Is it a good move to straight for RN?

Nurses General Nursing

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I`ve been out of school for 18 years, I`m 35 years old, and now I want to become a nurse. I`m going for BSN, being out of school this long, is it wise to go for that degree or should I,like so many others I know, go for LPN first to make the classes easier and then go for RN. I start this year in the fall..

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If the RN is what you want and you have the financial means to get it, go for it!

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straight to RN but may I suggest ADN first then continue for BSN. If you plan it right you can get the last two years paid for by employer.

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Go straight to RN

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You could find yourself doing repeat work as many LPN courses don't transfer, and time could be wasted there. And, time IS wasted if you don't find the LPN useful for employment in your area (if that's what you want).

I wouldn't use LPN schooling as a plan to make the RN program easier....if you wish to become an RN, then just do it.

You might, however, wish to consider the ADN option first, instead of jumping into BSN....as another poster said, many employers will pay or help pay your way to that once you're employed as an RN, and there are bridge programs to get it done faster once you are an RN.

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Thanks for the replys, I know how I would do it now. But the problem is the university don`t have ADN as a major only the BSN is rewarded in the nursing field. So by the replys I`m guesting the cost is pretty steep!:oBut there is a program where if I get this nursing student loan and I sign with a hospital or clinic in a rural area for about 3 years they pat off the loan..Anything that`ll help right?

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There's no community college in your area? That's where you would find an ADN program, not a university.

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I agree...ADN first...that is another year or so of additional RN PAY that you may be missing out on if you went right into the BSN option. RN ALL THE WAY. I grad with mine last year and, like you, am in pursuit of the BSN currently. I woul not do it any other way. good luck

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Thanks for the replys, I know how I would do it now. But the problem is the university don`t have ADN as a major only the BSN is rewarded in the nursing field. So by the replys I`m guesting the cost is pretty steep!:oBut there is a program where if I get this nursing student loan and I sign with a hospital or clinic in a rural area for about 3 years they pat off the loan..Anything that`ll help right?

Please be very careful about these types of contracts. You may get the cost of your schooling covered, but you also may find yourself in an unhappy arrangement for years. While some find it to be a great option, many others have found that they are placed on units they don't like, for shifts they don't like, potentially even in a HOSPITAL they've found they don't like....and are stuck (or have mucho money to pay back).

Consider options very carefully. And, like Tazzi said, look into community colleges and compare them.

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Specializes in ICU's,TELE,MED- SURG.

I think you should go the BSN route because there may be a problem later where this may be a requirement and you'll be safe. Also, it would be finished and over with.

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry.

I'm now nearing 35 years old and I went straight for the BSN. I just graduated May 07. I figured if I'm going to go for my education to become a nurse, I might as well go for the whole bachelor's degree. And now that I had gotten more confident in my ability as a student, I have even tossed around the idea of continuing my education after a year of working to obtain my Master's in Nursing Education. Still just a thought in process though...lol. I felt that in comparison to some of my younger classmates, the older students seemed to be more determined and more studious. Not that all of the younger students weren't good students, but it just seemed there were more of them concerned about where to go out partying over the weekend or who to date and such than concentrating on their schoolwork. And some of the older student's life experience can really benefit you as a student. Anyway, I wish you luck in whatever you decide.

As far as cost is concerned, there is a possibility that you could qualify for some grants like PAL and TAP awards. I don't know what you financial situation is. I managed to have pretty much all of my college covered in grants. Only ended up taking out a $5,500 loan and the rest was pretty much grant covered. You can always sit down with the financial advisors of what ever school you choose and have them work with you and figure out what money you might be eligible for.

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Specializes in LTC, MDS/careplans, Unit Manager.

our local community college offers a 2 year rn program. after the first year you can sit for your lpn boards, and at the end of the second year you sit for rn boards. this way if you choose you can work a little as an lpn while you finish your adn. this same school also has a partnership with a university and they offer the university classes at the community college campus. just another option.

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