I need advice..RN or not..What to do

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Hey guys I need some advice. I am 25 yrs old. I feel I wasted 4-5 years of college working on a degree that hasnt brought me happiness nor a good job.

I have a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with majors in Management and Information Systems. I am also scheduled to complete my MBA this summer. The instability in the I.T. job market has led me to rethink my career goals and aspirations. I have been thinking for over a year to pursue nursing.

The thing that I am considering is:

Should I try to get into a LPN program then immediately after graduation bridge over to RN program

Should I try to get into an RN/ADN program

I am looking for the quickest route possible. I woudl like to work for the state or federal govt potentially.

What would you guys suggest?

I did the LPN to RN et it took me 3 1/2 years. That was without a waiting list. I did take the first two quarters of RN to do all of my generals so that I could consentrate only on clinicals et nursing classes. I liked doing it this way. I got good experience working as a LPN while in RN school. I would not change the way I did things. Good luck is whatever you decide!

Leslie

P.S.

One thing that took longer for me was my LPN program was evenings there days per week et clinicals every other weekend. Wored well for me because I had kids. So the LPN took 2 of those years instead of one like usual.

Thanks! I work fuilltime right now but I know I would have to stop work if I want to enter nursing school.

Since I have a degree, would you say I am stepping backwards ?

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

There are programs called "Accellerated BSN" that is only for students who already have a bachelors degree in another field. Check with your local BSN programs and see if you qualify. This way in the time it takes you to get your LPN you could be an RN, BSN.

Good luck.

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I hate to say it, but I suspect the LPN to ADN or BSN route may not be a great choice for you. Some people do it that way and it is the right choice for them. However, with what you have told us about your background, I suspect that you will not be happy staying in an entry level position for very long. You may find yourself frustrated and want to move "up" in the profession fairly quickly. Without at least a BSN (maybe even an MSN), your options will be limited -- and doing it step by step will take a long time.

Be sure to investigate all the possibilities for "fast tracking" your career before making a final decision. As Tweety said, there are accelerated BSN programs and entry-level MSN programs designed specifically for people in your situation. Even a regular BSN program may actually only take 2 years if you meet their entrance requirements. Those programs may be require more of a sacrifice now, but should pay off in the long run as you will be "ahead" of where you otherwise would be in a couple of years.

Another thing to be sure to investigate before you decide.... What is your local job market like? In some areas of the country, opportunities for LPN's are very limited. In some areas, opportunities are limited for RN's without BSN's and/or opportunities for career advancement are limited. It varies from geographic area to geagraphic area. Be sure you understand the types of jobs that will be available to you in your area before committing to a plan. It would be a shame to spend 2 years on an entry level nursing education to discover that the jobs you thought you would be considered for required more and you had to go back to school for another 2 years to qualify for them. Sometimes, it is better to "bite the bullet" and get it all done at once.

However ... each person is different and you have to do what is best for you. For some people, the longer, more gradual entry into nursing is the best choice. For others, the frustration is not worth it. They are happier if they can get the BSN (or higher) earlier in their careers.

There are programs called "Accellerated BSN" that is only for students who already have a bachelors degree in another field. Check with your local BSN programs and see if you qualify. This way in the time it takes you to get your LPN you could be an RN, BSN.

Good luck.

I agree. I do not think getting another degree is taking a step backwards. You can never go backwards getting another degree. And with your background in business also, you can go really far. There would be so many choices you would have. It would not take you long to go further your nursing career out of the entry level position.

So would you suggest LPN or RN? I am leaning more towards an RN...But I feel I would have an easier time getting into an ADN than BSN program.

I do not know if my MBA would be a replacement since I dont have a BSN

Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Find an accelerated BSN program that you can do, since you already have a BS. It shouldn't take you too long....

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I suggest RN. You would enjoy higher pay and more opportunities.

Good luck in whatever you do.

Specializes in Rehab/Post Acute.

I have a BA (a few credits short of a MA in World History), I was a social studies teacher for 6 years. I'm starting an ADN program in September. I looked at the accelerated BSN programs, but it cost 26,000 vs. 3,000 to go the BSN route as opposed to the ADN route. The more concerning problem for me was the accelerated BSN program was a day program (and you were there all day)--- I still have two very young children that I didn't want to put in daycare. I was accepted into an evening/weekend ADN program-- so that worked for me. Look at both options, and choose the one that works for your personal lifestyle. As soon as I finish the ADN program, I'll get myself into an RN-BSN program (well, maybe I'll wait until after my first year of nursing--- I love school, so I know it's something I won't put off for too long). I don't feel getting my ADN was a step backwards-- it's the option that worked for me. However, I didn't really consider the LPN route. I'll have my ADN in 2 years (hopefully), I think it would take longer to do LPN - RN.

Also-- I had a BA vs a BS, and I think I would have had to take quite a few prerequisites to get into the accelerated BSN program, so it wasn't a great option for me, but it may work for you.

Lastly, you may be wrong (not sure about this) about the RN program being easier to get into than the BSN. The BSN programs I looked at had a fairly high applicant/acceptance ratio, but the Community College I am starting was extremely competitive. The BSN programs seemed a little easier (to get into) in this region, although I have been told the drop out rate is higher.

Good luck in whichever you decide!!

Sorry--- I just realized I posted in the male nurse forum. I had hit today's topics, and this came up (I didn't check the forum).

Specializes in Pulmonology/Critical Care, Internal Med.

I'm doing an Accelerated BSN Program, 4 semesters=BSN. I'm very happy I went that route instead of the ADN route.

Specializes in Rodeo Nursing (Neuro).

For a person with plenty of time, I think LPN-RN may be a great entry into nursing. In my ASN program, there were several LPNs who seemed to have a leg up on the rest of us, especially in the clinical settings. Work experience as a CNA, nurse's aide, or nurse tech seems to be helpful, too.

For me, though, it didn't make a lot of financial sense. At my facility, LPNs make about $2/hr more than I was earning as an orderly. Then, too, starting school at 46 y.o., I didn't want to be in school longer than I had to. I'm not sure I'd have survived a 4 yr. BSN program. Getting my ASN got me into nursing as quickly as possible, and now I'm free to pursue my BSN through a variety of routes--which I really intend to do, even though I've been putting it off while I get used to being a nurse.

I don't know about your state, but to work in a federal job, a BSN is your best bet. The VA hospital near me only hires BSNs, and I imagine that's true of other federal positions. BSNs also have many more options in a hospital setting, which is one of the major reasons I won't put it off forever. I love bedside nursing, but I'm 50, now, and I'm not so sure I'll love it as much when I'm 60. Three 12s in a row pretty well kick my butt, even now.

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