LPN > BSN program is it worth it?

noworries · Jan 24, 2007

Hi i am a 39 yo, wanting to go and get my bsn. Just wondering if all the papers, tests, etc if it is worth it. I wish they still had the diploma program, i really feel that it is a choice that has been taken away from nurses. I think alot of prospective students bach at the 4yr program rather than the 2yr diploma program. I am currently a LPN and love my job but would like to continue my studies. I have been checking into programs here on Vancouver island and it seems they are changing their cirriculum making it harder for LPN's to access to 2nd year. As of 2008 LPNs who want to bridge in to the bsn program will find themselves doing the 4 yr program. Any thoughts to any of my questions
thanks

Go for it !!

BScN-RN is way more worth it in terms of opportunity and salary. Although it may seem to cost a bit to start, once you are a RN you'll be making enough to pay it off within the first 4-5 years of work (depending where you go for schooling). Not to mention you'll be making roughly 25-26$/hr as a UGN (undergrad nurse). We have a 36y.o. male that just started in his first year in my class.. so its not too late, especially since you will have advanced standing if you apply within this year!

Good luck

Fiona59 · Jan 24, 2007

I've decided its not worth it at my age. Three years at university will cost me four years of full time work to pay back and I don't want to be working full time in my late '50s.

I worked with someone who managed to squeak through in the first bridge class and managed to do the diploma. Cost her over $30K.

I lived out your way for a while and know what the school politics are like. With the bridge you are waiting for empty seats to open up in second year, which basically means bridge qualified LPNs are waiting for first year nursing students to drop out. Bit of a crap shoot really.

I find it amazing that the bridges only came into being as the BScN became mandatory. This topic came up at work the other day and the RN who either did the diploma or were hospital trained feel that the PNs got the short end of the stick in the deal. It was quite entertaining to listen to the "do studying liberal arts make a better nurse" debates, with the new grads doing the "we work with professionals and should be professionals" rant.

The only person who can make you feel unprofessional is yourself.

noworries · Jan 27, 2007

You could try to apply to Langara college if you are interested... tuition is around range from 800-1200$/term depending on whehter its a clinical practice experience or clinicals + class mix. If you bridge into the langara program (@ vancouver), you will only have to take roughly 7 terms so that works out to around $8000~ which you could easily earn back. With a few paycheques... the only con for that is Langara is located in an expensive city (vancouver), but from what I hear it isn't alot better on the island.

noworries · Jan 27, 2007

One more thing, if you plan on applying do it soon, I know that from last term there are 5 people that have already failed out of my section. We will be starting the next term (the term for the LPN bridgers) section in May I believe.

And they have another one starting september.. usually 1 or 2 people get the boot after first year so they don't get to advance, this is where the LPN's usually get their spots from.. spots do exist so just try to apply! Good luck