I don't know what to do, advice?

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I'm currently finishing my 4th semester in college and wrapping up my pre-reqs. There's a certain RN program I'm looking into (a rather exclusive one), one problem is that they require health insurance, which me and my boyfriend can't afford for me. And also I need to take a chemistry class still to apply.

Option B is I was accepted into an LPN program...My mother is totally against it, says it's a waste of time and money. I have a month to get all my backround checks and health records into this program, so I'm on a time crunch.

I'm totally stuck here...A benefit to doing the LPN program is gaining some clinical experience in a health care setting, which I've never worked in before. This could help me be prepared for clinicals in an RN program. A draw back is the money. A benefit to going right for my RN is obviously, i'd be going right for what I want.

From an outside perspective, what is the more logical thing to do?? I know no one can make my decisions for me, but maybe someone with experience and insight may have helpful advice. Ugh, I was up all last night worrying about this. I'm a lost little puppy here.

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

How old are you? If you're under 26, you can still be covered under your parent's health insurance plan.

The university that you want to attend for your BSN may also offer a student health insurance plan you can purchase.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

You can find a way to conjure up the money for health insurance now. If not, you will pay many times more in tuition and fees in the future if you attend nursing school twice (e.g., LPN program, then an LPN-to-RN program).

I should know...I started as an LPN before attending an LPN-to-ASN bridge program, then an online RN to BSN program.

Can you not obtain a part-time job at a place like Starbucks or Target that offers employer-sponsored health plans?

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If you can't afford health insurance, do you not qualify for assistance?

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I was told that part time employees (30 hours or less) don't receive health care benefits anymore? This is something I could possibly look into. Although preferably i'd like to focus 100% on my nursing program, I guess you gotta do what you gotta do. And I agree, I would have a mound of debt left behind doing both programs, this is something I've also considered.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Although preferably i'd like to focus 100% on my nursing program, I guess you gotta do what you gotta do.
You hit the nail on the head: we gotta do what we've gotta do. For instance, I worked 32 hours per week as an LPN while attending the LPN-to-RN program full-time.

Full-time employment during nursing school is definitely doable.

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Specializes in Emergency Room, CEN, TCRN.

My school also requires insurance -- in fact, they require their specific insurance unless you can prove you have comparable or better insurance. It's charged straight to your student account, which you pay as part of tuition (most people pay by financial aid like grants or loans). You might be able to pay for it all in one lump bill.

Also, you might qualify for insurance through your state at a much reduced price. Insurance for a single person is also not all that expensive, especially considering you get a large tax penalty for not having it.

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wow. both are good opportunities. the beginning of the rn program is lpn....i'd do the rn. my nursing instructor taught me its always how bad do u want ití ½í±good luck on whichever you decide they will both open new doors on an entire new level í ½í±

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

Well, my program wasn't a waste of my time or money. I'm gainfully employed doing what I love.

Keep in mind that LPNs who bridge to RN skip many of the RN classes. Thats how I looked at it when I accepted the seat in my program and honestly when all is said and done I believe I'll have a superior nursing education that is more well rounded.

If you can't afford option A it's kind of a no-brainier.

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My school also requires insurance but its not health insurance...its professional that covers you in school and clinical.

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My school started requiring health insurance. They bil it right with your tuition. If you're getting grants or have loans, and your school bills the insurance with your tuition, you can use your grants and/or loans to pay it. If you can't afford health insurance you can apply for medicaid. I'm not sure your situation. I know in my state you don't have to have a job or work a certain number of hours to qualify for medicaid. However, if you want food stamps or monetary assistance then you do have to work a certain number of hours.

I would say it's your choice which to do and depends on your situation. I agree with other posters...it seems silly to pay to get your LPN and then pay again to go back for your RN. However, it will give you clinical experience, you'd have a degree and could work while going for your RN, and it's less classes when you do LPN to RN. So, it might work for you.

I went to school for MA before going for my BSN. I've always regretted it because I spent almost 2 years for that. I could of spent that time getting my ASN and then did an ASN to BSN program or just spend that time going right for my BSN. It just made it take longer to get to what I wanted and will take longer for me to get an advanced degree. Now I am a senior in the BSN program and going to graduate in June. So I'm happy I finally got there, but it took a lot longer than I wanted!!

Hope all that helps some how!! Good luck!!

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Go with what you feel is best for you and your future not your mother's once you weigh the pros and cons of each option. You may end up paying more when it's all said and done being that after you finish your LPN program and then later bridge however; it's the outcome of all it is much greater. I just finished my LVN program and some people would ask me "Why did I choose LVN and not go directly into RN?" After hearing my reasoning it made sense to people why I choose LVN. I do, however; do plan on taking pre-reqs to get into a bridge program with the understanding at the community college level you would pending acceptance be in the 3rd semester of the program and for the university level you would do an initial semester taking courses such as: Health Assessment and Lab, Professional Nursing, and Intro to Nursing Research then you would start in the 4th semester. So is it a waste of time and money? In a sense, time-wise no because you would take less nursing classes if you were to bridge into an LPN-RN or BSN Program. Money-wise, again it may be a bit pricey. Now as far, as health insurance I'm sure you can find an affordable one. It all depends on your situation and what you decide what's best for you. Many posters will post their opinions however; we're just here to give our insight on what we suggest you do however; it's ultimately up to you. Good luck and I wish you success.

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