LPN or BSN???????

[tinediddy]

Hi all. I need some serious advice here. I am soooo confused on what to do...

I am torn between doing the LPN program at a school in VA or a school in Baltimore. The school in VA is cheaper and a shorter program but is an hour away mon-fri or mon-thurs whereas the school in B'more has a bunch of pre-req's to take and it is more money but is right up the street from me. I have a 6 month old baby and a 7 year old son, both of whom are my biggest concerns! I don't have any family or help here. I am from NY and me and my husband moved here about 4 years ago. I already have a Bachelor's Degree in Speech/Language Pathology but cant do anything with that without a master's. So I want to go into the nursing field cause I love to help people and of course l need stability in my life.

The school in VA has a RN program also that I got accepted into but it is NOT nationally accredited so I am very worried about doing that for the purposes of later on trying to get a BSN. So I was thinking maybe I should just try to get into a 4 year university and do the BSN instead. I do not have Anatomy + Physiology in my background so that is something that makes me upset to think that I will have to take a whole year at a community college just for those 2 classes! Annndddd, in order for me to even get into A+P 1, I have to take an Intro to Biology course since I took that almost 10 years ago and they wont accept it anywhere!

Does anyone have any advice for me?

Are Maryland hospitals mainly hiring grads with BSN's or are they taking RN's?

What is the best job an LPN can find out here?

Thanks for your responses in advance.

[vjhappy]

I think you should do the BSN or ADN. Those degrees will give you more opportunities and more money in the end. With the LPN, you will be limited to nursing homes and some hospitals in the area. Plus, doing your pre-requisites at a community college will still be a lot cheaper than commuting and the tuition costs in VA. Finally, school will already be taking time away from your kids. That commuting time each way, each day will only take away more. Just my . Good luck in your decision!

[dcgrrl, ASN, RN]

I totally agree w/ vjhappy. You should really consider doing an ADN or BSN program. Don't limit yourself to a program that may/may not be accredited in the future, is totally overpriced, and so far away from you (read ur post under another thread).

Also, are you sure you have to take Biology I again? I got my undergrad degree 10+ yrs ago and I didn't have to take it again before taking AP I. As a matter of fact, I started back to school last Fall and took Human Dev (online) and Chemistry, Micro and API in the Spring and will take APII this Fall on Sat. I've already applied to an ADN program this year. It won't take as long as you think.

I know for certain at Anne Arundel CC and Howard CC you wouldn't have to take BIO I again. Also, I understand the difficulty of having to juggle school, work, and family. I would try and stay close to home attend a Comm College in Balt. area (there are several w/ good ADN programs to choose from) and go from there.

Just my two cents. Good Luck!

[caliotter3]

BSN is a degree of education. RN is a license. You need the RN license to get a job. So, BSN so that you can apply to your state's board to take the NCLEX and get an RN license, so that you can apply for, and get hired for a job.

[tinediddy]

Thank you guys:-) I really appreciate the advice. I think I'm gonna try for the BSN at Stevenson Univ. It's right up the street from where I live and they have the 2nd degree bachelor's option for the nursing program. I will call Admissions on Monday. I'll keep you all posted!

[terps97]

I chose Stevenson for this very reason, which I'm sure you already read! I have 3 young children, and the flexibility of the program there makes it possible for me to get the BSN. I originally was going for the RN at Howard CC since they have a night/weekend option, but since I'd have to wait until next fall to start and because I wouldn't get the BSN, I decided to just go for it at Stevenson.