LPN or RN??

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2014

My recommendation would be to go for the RN. When I was looking for people to talk to about a career change at age 50 (I'm now 51), my vocational counselor recommended I talk to a gentlemen who was an auto mechanic for decades, and went on to become an LPN (this is where it might relate to your questions) starting at age 65. He's retired now, and when I talked with him he shared while he loved every minute of being an LPN, if he had to do it all over again, he would have went the RN route. I'm sorry that I didn't ask him why; only that both options were good ones, but he would have preferred the RN if history was rewritten.

Don't let math frighten you. Practice, practice, practice when you get the chance and while you may never love math, you will get better at it... and the math used by nurses (I'm studying dosage calculations right now) is rather basic (solve for one variable x with relatively easy to use formulas).

https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/how-get-any-846733.html is an excellent read; and either direction you choose, you'll get encouragement and help from various people at allnurses.com

Thank you.

cee cee g · Jul 17, 2014

You can do whatever you put your mind to. You know your situation better than any of us and the way I see it is that the nursing profession will always be around. So step the way you see fit but the most important thing to remember is that you must commit to it 100%. Me and you are the same age and I am a wife and mom of 3. And was the BIGGEST procrastinator EVER, no lie!! I've worked in the medical field for over ten years and I always told myself "I'ma go back to school" just like a broken record over and over again. I finally went back to school fall 2012 and now I am starting the ADN program in one month by the grace of GOD. For so many years I've been listening to the devil in my head tell me that I can't do this, I'll never pass that, and I don't have the time to do this and I finally told him to get out the way and shut the bleep up and look where I am now. Have faith and good luck to you and whatever path you decide to take. :)

MeaganVerdun · Jul 17, 2014

Thank u both very much for your feedback

MeaganVerdun · Jul 17, 2014

Is it true that ill never see my kids because of the amount of homework ill have?

nlitened · Jul 17, 2014

Don't ever just settle, and don't sell yourself so short. Math may be a weakness of yours, but if you study hard enough there is no doubt that is will become one of your strengths. Check to see if your school offers free math tutors. And I suggest going the ADN route. We all get nervous when applying to these programs because they can be quite competitive, but stay confident that you will make it in and become a great nurse. Good Luck with your decision!

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jul 17, 2014

As far as seeing your kids, you just need to plan your time. My son is 8 and I am starting the RN program next month. I know things will change somewhat, but I plan on still being just as much of a mom as I was before and still having time for a relationship. As long as everyone understands and is on board from the beginning you can make it work.

MeaganVerdun · Jul 17, 2014

I have a teenager and a 9 month old. My 9 month old is who im worried about. I dont want to miss those first years. Its hard to get young kids to understand why your not around.

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Jul 17, 2014

If I were you, I would go for RN. You can still go at your own pace, such as taking part time classes if you still want to juggle your family life. As long as there is no rush, the outcome will be greater and you wouldn't really be risking anything.

daisy0308 · Jul 17, 2014

Hope you pick RN. Good luck to you :)

MeaganVerdun · Jul 17, 2014

My plan is to finish in the 2 1/2yr-3yr period. Im ready to get to work in my new career and start making better money :up: