LPN or RN - NOT a challenge, just a question!

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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I have once again run into a problem with my school. I am supposed to attend a community college this fall to take a couple of prereq's I have left before applying to an RN program at my university. Well, once again the CC completely gave me misleading info regarding about my financial aid, and basically it isn't going to pay for much at all, and because I attended college years ago, I am not eligible for loans at this CC.

Anyway, because I have three children, and need the money, I can't afford to quit working and go to school days at the university just yet.

My question, since I only have 5 prereq's before being eligible for RN program, should I just plug along and go that route, or go to the LPN school at a vo-tech school about 2 miles away from my house, then later bridge over? I honestly have no idea of the differences between LPN and RN. I guess I would like to hear from the ones that have gone this route, and if they recommend it. It just seems so silly to go the LPN route, when I only have 2 more semesters until I can apply to RN. But financially, I could get the LPN and work while going to RN, right?

Sorry I rambled so long, I just thought I had everything worked out, but today when I got the letter about the financial aid, it just blew me away.

Thanks for listening....I am beginning to think I just need to forget this....:o

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Hang in there--it will all work out...no advice but sending good thoughts your way.

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Thanks dianacs, some days I just get so frustrated, and I think this will never happen...

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Which are you more able to do? LPN at a voc school will be about a year full time... Would you be close to getting through your RN if you applied the same amount of time to that program?

How many classes are you planning to take per semester?

If you can just go for your RN and 'not' have to go back to school, I think you'll be happier in the long run... Problem is, sometimes things come up and we are not able to return to school... If it's just not practical to go for your RN at this time, and it is to go for your LPN then do that.

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Hi goodguy - After I finish my last 5 prereq's, the RN program is then 2 1/2 year more. So I would be done alot quicker if I were to do the LPN. But then you have a good point, I may not ever go back!

It just seems like such a waste that I have been thru all the prereq's, and then not go thru with it.

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.

all the best to you!

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Go for the LPN program for now. Bridge over. You will make a good nurse. I too have the same problem, and I will go back to school. I just have to get all my ducks in a row.

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You school may allow you to write for your LPN after one year of RN school. If this is the case then your better off to go the RN route. Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,.
originally posted by rhona1

you school may allow you to write for your lpn after one year of rn school. if this is the case then your better off to go the rn route. good luck!

great suggestion!
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HELLO,

I JUST FINISHED THE LPN COURSE AND THERE WERE TWO REASONS I DID THIS, #1 I WAS UNSURE IF NURSING WAS THE RIGHT CAREER TO COMMIT 2 1/2 GRUELING YEARS TO(TURNS OUT IT WAS THE BEST THING I DID) AND #2 WE WERE FLAT BROKE AND SOMETHING HAD TO BE DONE FAST. SO LPN WORKED FOR ME. I HAVE BEEN OFFERED A JOB PAYING 20 BUCKS AN HOUR FOR EVENING SHIFT, THEY ALSO OFFER 5,250 DOLLARS FOR TUITION REIMBURSEMENT. ALSO MANY OF THEE PRE REQS WERE NEEDED FOR ENTRANCE TO THE LPN PROGRAM, AND ALL THAT IS LEFT IN MY CASE IS MICRO. THE ACCESS TO NURSING PROGRAM IS A ADDITIONAL 3 SEMESTERS TO AN ADN. I PLAN ON GOIN BACK FALL 2003. #3 REASON I GOT PREGNANT WITH MY THIRD CHILD THE LAST SEMESTER (AN UNEXPECTED REASON). DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR SITUATION.

STUDIOUS

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Specializes in ICU, Transplant, Dialysis..

I think it depends what kind of LPN to RN "bridge program" you have in your area. Around here, we have a bridge program that's part time, but lasts 2 years, and bridge programs that are full time but last only 3 quarters. Look in to that before deciding because I would hate to see you spend all that time going through a LPN program and comes time for your RN, you find out it's going to be another 2 years, not just 3 quarters.

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that's a good point superman ! a person should know upfront. i've found that different schools require different prereq's and not all criteria is the same.

:rolleyes:

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