In need of perspective for career path

iNurs5, CNA · Sep 7, 2021

11 hours ago, Moon Beam said:

Hi everyone,

I could really use some perspective on where to go at this point in my life. I’ll give you some background then my question.

I am turning 40 in two months. I have a 10 month old baby. My fiancé/baby daddy hit me so, I left him. I live on my own with my baby. I had been in an LVN program at a local community college but didn’t finish the last semester due to an injury. I wasn’t able to jump back into the program after I healed due to a family issue that came up. It needed to be taken care of and I simply didn’t have the resources to do go back to nursing and help my family.

My dream is to be a nurse however, I have a baby to support and have no degree. I can finish my Bachelors in 2 maybe 3 semesters. I figured if I finish my bachelors I can always apply to a PA program. However, I still need to take the physiology w/lab and anatomy w/lab. The anatomy and physiology I took for the LVN program didn’t not have a lab, only lecture. So, I can’t just apply for an RN program until I complete these two classes. This would take a year due to having to wait for the application cycle to come back around. However, I could apply to Gurnick school of Medical Arts LVN program in Concord, Ca. I know I would get in, but the school is expensive for just an LVN, but With an LVN I can bridge to RN as soon as I complete the anatomy and physiology w/lab.

I feel like I really just need to pick something and go. However, I don’t want to pick wrong since I have a baby and I want to get my career going ASAP. Please advise.

What path sounds most reasonable to you?

1) take the Anatomy/Physiology needed and wait a year and apply to a nearby RN program at a community college. There is no guarantee I will get into the program, but if I did I would be an RN and have no school debt upon graduation.

2) Finish the bachelors in 2-3 semester then apply to PA school, but might have debt left over from BA program and there is no guarantee I will be accepted.

3) Go to Gurnick, take out a loan, become an LVN in 13 months then apply for LVN to RN bridge programs. In the meantime I can work as an LVN. I would def be in debt since the school is ~$28,000 after my estimated financial aid.

Please let me know what path and why. Or, maybe you have a different suggestion? Your insight is much appreciated and valued. Thanks!

Did you look for a public funded LVN program?

You can always pay back 28k when you're done than being stuck where you're today. You need a strong family support for your baby. How are you doing in this?

PA is also expensive, too. It takes more time. In anyway, pick what your heart desires.

amgRN, ASN, BSN, RN · Sep 12, 2021

PA school is extremely competitive and expensive. If that is truly what you want to do, then it is worth exploring that option. It may help to meet with some admission reps at some of the programs you would consider, see if you can find admission statistics, and make an informed decision about that path before deciding that is what you are going to do.

As a single mom, I would hesitate to take out those giant school loans. Those will be a burden when you are done with school. Avoiding school loans is always a better option if you can do something else. You will never regret avoiding school loans if you can help it.

Have you considered taking a CNA or medical assisting course? Those are quick and would allow you to work in the medical field while you complete the courses you need for nursing school. A year sounds like a long time, but if you can work and gain experience during that time, it will also improve your chances of getting into nursing school.

As with the PA program, it never hurts to talk with prospective nursing schools to see how competitive your application would be and what you can do to be successful.