I need some help please!!!

[sarahanne]

Hello everyone! I have some questions and I would greatly appreciate input. Ok, I am 40 years old, soon to turn 41. I don't have a degree but I have my STNA and almost have a certificate in Administrative Medical Assisting. I am newly divorced and have been struggling with finding my identity. I have worked in both the legal field and the health care field. My dream is do Forensic Nursing. To me that is kind of the best of both worlds. I am very limited on my loans as I have just about used them all up. I may qualify for a small pell grant so I don't have alot of funds to pay for school. I found a decent LPN program that is 10 months. I have also found a very good RN program but as we know there is going to be a long waiting list for clinicals, so it may end up taking me 3 to 4 years to get my RN. My question is do I go ahead and do the LPN, start working and then go back for my RN? I am hoping to get on at a hospital as a PCA or Unit clerk while I do my schooling so I can obtain tuition reimbursement which will help in paying for my degree. I have had some people tell me don't do the LPN, they are phasing them out, it is a waste of time and money and then others tell me go for it. It is quick and I can work making decent money while going back to get my RN. I feel that getting my LPN first would be beneficial and only help when going back for my RN. I really don't know what to do. Anyone out there that can lend some advice I would so appreciate it!!! Thanks a bunch!!!

[penaheather]

Hello everyone! I have some questions and I would greatly appreciate input. Ok, I am 40 years old, soon to turn 41. I don't have a degree but I have my STNA and almost have a certificate in Administrative Medical Assisting. I am newly divorced and have been struggling with finding my identity. I have worked in both the legal field and the health care field. My dream is do Forensic Nursing. To me that is kind of the best of both worlds. I am very limited on my loans as I have just about used them all up. I may qualify for a small pell grant so I don't have alot of funds to pay for school. I found a decent LPN program that is 10 months. I have also found a very good RN program but as we know there is going to be a long waiting list for clinicals, so it may end up taking me 3 to 4 years to get my RN. My question is do I go ahead and do the LPN, start working and then go back for my RN? I am hoping to get on at a hospital as a PCA or Unit clerk while I do my schooling so I can obtain tuition reimbursement which will help in paying for my degree. I have had some people tell me don't do the LPN, they are phasing them out, it is a waste of time and money and then others tell me go for it. It is quick and I can work making decent money while going back to get my RN.

Hello there, I am 38 myself and started RN school then realized that I would take me forever. I decided to finsih my general ed classes and then I started a LPN school. I have also heard that LPNs were being phased out, but in Oklahoma where I live there are pleny of positions. Once I finish LPN school I am going to finish RN school while I am working. I dont know if my story will help you but here it is. Which ever way you go, dont give up your dream. Good luck

Heather

[steffuturelpn]

they have been saying lpn are being phased out for the last 50 years, you have to do what is best for you, i am in a 1 year lpn program and i graduate next week, i say go for it, some of my teachers started off as lpns long ago and now have masters degrees they said the same rumors were being said then, so do what fits you best i m going to be a nurse practioner one day but lpn was my foot in the door, i am very proud of myself and you should be too

[zold1]

I went back to LVN school (12 month program) at the age of 54, graduated at 55. I have just completed the 7 theory exams for Excelsior College working toward the RN. Easy? No. But I have been able to have a variety of work positions along the way. Hope to have my RN as a 58th birthday present to myself, my BSN a year later, and then tackle the MSN. It centers around your discipline and desire. If you want it, you will find a way to do it.

Good luck!

Joseph