??