I'm so confused...need help...please reply

RNSacht · Jan 23, 2007

Just my two cents: If I had to do it all over again I would go for Radiology. You dont have to put up with AS much Bull$%It that nurses do and it is a rewarding career financially. Just my two cents> :idea:

vamedic4, EMT-P · Jan 24, 2007

The career earning potential for RNs is very, very good. As are the opportunities. I'm sorry to hear of your plight. If it were me (and I were actually interested in it) I'd go for Ultrasound school. One of my good friends did hers back in 1999, graduated, and now owns her own business and makes more than 6 figures/year. It was WELL worth it for her.

vamedic4

ree-nee · Jan 24, 2007

I am so confused...I don't know if I should go for LVN, ADN, or a Radiology Tech....or spend $20,000 for Ultrasound school....I am getting scared thinking I will never get into the ADN program at San Jac College in the Houston area. The counselor told me yesterday that the min GPA to get into the ADN program was a 3.7-4.0.....I only have a 3.53. I was stupid and thought after taking so many classes, my GPA would go up...nope-it stays the same 3.53 unless I retake the two classes I got a B in. I really don't want to retake the classes. I don't want to give up. It just frustrates me how hard it is to get into the programs if there is such a shortage in nursing. I may just go for the LVN, and then just go for the RN. I don't know what to do...

One thing that I wish more people would acknowledge is that there is a huge difference between the responsibilities and the day-to-day life of an LVN and and RN. Its not just picking which path you can afford or which you have more time to set aside for school and yeah, they are both nurses but...... LVNs really have different responsibilities but most importantly they have very different limitations on their careers. Sitting in class, ive heard the professors say many times "And this is the point where the LVNs in the class will agree that their duties are very different in this procedure than the RNs". There are things they simply will not be allowed to do. You need figure out the reason you want to be a nurse and if being an LVN will allow that kind of interaction. Maybe what you want to do (like specialize in something) is only possible as an RN. Do you really want to spend all that time to become an LVN, then have to take your time to establish yourself at a job to where you can go back to school, and then spend another year in school (2yrs if you want BSN)? Its just a thought.

..I have no idea on the ultrasound thing. I wouldnt let money stop you though. If you can invest in a 20,000 dollar car that goes down in value everyday, then i believe you can invest as much if not more on your mind. If you get a loan now maybe ur future earnings will allow more than enough to pay that back.

sorry so long...its cold and rainy and there's nothing else to do.

HEAVEN FORBID I SHOULD STUDY!

:)

RNRutRO · Jan 24, 2007

maybe things are tougher than they were when i went to school (boy does that sound like something your mom would say), but i had the same thing with waiting lists, applying, etc. if it's something that you really want to do, then i say do it. if that means you have to do the lvn thing first, then the rn, bsn...if it's what you want to do, then you will.

personally though, i know there are going to be some "super nurses" who don't agree with this, but, the top nurse in my class..... wouldn't trust her to take my temp. loved her. but take the books away, and she was not a bedside nurse. she got the best grades, but when it came to what to do with that knowledge, not there. i think there should be something else added to the mix about getting into school. and that's the ability to be a nurse. not just booksmarts.

do what your heart feels like you should do. then you will be happy.

just my thoughts. good luck!

Kiya · Jan 24, 2007

unfortunately many 'booksmart' nurses don't find out about the bedside practicum until later in their program, many drop out too late so another cannot enter that round so it goes to waste. it's very discouraging to see 'kids' with a 4.0 and no patient care experience get into a nursing program and have no clue as to what they are really getting themselves into. people want to be nurses for one reason or another but i think that some new requirements in a 'pre-orientation' to nursing programs should include some direct hands on patient care experience prior to program entry along with a shadow trip into the field to see what they are getting into and if it's the career choice for them.

bottom line: more preparedness for pre-program entry----> better weeding of potential nursing students----> more spots available for 'bedside' nurses.

personally though, i know there are going to be some "super nurses" who don't agree with this, but, the top nurse in my class..... wouldn't trust her to take my temp. loved her. but take the books away, and she was not a bedside nurse. she got the best grades, but when it came to what to do with that knowledge, not there. i think there should be something else added to the mix about getting into school. and that's the ability to be a nurse. not just booksmarts.

tiffswan · Jan 24, 2007

I know I want to be a nurse-I love to hrlp people...it just sucks having to wait to pay off bills and wait to get into the program. I want to just go for RN...But 4.0-come on!!!!! I am just scared to give up my $19 an hr job in case I don't make it through the program (no confidence in myself)

JaxiaKiley · Jan 24, 2007

Maybe you can start as an LVN and then do the bridge to RN? LVN programs aren't generally as competitive. Best of luck.

cenedradRN · Jan 25, 2007

You may have never thought about prairie view SON but their program is actually good and your GPA should more than qualify you. Not to mention their deadline isn't until March 1st so you could actually apply for this year. I did but I still have pre-reqs outstanding so I probably won't get in until Spring. But you should consider all of your options as far as nursing is concerned if that's where your heart is.