Is it a waste of time to become an LPN or Keep on the route I'm going. I live in NY .

Christine2009 · Jan 16, 2011

I would go for the LPN program. You are already a CNA which is a plus and once you finish your LPN you are more likely to get into a bridge program. You are ONLY 27 and have time! I am 42 pursuing this with a husband, 3 little kids, working full time and going to school full time for LPN. Get your education now while you can. I wish I was your age again, because by the time I would have turned 30, I would of had all this done and living my dream of being a nurse.

HTH!~ :twocents:

tootsie2184 · Jan 18, 2011

Girlfriend I know EXACTLY how you feel! I am in the SAME boat. I am 21 years old with a 3 year old son, and I feel like every decision I make it is either the wrong one or is a waste of time and money. Trust me I know. What Im doing is getting my LPN this year and then going to Excelsior College for my LPN-RN program. My dream is to get my PhD, but getting my RN license is the one thing thats taking foreverrrr. I was also considering to get my undergrad in Public Health and then trying to get into a BSN accelerated program, but then I was thinking.... its much more of a waste of money to do that route because I, too, have to retake pre-req's because I got a couple of C's and of course thats UNLIKELY I would get accepted with C's... and right now, I dont have the time to waste! Ya know? So thats why I decided to go through the LPN first. As far as job market, its tough either route you go. Some places wont hire new graduate RN's, and other places wont hire you unless you have a BSN. I was in an RN program before but due to unfortunate circumstances I had to drop too, but one thing I realized in RN school is that most employers look for someone with experiance. If your an LPN, you will be so familiar with meds and drug dosage and all the really important stuff. You WILL get a job as an LPN, you will just have to look and maybe sacrifise some things. You said you work as a CNA now, so im sure since your in a healthcare company already they will probably grandfather you in as a LPN... Keep the faith! I know it seems like forever, but keep your eye on the prize and everything will work out. You mentioned being in NY and the military.. were you married? My ex bf is stationed at Fort Drum NY and i ALMOST moved there last summer... thats one of the reasons im so far behind now with school. ... i know how you feel believe me... if you need to talk you can always send me a message. :)

wintersantanaRN · Jan 18, 2011

I became a CNA 8 years ago when i was 20. Did not love the job but it made me know that I could be a nurse and I worked at a hospital so I got great experience. I watched the nurses and studied IV's meds, iv tubing, etc anything I could learn from them I did. I started taking my pre reqs courses for my ADN and after a year or so I had them all then just as I was about to apply my school added a college math class for new applicants that year. I was so upset and felt I was ready to start a nursing program, so I applied for the LPN program. Best decision I have made thus far. I worked every weekend for the first 6 months as a CNA then quit the last 6 months as the program got more rigourous. I did have the support of my husband, my boys who are 8 and 1 years old, and also my family and you will need lots of support. I live in chicago and have been working as an lpn for 3 years and make any where between 23 and 25 dollars an hour. My 3 years CNA experience helped me gain the 7 years total nursing experience so I can demand those rates. I advocate for the LPN Certificate because I can support my family while I get my RN. I am doing my ADN thru Excelsior now ,and I am flying through my nursing exams. I will be 28 years old on the 28th next week and hopefully a RN by the end of this year...

Good luck and much success !!!!!!!!!

GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 18, 2011

Divalish918, In answer to your post, I must say you're on the right track, follow your dream of becoming an RN don't let anything persuade you from your goal. Moreover, when you encountered obstacles at work or anywhere think to yourself "This won't last forever" since you're doing something to remedy your situation I have no doubt that you will excel in any nursing program. Wishing you the best in all of your future endeavors.....keep me posted.....hugs.....:)

P.S. BTW, you're making $21.00 an hr. ? with this economy that's awesome!!!

bestcr · Jan 18, 2011

I say if you want to be a nurse go for it....I'm 27 2 kids and a husband and its not easy never been but like you said you want to be successful just as much as you want to breathe I can 100% relate because thats how I feel. I'm doing the LPN program now like someone stated so that I can work while pursuing my RN degree. And maybe that can lessen your issues with the CNA job. I think your doing great so far and what I have learned is that the only person stands in the way of your dreams is you

I wish you the best and good luck

pcarter2324 · Jan 18, 2011

I think you should go for it before its to late you are still young. Nursing is a good field to go into and a field you know you will always have a job in the world always needs doctors and nurses. I am trying to get into a lpn program as well, I to had all the concerns that you have but I feel now if I go ahead and get into the program in 18 mths when I finish I can already be making a decent amount of money and doing what i love. I have also been told LPN make better RN'S because of the experience. I hope this helps!

NursinginProgress · Jan 21, 2011

I highly recommend going to school to get your license as a LPN. If you are living at home with parents happily, no kids, you're financially supported, a part time job just to get out of the house, and don't have much responsibility, then I recommend going the full 9 yards and head first into a RN/BSN program uninterrupted. But like the rest of us, we need to take each step to becoming a RN, slow. In life we can never foretell exactly what is going to happen tomorrow with our kids and lives and if something comes up, it's better to have a fall back plan than to have nothing at all. Be that LPN, so that while going to school to get your RN, you'll have a pretty decent paycheck and experience to boot! I've also been told that going to school to become a LPN first makes going for your RN easier. Good luck, Stay Positive and Have Fun! :up:

P.S. Age doesn't matter. What matters is the well being of the patients, your family and mainly yourself. A happy, well grounded nurse makes life easier for everyone's sake.