I need help badly! Please

NurseJackson · Jun 22, 2011

well friend, to answer the last questions first...nursing is not something that is easy or fast. there are no shortcuts, and there is no sparknotes to complete the degree program whether lpn or rn. the profession definitely requires that you have a desire to complete the work! As far as family life, during most programs, I have learned from my old classmates that you have to find a balance and make sure that your family understands what you are undertaking. At times you make have to sacrifice fun with family for studying, however, it can be done. Do not let anyone make you think you will have no life...if you manage your time wisely, you can make it work!

with regard to math, nursing does require you to understand basic math (add/subtract/mult/divide) there are equations for calculating meds that you will learn that make life easy . the more you do it, the easier it gets.

Nurse pay varies based on state/city you work in and sometimes even specialty. Also, it depends sometimes on whether you are an RN or LPN. The schooling for an RN is typically a 4 year program(2 yrs prereqs and 2 yrs strictly nursing classes) and and LVN is usually only about 2 yrs or just under.

due to the many changes at the current time in healthcare, I would suggest going for the gold and just getting the RN licensure. many institutions are cutting back on the number of LVS/LPNs hired and/or are requiring the currently working LVNs/LPNs to take the additional courses to obtain their RN license.

in my opinion its completely worth it! if its something you know you want to do, go for it!!! if you are unsure, i would sit down with your spouse and or important person in your life to assist you in deciding if its what you are passionate about doing. I would not change my decision for the world. nursing is difficult, challenging, rewarding, exciting, and a million other words.

your encounters are priceless and at times depending on your specialty, very enlightening!!

Good Luck on your journey :nurse:

mairose15 · Jun 22, 2011

*how long does it take to become an RN nurse or LPN?

*how much do you get paid?

*do you have to be great at math to be a nurse?

*i have a child and a husband, would becoming a nurse affect my time with my family?

*what's the easiest type of nursing?

*what's the fastest way to become a nurse?

First of all, I recommend spending more time on this site researching Nursing as a career. Secondly, nursing is not just about communicating and helping people, it has quite a bit of science (specifically anatomy & physiology, biology and chemistry) associated with it. Lastly of all (& the thing they can't really 'teach' you), is that it is very important that you are able to think critically. What I mean by that, is that it isn't just memorizing and regurgitating information, it is being able to find the best (most accurate, efficient & resourceful) solution to a problem when there are several 'right' solutions. I think being able to think critically is what sets nursing apart from most other careers.

- it takes 3 to 4 years depending on the type of degree, college, and your own abilities. Also, with a child, it will probably take longer. I remember med/surg 1 had weekly required reading assignments that were 500+ pages & you couldn't just skim the reading (see science notation above). Then you have labs, clinicals and a major paper or project. That, was for each of my 9 credit nursing classes and does not include any other classes you'll be taking.

- depends on the type of degree you get, type of nursing you choose, shift you work, days of the week you work, type of company you work for and mostly, which part of the country you live in.

- you may be required to take pre-reqs up to and including Calculus or at least pre-calculus. You will likely have to pass (100% pass) a medical calculations test to enter or stay in the program. At minimum, you will need to know basic algebra fairly well.

-YES...?!?!?! I guess any schooling/job will have a major effect on your time.

- depends on what you find you 'fit' with. Nursing is an enormously broad field of study. See the specialty nursing tab for a general idea of some fields of nursing. You'll find that sacrificing your own comfort -eating, sleeping, using the restroom- will have to come second to your patients needs. Overall, there is no 'easy type of nursing' but there are things we are all more suited to than others. And for all the sacrifices we make there are a million rewards.

- go to school and pass the NCLEX and then hope and pray you are able to get a job in a field that you like!

I'm not trying to discourage you but nursing kind of picks you! It's not a glamorous job, it's not about the money or how easy it is. If you are looking for something like that, Nursing is not for you!

Good luck!

Amparo Pagan Titmus, MSN, RN · Jun 22, 2011

Wow, Is this an essay question? :specs:

Your post made me smile.

*how long does it take to become an RN nurse or LPN?

That will vary on the program. You will have greater opportunities being an RN. A basic program is a 2 year associates degree.

*how much do you get paid?

That will be dependent on where you live but it will be more than McDonald's and you will never be hungry if you are willing to work.

*do you have to be great at math to be a nurse?

Basic skills will do.

*i have a child and a husband, would becoming a nurse affect my time with my family?

Any career will do this, as stated previously, you must find a balance.

*what's the easiest type of nursing?

Again, that will be dependent on you and what you define as "easy". Any job that you can do well will be easier. The more you know, the more experience you gain, the easier it will get.

*what's the fastest way to become a nurse?

Start today. Don't procrastinate. If you take a year or two to think about it, it's a year or two you could have been closer to your goal.

Best wishes

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jun 22, 2011

if you are looking for fast, easy money and no negative affects on your personal life, forget nursing

leslie :-D · Jun 22, 2011

if you are looking for fast, easy money and no negative affects on your personal life, forget nursing

and if a nsg school trys to market their program as fast, easy with big $$ to be made...

run as fast as possible...in the opposite direction!!

nursing is one profession where you need nothing but excellent and thorough education.

you are making critical decisions on people's lives...nothing to scoff at.

if you're going to do it, then do it well.

and the only way that'll happen, is a school with no shortcuts.

wishing you the very best.

leslie

JownRN · Jun 22, 2011

I was already a nurse when I told myself, I studied in a very prestigious university just to do a job like this! I know in time, it will pay off. Good thing, its just the right time when i realized Nursing is Service!