LPN to RN panic phase trying to get into a school

[Tony1790, BSN, MSN, NP]

I'm so totally stressed out right now, I'm retired military, been an LPN 2 years and I've been trying to find a school that I can get into and get the various prereqs done and get in the proper time line for acceptance. One of the reasons that I'm stressed is the timelines, by the time I get all of the prereqs done for the various programs, I'm going to be an old, old man And many of the schools have a 1 year lead time or longer to have all of your ducks in a row before you can even apply, much less start....Ugh.

What I've done since I've been an LPN: worked full time and part time 60 hrs a week, finished my BA in History (online), temporarily got my schedule changed so that I could go to summer school this year and completed: A&P I, II, Prob & stats math, Intro to Microbiology. These are the prereqs that most programs in East TN require.

Now that my schedule is back to normal and makes it impossible to take regular classes, I've signed up to take the Developmental Psych and Nutrition tests online. These are prereq some other schools require.

This week:

Applied to an LPN-RN bridge school in Abingdon, VA (ASN) (doubt I'll get into as they take VA residents first)

Applied to LPN-RN bridge (ASN) in Morristown, TN (1 hr drive) but that's iffy due to competition getting in, that starts next summer.

Applied to ETSU for the LPN-BSN that starts Jan 2012 but finishes in May 2014 and will also apply for the Accelerated program for 2nd degree holders to BSN that starts summer 2012 and finishes fall 2013 with BSN.

Those are my 3 LPN to RN options in this area.

I'm also trying to finish more prereq trying to qualify for direct entry BSN and MSN programs for second degree holders, these are for programs outside of East TN.

Lots of irons in the fire, but I'm a little bit freaked out as I need to get into a program ANY program to get my RN. If I get into a 1 year bridge, I'll complete BSN later, if I get into a BSN, I'll finish MSN later and if I can get into a MSN that's fine as well.

I'm willing to move anywhere to finish this up, I'm retired military with a monthly check and I get money for school, it's just a matter of getting into a program and get this ball rolling. It feels like time is passing so fast, I've been an LPN for 2 years and I'm at least 1.5 - 2 years away from getting my RN at which point I'll be 47 and that's assuming that I can get in soon.

Am I the only one freaking out trying to get into a school, it seems like it's so hard to get into school, and I've been working so hard working 2 jobs and trying to complete so many classes at the same time.

Signed

Tony (Freaking out at little in TN)

[MORO0617]

Tony1790 breathe!

One step at a time! As a nurse you know we must Focus on the task at hand. Prioritize your goals. Believe in your dreams and have faith that it will come to pass. One step at a time. Take your leadership skills and guide your mind to positive thoughts. Think positive and stand firm on your ulitmate goals. You will achieve them one goal at a time. Let go of the negativity. When you focus on the time to complete the prereq's, length of program, and your age as negative aspects I can see why your in panic mode. But you must keep your eye on the prize and focus on accomplishing the GOAL!!!!!! Use your negative emotions as motivation to prosper and get the job done!! Hope this helps. Best of wishes! Don't be concerned about the destiny but enjoy the journey.

[Tony1790, BSN, MSN, NP]

Thanks for the reply, I guess one reason for the panic feeling is that I finally have prereq done but if I don't get in this round for 2012, it'll be 2013 befor I start & 2015 to finish!

I have a great job, I work ER & Urgent Care which is crazy busy but fun, having said that I'm tired of hearing "you're an LPN, you can't do that" I'm not talking tech stuff but posting on a tracking board or charting that patient has left the facility because the pt pain level is an assessment. Ugh