I need a stable job before entering the RN Program, but I have a question regarding f

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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My EFC in FAFSA is 0. I'm a single 26 year old Mom. I have a 3 year son. I live on my own on housing with SSI. Im half Black and Half filipino. My mom died and idk where my dad is. And im considered independent. Im planning on going into the RN program with Financial Aid, Fafsa, grants, loans, and scholarships but first i think i would need a job. I was thinking of going into the LVN program so that I have a job as an LVN while going into the RN Program. WOULD I....ruin my chances of getting financial aid for the RN program if i went to school for the LVN/ LPN???? This RN program is roughly around $35,000 for the whole program. Would I be waisting my time going for LVN before i get into the RN Program? :nurse:

Firstly, what schools are you looking at 35,000 is a lot of money I probably won't spend that kind of money for six plus years of education if I decide to go for a graduate degree. You need to look in to public school as the best option just because they are way cheaper and generally offer equal if not higher quality education. And federal financial aid even if your efc is 0 will not even make a significant dent in 35,000, is that a four year bsn or just a 2 year program? Your financial aid is based on your income from the privious year so if you go back to shool right away without skipping more than like one semester then the previous year will be when you were in school which means that you will still look financially needy. Honestly nursing school is tough and it is very difficult to work while you are in school, at least I am really struggling (and I don't have kids), so if you currently get financial assistance through governmental programs and it is enough to keep your family afloat, I would just take advantage of that and start taking the general education classes then just start applying to all of the programs that are acredited and that you qualify for in your area. The more you work the less public assistance/benefits you then qualify for even when you are in school, and still won't be making all that much. I don't generally encourage that sort of thing but if you are a single mother without family support who is trying to better yourself and get an education so that you can support your kids than, that is the kind of people who need public assistance temporarily to better themselves.

Going for you LPN has its advantages and draw backs you just need to weigh the options for yourself. If RN is your real goal and you have the motivation and can get your school paid for without a great deal of loans, then go for it. LPN if great if you are anxious to get out there and work in the field and get a better idea of what it is like and perhaps don't have the time to spend years in school right now.

good luck

and congrat for deciding to return to school:yeah:

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

If you're receiving housing assistance and a monthly SSI check, and have been accepted into an RN program already, I would bypass the LVN program and pursue the RN program directly. Unlike many people, you have financial help while you will be attending school, and this makes all the difference. Good luck to you!

Specializes in ICU.

I agree with the above posters. Bypass the LPN. Being LPN is great in way of experience and does provide some income but not enough. If you are getting financial assistance, go to school and go all the way. Even though LPN is better than minimum wage, its not enough. Good luck!

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