LPN or RN??

[kaykay83RN]

I have just failed my first RN class (Mental Health). My teacher has suggested that I do the LPN program to build a foundation. I currently have a tech job at the hospital. This is actually my 2nd try at the RN program. My dad thinks that everything that I've already done in RN school would be thrown away. I was wondering if someone could give me some advice on what to do. Should I join in the LPN program in fall semester or wait until next summer when Mental Health is offered again?

[june2009]

I think it's weird that you had a mental health class as your first RN class. You should have had a fundamentals and basic med/surg for a foundation right? Maybe I'm wrong but that's how the programs I've been in work.

[kaykay83RN]

I've already had fundamentals and med/surg 1 already. I've never actually worked in a hospital before so I'm not used to being in that kind of environment. I was actually in my 3rd semester.

[cutensweet2]

Thats way different than my school. We have fundamentals and pharmacology the first semester and mental health the fourth semester. And we only have 2 attempts in the nursing field, period. The school said that if a student couldn't pass the second time around that they wouldn't want that student caring for them. Have you looked at the schools policy against attempts?? We are only allowed 2 attempts in nursing and one more in another health science field. You may need to go speak with an academic advisor because they might not let you try a third time.

Good Luck!!

[Caffeine_IV]

I would do the LPN and go back and bridge into the RN program. It will give you a base and also help to build your confidence.

Mental health is harder for some people b/c it's a different kind of nursing. Overrall it depends on your life situation...do you NEED to be done with school quickly to have money or are you ok financially? If so, you can wait to retake the class. Good luck!

[AiSeeYooMailAreEn]

I agree with Lil'mama. That's what I did.