In need of some advice/guidance!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 14, 2009

$8,500 tuition? Although many LPN programs are much cheaper than that, $8500 sounds much more reasonable than the $20,000 I spent to attend a trade school LVN program.

The CNA certification is not always necessary, but it can be very helpful. It will teach you basic bedside skills such as bedmaking, transfers, showering, bed baths, toileting, perineal care, activities of daily living, and other tasks.

The LPN job situation is dependent upon the area in which you reside. I am fortunate to live in an area where a new grad LPN/LVN can land a job without experience. However, some regions do have a higher proportion of employers who are seeking experience only. If you live in one of these areas, you might have to do things to positively separate yourself from the competition.

Lexxie, LPN · Sep 14, 2009

At the vo-tech shool I went to, we were able to take the Nurse Aide certification test after we completed all of the basic care modules. If you want to work as a CNA while in school, I'd check to see if that's an option in the program you want to attend.

Thornbird · Sep 14, 2009

That seems to be about average tuition. There are schools chargeing three times that. I think CNA classes can help if done before nursing school because you already have some idea of how to interact with patients before you start. Usually after you complete the first few weeks of training in LPN programs, you get a CNA certfifcation. So if there isn't a long time before you start you might as well wait.

You should look into what the school's entry requiremnets are. Some now require you to take a college English & Math course before applying. There is also an entrance exam.

Usually, the new grad LPN starts off in a nursing home. In some places, hospitals will hire you after that, in others hospitals don't use LPNs. But, after you get your experience then there are home care jobs, doctor's offices, etc.

Regardless of what people tell you, the LPN is still a good entry into nursing for those who choose it.

eric4178 · Sep 16, 2009

I'm looking to become an lpn as well and was concerned if anyone knew how hard it is to get into an lpn program. The minimum requirements to get admitted don't seem like a lot but are there a lot of people to compete against when your going to a school like the brooklyn adult learning center or medgar evers?

MichelleDelia · Sep 17, 2009

Thank you for all of the feedback!!

The LPN program I am interested in is at a vocation HS, where they offer adult education programs. The next batch of students would begin May 2010 and graduate June 2011. The application/exam process is just now beginning. After passing the exam/interviewing, I will not find out if I am accepted until February-ish. I am dropping the application in the mail Friday.

I'm already hearing people tell me to go right for an RN degree....

I've never worked in the health field before. I've had a huge interest in all sorts of medical topics for many years now. But, what if this career ends up not being right for me? Working towards becoming an LPN feels like a comfortable amount of schooling without going in too deep... and if I feel the need to continue my education, I can always go back for more.

I just have to hope it works out for the best. It's time to hang on and see what February will bring....

-Michelle

ibmanda2000, LVN · Sep 17, 2009

if you have never worked in the medical field before.... then I STRONGLY suggest you do the LVN program first. It will give you greater knowledge and respect for nurses in general, it is easier to get into, cheaper than RN programs, and then you have a GREAT well paying career to get you through the RN program!

This is the route I am taking, although I have always been in the health field. Caregiver--> CNA--> LVN--> and eventaully RN!!

Good Luck! Its is such a rewarding field! I love it!

sasha2lady · Sep 17, 2009

I spent 4500 total on my education for LPN. That isnt counting the other 1200 or so it cost me for my pre reqs but it was worth it. I did not qualify for any type of financial aide because I was single, had no kids and was under 24 yrs old at the time. It was required that we be cpr certified before we started our first day of school ...so I suggest the following:

1. get cpr certified

2. get your cna 1 and 2 if possible

3. get all of your required pre nursing classes out of the way FIRST because one thing you do NOT want is to have 4 other classes plus the LPN (or any nursing program) to be added to you because nursing will take everything out of you..you have to be 100% dedicated to it the entire time

4. Once you get your cna.....get a part time job....this may work to your advantage by the time you finish nursing school because if you show that you are a good worker you are more likely to get an LPN position at whatever facility you work at....and should you choose to go a different route you will at least have some medical knowledge and job skills under your belt.

As for payment:....look into any and all scholarships and grants...they even have scholarships for left handed people! Some facilities offer assistance too. I got 600.00 from my employer to help pay for my books and I was the first one to ever apply for it at my workplace. 600 wasnt much but it helped out a little. That was 600.00 that I didnt have to borrow from family. I even went to a bank to see about getting a student loan and got turned down..they wanted me to get a credit card instead and pay for my schooling that way.....no way...dont do that! I also had yard sales a few times during school to try and make some extra money and pay for graduation.

If you dont get any financial aid ....pinch pennies. I literally lived off of change the entire year I was in nursing school. I was only bringing home about 250 every 2 wks working weekends...but I made it and so can you. Good luck.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

Find out if the school you're interesetd in will allow you to sit for the CNA exam after you complete the first semester (ours was semester but I was already a CNA) of school. If you can then don't waste your money going for the CNA if your program will give it to you, unless you want to kill some time between now and when school starts. You can also start taking some prerequisites into the RN program while you're waiting for school to start. I know you said that you have people that are pushing you for the RN, and they're right if you're really wanting to get into management. If you don't the load of responsibility, then stick with LVN. In nursing homes the LVN will have just as much responsiblility as the RN, but not in the hospital setting if hospitals actually hire LVNs. But keep in mind that the RN programs have hundreds of applicants for 30 slots. So chances of getting in are pretty slim, and it's easier to bridge from LVN-RN anyway. I'm doing the LVN-RN bridge and I don't regret getting my LVN first even though I'm having a hard time finding a job. But with hope and prayer I know God has something out there for me. If your dream is to become a nurse then open your mind and keep all options open and do whatever it takes to achieve your dream :nuke: