Looking for a good path

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Ok, I already decided to leave the food industry and go back to healthcare. I'm slated to start an LVN program that runs all of 2017. I can't jump right into an RN program for cost reasons. So, what I'm looking at is after LVN school.

1) I can do a 3 term (Spring-Fall-Spring) bridge ADN program.

2) I can do a 3 year (Fa-Sp only, no summers) LVN-BSN program.

3) After the RN license (which I know my town is pushing for BSN nurses) I'm interested in FNP down the road. I understand there are ADN-FNP programs. With those, some award an MSN prior to a DNP. If my goal is FNP & a program awards an MSN, would the BSN be necessary?

Help me out. I didn't realize the educational options were so vast...

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

One step at a time . You aren't even a nursing student yet and you are worrying about NP programs. I would advise the LVN-BSN route. Get some nursing experience before you worry about NP.

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Yes, you're probably right. I worry so much because I think about taking care of my family, my age and the smoothest (not necessarily fastest) routes.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

How old are you ? You say you are going "back to healthcare". What area of healthcare were you already in?

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I worked as a CNA II in skilled nursing facilities and a prison. I had to drop LPN school to move out of state. I'm 40.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Best of luck with whatever path you choose.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

You obviously have a great deal of insight about the nursing education process. There is one aspect that could be very problematic if you decide to skip steps.... many hospitals are only hiring BSNs & admission to most NP programs will require RN acute care experience. It's a Catch-22 for sure.

I would suggest that you do a deep dive into the admission requirements and financial aid available at your local BSN programs. You may be surprised to find options that you aren't aware of. If you have never accessed any educational subsidies (e.g., Pell Grant), these funds are probably also still available; it's usually enough to fund full-time CC study.

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And also explore admission requirements for NP programs, since that is your long-term goal. Things could change by the time you get to that point, but it can't hurt to have some information. Knowledge is power.

You are wise to have a long-range idea of where you want to end up, I think.

Best wishes.

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Hi Laura I'm replying to your post I don't mind communicating with you

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