LPN OR BSN

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Hi, Nurses and Future Nurse

I have a few questions, that I need advice on. I am currently a senior pursing a Bachelors in Healthcare Administration. I initially started college with the intention of being a nursing major, however, the nursing program did not work for me at my current university (failed patho) and I was already in my junior year so I decided to stay and just change my major to at least have something under my belt. So, now I am gearing up towards graduating this spring and I still feel like a deserve to give myself another chance in nursing. I know that I will know have the option to attend an accelerated program. However, after my last unsuccessful attempt with nursing I am somewhat discouraged and I feel as if I need to take it slow, learn more, get my foot in the door first. So I started thinking about the LPN route, but I know that I don't plan on being a LPN for a extensive period of time so I don't even know if that option is worth the 20k and 16months that most of the programs I am looking at require. Ive been interested in Chamberlain Chicago and if anyone goes there please give me insight. Im so confused on what to do I just some advice. thanks

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

Have you looked into any ADN programs?

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Specializes in ICU.

Do not go to Chamberlain. It's very expensive and not worth your money and time. I'm in the beginning of a ADN program and the LPNs are with us for the first 2 semesters. LPN programs are not necessarily slower or easier to do. Many people think that and it's not. What is your GPA? That's going to determine a BSN or ADN program. ADN programs go off a points system and look at certain classes, where BSN programs usually look a cumulative GPAs. My advice is to look at different nonprofit programs. You will have better luck getting a job afterwards.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Why spend 20K on a LPN??? No, No, No!!! My traditional BSN was 10K, and 20 months! Plus, Chamberlain has a bad reputation. Any of those for-profit tech school should really be avoided. Plus, LPN job prospects are increasingly dismal.

Look at a traditional BSN program, or even ADN program (just be aware that ADN + other bachelors do not = BSN). One F is not the death of nursing for you. I had one horrible semester where I was dumb enough to take anatomy, physiology and micro all in the same semester while working 2 jobs. I got 2 Fs and a D. Now I have my BSN. Don't freak yourself out.

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Thank you so much! if you mind sharing what BSN program you went to and was it accelarated how has it been as nurse so far for you?

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.
Thank you so much! if you mind sharing what BSN program you went to and was it accelarated how has it been as nurse so far for you?

I attended Sonoma State University. It's a traditional BSN (not technically accelerated, but definitely fast-paced), but many of the CSU (California State University) programs are moving to a 2 year model. Some go through the summers, some don't. Mine didn't, so we started in August, and finished in May less than 2 years later. :) There was a hiring freeze where I'd been offered a job during preceptorship, so a few of us didn't have the jobs we'd planned on when we got licensed, but I know some classmates got hired at one local hospital. I have had a couple of PRN jobs (just accepted a third), and I'm interviewing for an ED job on Friday. It's been ok so far, lots of "almosts," job-wise, but I also live in the most saturated market in the US.

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Wow, I've been thinking for a while about posting the same topic. I've been facing the same dilemma, except I graduate next Fall with my bachelor's degree. I didn't do too hot in Microbiology, so I was considering doing an LVN program after I graduate and then bridging to RN. Now I feel like I should just retake the class and go straight for the BSN program!

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yes give the bsn program a try first since you already there. what school are you at? im trying to get as much information about every school that I can.

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That is great! and I looked into Sonoma State it seems like a good solid program, how was the TEAS test. And do you think with already having a BS that I will be able to enroll in a ADN program?

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I'm at Sacramento State. I don't know about other states, but in California you can enroll in an ADN with a Bachelors Degree. In fact, most ADN programs give extra points for having a Bachelors Degree.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.
That is great! and I looked into Sonoma State it seems like a good solid program, how was the TEAS test. And do you think with already having a BS that I will be able to enroll in a ADN program?

I liked SSU's program, overall. Every program has its strengths and drawbacks.

The TEAS wasn't bad. I liked the ATI TEAS V study manual, personally. There's a whole forum devoted to the TEAS.

In CA, you can do an ADN program (or most BSN programs, too) with a bachelor's. You'll have to look around in IL if you plan to stay there.

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