LPN In a Bit of A Career Bind - Thanks in Advance!

[bicep]

Ok, will try and make this very short - though I'm sure I'll fail

Anyhow - became an LPN to pursue acting. Was an LPN at age 21

Obtained a year of exp. in a smaller MI town

Moved to a major city and worked agency nursing all while pursuing acting(and having some mild to decent success) - I would work no hours on the weeks I was busy, try to get 40 hours during dry season (you get the picture)

At age 32 (one year ago) I realized I was never going to be the next Tom Cruise, art vs commerce, the whole deal and decided to obtain full-time employment

So here I am. Finally accruing some money (I will make 70,000 this year, includes overtime - full benefits)

So the problem?

I should obtain my RN. I know this. If nursing is to be my career I have to get that RN

But my job here is not flexible (7 12 hour shifts every 2 weeks) and how in the hell do I go back to little money (to pursue schooling), if only for 2 years. This money here, while not rich, has allowed me to get back on my feet.

Can anyone relate?

Any advice?

Is internet school a reasonable option?

sigh

by the way I have lurked here for years...finally joined to get this off of my chest and seek commiseration

Cheers

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Definitely look at all options. My LPN to ADN bridge was only two semesters. I worked nights and went to school days.

You might want to consider a BSN though. Whats available in your area?

[JG_0311]

If your boss will work with you try and get weekends only, the RN program I just finished was monday-thursday, I worked as an LVN on friday and saturday (with a wife and three kids added to the mix). You will most likely need to cut back on your hours in order to get through the RN program. It is time consuming, there is a lot of work to do outside of the class room, and you are going to need to free up time in your schedule to do it. It is hard, but if you are willing to make sacrafices (time, money, sanity :) ) and your employer is willing to work with you, then it can be done.

[Litoos72, LPN]

Hello everyone,

I'm curious to see the responses to this post as I am in a similar situation as you, Bicep. Originally, I was a social worker with a B.S. in Human Services and am now working as a LPN for a community health clinic. In order for me to continue with my career goals, I must complete the RN program. I would eventually like to complete the local MSN/MPH program with the ultimate goal of finishing with a DNP. However, working full time is a requirement as I have "full time" bills. I'm not getting any younger!

I have a pretty good idea what I need to do to make this work. Still, I look forward to reading your posts!

Christopher

[littlebit3]

Have you considered Excelsior's online LPN to RN program? You can do it on your own time at your own pace...

[caliotter3]

This is a perfect example of why people should pursue their minimum education level in the beginning, before their career is part of the equation. You should look into distance programs, such as Excelsior or Western Governors University or the ISU LPN to BSN program. Good luck.

[littlebit3]

I can relate to needing a full-time paycheck...I work a full-time job and am in Excelsior's LPN to RN program. Is it hard? Yes...Is it a sacrifice? Yes...but it's worth it! One or two years of struggling financially is worth the payoff of getting your RN in the end. You've got to think long-term, not short-term.