LPN or RN Program?

[Marieh]

Well I have a dilemma. I am about to go into a 3 week BNA training at a LTC facility in 2 weeks in which then I will become employed. Am excited, here is where I need advice. I am ready to go back to school in January to complete last pre reqs/coreqs before applying for fall of 2016. After Spring semester I will have all but Microbiology and Advanced Human Anatomy completed.

I was thinking to take Advanced Human Anatomy and either Chemistry or Microbiology in the summer hoping these two wont be to much of a challenge. So I can apply for the fall term. I would apply in spring and take my TEAS, turn in application and finish in the summer with microbiology and Advanced Anatomy & Physiology.

My employer offers scholarships to CNA's going for LPN not sure about RN, I plan to enroll in the ASN then bridge to the BSN. At this point what should I do? Any advice will help please.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I personally would not take two sciences during the same summer term, but that's me. Perhaps your mileage and/or academic horsepower may vary.

If your employer is offering an all-expenses-paid ride through an LPN program, I'd take them up on the offer.

[nursingnugent]

If this is your first LTC job, I would wait a few months to make sure its something you see yourself doing long term (or at least for the foreseeable future, LPNs are most utilized in LTC in many states). If it is and you like the company, then take the all expenses paid trip for your LPN. Bridging to your RN later down the road is always an option. If after a few months, you see yourself doing more acute care or care of patients with higher acuities, getting your RN might be a better option for you in the long term. Even in the long term care setting, having your RN allows you more assessing and planning skills for patient care. You also get more training in critical care, pediatrics, OB, mental health, and community health. We as a nursing community need good LTC providers, no matter what their qualifications are and if you are one of the people that has the ability to do that type of nursing, then god bless you.

[Marieh]

Thank you I appreciate everyone's advice

on AN.As nursingnugent says I will wait

and work a bit to see if this is where

I will want to specialize if not I will

wait maybe apply next January this way

I can safely take my last sciences in a regular

semester as The Commuter discussed in her first post.

Taking 2 sciences in the summer could be costly

to my grades and overall gpa.

I do wish to pursue employment in acute care

such as hospitals, clinics so forth with

my RN.

I will work at least a year as a CNA before

I apply to see if I like LTC.

Thank you all for your thoughts and words.