How to get where I want to be -RN

[ryansmum]

I recently had a baby with VACTERL association including esophageal atresia. After 6 months in the NICU I realized I wanted to become a pediatric nurse of some sort.

I am currently taking an LNA class. I figured if I could become an LNA I could get into a facility that could pay for me to get my RN.

I want to start using my LNA liscence with children- I am really not interested in working with the elderly. Do you know of any places in southern NH that I should look into to find a job? Is homecare a good option? It seems there are no facilities that are just for peds. I need a company with tuition reimbursement.

Second, I want to go for my RN next. Should I go for the LPN first or just go straight for the RN. It seems the only program is in Stratham full time days which is nearly impossible with my child's medical issues.

I feel overwhelmed and do not really know where to start. It seems like a huge mountian to climb.

Tracy

[NYRN05]

well i don't live in new hamp but i would go straight for the RN, i dont think many LPNs get the chance to work in the NICU. Good luck:)

[Wondergirl0905]

I am currently taking an LNA class. I figured if I could become an LNA I could get into a facility that could pay for me to get my RN. Tracy

Where are you taking your LNA class? Is it available nights/weekends? I also want to go for my RN and until I get into a program would like to work doing something medical related.

[ryansmum]

The LNA class is 8 weeks long on weekends only in Dover. They also have weekday programs all over the state.

[nursewannabee]

Hi Ryansmum

I am a rn student-will be attending NHCTC in Manchester in the fall. Have you thought of taking your general education classes or your sciences before entering nursing school. This is what I did. I only have microbiology left to take in the spring. I know this way it will take longer but it will be less stressful this way- especially since you are a new mom. There are English, Math, A+P 1 and 2, as well as microbiology and others you could be taking at a community college while waiting to get into a nursing program. If you have these classes done before applying to a school it will only make you look more attractive to that school and help to ensure you a spot. Nursing school is very competetive to get into and what they usually base their admission on is grades.

I think going for an LNA job is a really excellent idea. I am also applying for jobs in the hospital at this time. Your first job as an LNA may not be in the field you want to go into as a nurse but trust me, the experience you will gain will be invaluable with nursing clinicals. I was previously in nursing school and dropped out because of the clinicals ( I will be going back though). I wished I had been an LNAfirst before school so I could get an idea of what to expect. Getting into someone's personal space can be quite a stressful experience.

I would do an internet search on rn schools in New Hampshire and see what schools are located near you and then make an appointment to talk with an admissions person about the reqirements for nursing school and go from there. There is NHCTI in Concord, NHCTC in Nashua + Manchester, Rivier in Nashua, University of NH and others that offer an RN degree. The community college route is the cheapest though. At least take your general education classes there and then transfer them over to another school if you don't want to take your degree or there is not enough space in the technical colleges. Currently it is $180 a credit at the tech schools versus $300-$400 at other schools. You may be able to get help from the

government through grants if you are eligible- fill out the FAFSA form. Also there are nursing grants to be had- check out the state of NH education worksite for these. Also the medallion fund is another. There are also hospitals and other places that will help you pay back your student loans if you agree to work for them for 2 years after you graduate.

I would definitely start in January by taking some gen ed classes after you find out what the school you want to attend requires. I know all schools require the anatomy and physiology, psychology, and others. I would try to get these out of the way because when you go to take the nursing classes these are usually 2 days of clinical and around 6-8 hours of classroom or theory time. There is usuallhy homework associated with the clinicals in the form of a careplan for the patient your assigned to as well as homework for the theory part of the course. I would definitely pursue the LNA and get into a hospital and after you have experience as an LNA there may be opportunities in the NICU. Get your foot in the door girl.

You can do this.:) Just go for it.

Nurse Wannabe

[RNWannaBe724]

Do you know how to find resourses on the available weekend only programs in northern, NH?

I just signed up for a chemistry course @ NHCTC-Berlin to begin towards RN.

I would also like to be LNA to get assistance paying for these ridiculously expensive courses.. $716+book for chemistry i just signed up for!! Ouch!

Good luck!~

[Serena NH]

ryansmum,

You may want to look into some of the hospitals in your area. I know that I have looked at the jobs online for the Elliot Hospital in Manchester and have seen such jobs such as "Maternity Tech", "PICU Tech", and "NICU Tech" that only require you to be an LNA. I can't really provide any other information on what the jobs would entail, but it may be what you're looking for while on the road to your RN. Good luck!

Serena

[moosemummer]

Yes, I would definitely get whatever courses you can out of the way before nursing courses start. Re: LNA tuition assistance---the state will reimburse you for your course as long as you work in a state facility afterward (like a county nursing home). And re: employer paying for your nursing education, you generally have to be a full time employee for that to happen, as far as I know (though I certainly don't know everything---LOL) and may have to give a commitment to them to work there for a certain amount of years.