Doing ISU online LPN-BSN while working full-time

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Hello,

I have a specific question about Indiana State Univ. online LPN-BSN program. I have read all the other threads and topics concerning ISU, so please don't tell me to read those before asking a question. I haven't seen my actual question addressed anywhere, so if anyone could answer just this ONE question for me, I'd greatly appreciate it!

I'm wondering how doable this program is while working full-time. My issue is that I've tried doing Excelsior a couple of times, and I just feel that I'm not learning anything by reading a book and taking a test, and the CPNE scares me to death (please understand-I'm not putting down Excelsior for anyone that is able to complete it-I just haven't found my "stride" with it). I am currently working on "testing out" of a couple of prereqs for ISU's program (no, I did not go through College Network--I'm avoiding them completely). Phase 1 and Phase 2 don't make me nervous, but Phase 3 has me a little concerned. I realize it's university-level coursework and that it will be demanding/time-consuming. Factoring the clinicals into that, I'm just wondering how bad it will really be. I work full-time as a LPN in a nursing home, but I work 12-hour night shifts, so I only work three nights, then off for four. I do have two children, but they are in school, and my husband picks up a lot of the slack.

I guess my question is, do you think I can handle it all if I take one class a semester? Quitting my job or going part-time is NOT an option. If it was, I'd quit and go to a traditional school, none of which are geared towards working LPNs in my area at least. I would love to hear from current ISU students or anyone who had/is completing the program while working full-time and with family commitments. ISU says the program is for working adults, but I've heard others say that is not accurate. Any help?? Thanks!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Moved your post to the ISU forum. Good luck.

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I guess my question is, do you think I can handle it all if I take one class a semester? Quitting my job or going part-time is NOT an option. If it was, I'd quit and go to a traditional school, none of which are geared towards working LPNs in my area at least. I would love to hear from current ISU students or anyone who had/is completing the program while working full-time and with family commitments. ISU says the program is for working adults, but I've heard others say that is not accurate. Any help?? Thanks!

I am a student and speak from experience. The program is challenging. Some are comfortable taking two classes or more a semester. I doubt they have a life at all. College is challenging and this is nursing school, which is far worse. Take one class a semester and see how it goes. If it works out for you, then consider two classes a semester. It is your call. While there are others on this site that give out free advice, they are not students in the program. I believe that these people are associated with ISU and TCN because they are quick to give specific websites but are not nurses nor in the program.

If you are working full time and have other responsibilities, take one class a semester and see how it goes. Taking one class a semester makes the program longer, but you are not at risk for burn out or failure.

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Thanks LadyinScrubs. I've seen a lot of your posts, so I know you're in the program. Do you work while doing it? How many classes do you take per semester?

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Yes ,I work. I also take 2 classes a semester.

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Do you have a family, also? If so, do you feel like you never see them? I know when I was in LPN school, I worked part-time and was in school Monday-Friday. My husband picked up a lot of slack (he is disabled so he's home all the time), but I often felt like I was missing out with my children. But in the end, I know this is something I have to do in order to take my career where I want it to go. The only opportunities for LPNs around here is nursing homes and doctor's offices. The doctor's offices don't pay much, and I don't really enjoy working in the nursing home that much. Would like to branch out but can't without my RN. Again, thanks LadyinScrubs.

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Do you have a family, also? If so, do you feel like you never see them? I know when I was in LPN school, I worked part-time and was in school Monday-Friday. My husband picked up a lot of slack (he is disabled so he's home all the time), but I often felt like I was missing out with my children. But in the end, I know this is something I have to do in order to take my career where I want it to go. The only opportunities for LPNs around here is nursing homes and doctor's offices. The doctor's offices don't pay much, and I don't really enjoy working in the nursing home that much. Would like to branch out but can't without my RN. Again, thanks LadyinScrubs.

Nursing school is far more intense than LPN school. However, ISU is far more rigorous than a regular brick and motar nursing program. Some people manage to work and go to school and have a life. The rest of us struggle because online nursing is a fickle thing. It will consume all of your available time.

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I have actually decided on Excelsior, but thank you for all your advice. I already have all the books for the Excelsior program from when I tried it before, and I scheduled my first exam and paid for it--so no excuses not to get started. I just think this is a better choice for me because I don't have to try to juggle assignments, papers, discussion boards, "busy work," plus clinicals along with my full-time job and children. I can take my time with Excelsior, or breeze through it as quickly as I want. I'm not saying it's going to be easy, but I will have more flexibility with it.

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