I've been a CNA...

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going on three years. I'm 37, divorced with no kids. I am currently taking steps to become an LPN. On this "track" I'll be done in May 2014 at 38. I know most will say go right for your RN. I cannot. Student loans maxed out. Tuition, books, etc are out of pocket. As a CNA I make $13/hr. As an LPN here I can make ~$21/hr. It's a quick program and I can't sustain myself for years through RN school, assuming I get in after my prerequisites are done. That's a year in itself. Then two years for an ADN program. ASSUMING I get in the first time.

My girlfriend & I want our first child. This would be tougher on us at CNA salary, RN school and baby support for at least the three years to get through school. I figure if she becomes pregnant this year I at least can be an LPN before delivery (or close to it).

Does it seem a good path or no? I don't mind CNA work. I like it. I do think I owe myself and a possible family the best financial base I can quickly. I could always do a bridge program to RN or BSN. In addition, we've decided to do long distance relationship. I've already scheduled 4 trips to visit. Upon my graduation, I'll take my NCLEX-PN there and work. Then move to the RN step while hopefully raising a kid.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

First of all, I would advise you to postpone that baby for a while. You have enough stressful hoops to jump through without ramping it up to that extent - especially since you have a "long distance relationship" and are not married. Would you expect your gf to fund all medical expenses? How could you provide (physical, financial, emotional) support during pregnancy? Too complicated with too many unknowns. Wait until you can support a child and are in a more stable relationship.

You mentioned an LPN salary "here" but indicated that you would moving "there" after graduation. Have you already investigated the job outlook "there"? If not, your gf may have to the the one who re-locates. Is she OK with this?

Seems like you have a well thought out plan for your education. A lot of your success will depend upon how well you do in your classes, your GPA and scores on entrance tests for nursing programs. You're going to have to focus on making the highest grades you can... this is going to take a lot of your time so distractions (see above) could be disastrous and de-rail everything for you. Is your gf OK with no 'trips to visit' for long periods of time during your LPN program? You may not have the time or money to make them.

Good luck to you.

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First of all, I would advise you to postpone that baby for a while. You have enough stressful hoops to jump through without ramping it up to that extent - especially since you have a "long distance relationship" and are not married. Would you expect your gf to fund all medical expenses? How could you provide (physical, financial, emotional) support during pregnancy? Too complicated with too many unknowns. Wait until you can support a child and are in a more stable relationship.

You mentioned an LPN salary "here" but indicated that you would moving "there" after graduation. Have you already investigated the job outlook "there"? If not, your gf may have to the the one who re-locates. Is she OK with this?

Seems like you have a well thought out plan for your education. A lot of your success will depend upon how well you do in your classes, your GPA and scores on entrance tests for nursing programs. You're going to have to focus on making the highest grades you can... this is going to take a lot of your time so distractions (see above) could be disastrous and de-rail everything for you. Is your gf OK with no 'trips to visit' for long periods of time during your LPN program? You may not have the time or money to make them.

Good luck to you.

As I mentioned, the baby isn't happening right away. I have researched the job market there and spoke with an LPN in the area. While I appreciate the last paragraph, the first two seemed off-putting. Since when did I have to be married to have a child? I asked about my education and potential salary. I still work. My GPA is very decent. I don't "expect" her to wholly fund anything. Thank you.

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Specializes in Medical Surgical Orthopedic.

If your girlfriend is also 37 or 38, don't postpone the baby too long. It won't necessarily just happen when you decide you want it to....especially at that age.

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Well close. She's 35 (36 this year) and I'll be 38. I don't want to wait but a few months through LPN school is ok..

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Personally I wouldn't waste a year on getting your LPN when your RN is really only 2 yrs. That is if you already have your pre-reqs 3 if you don't. LPN's work just as hard as an RN and don't get paid half as much as an RN. It just never made since to me to waste the 9-12 months that it takes to get through the LPN program. But that's just my opinion. It took me 3 yrs to get my RN 21 yrs ago. I love it, couldn't think of doing anything else.

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Where I live it's extremely hard to get into a RN program. And LPN's make about the same as RN's but can not work in a hospital. Or I guess they "could", but none of the hospitals would hire them.

After applying for the past year and getting declined from the RN program. I have started a LPN program! I'm half way done. I plan on continuing with my RN while I work as a LPN making a lot more money as my current CNA job!

I think you are making a good choice!

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I think so as well. You echo my theory! Why stay at CNA wages when I can fo so much more.

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