Lpn, RN, or Ultrasound Tech.

[mnvhughes]

So I have been thinking of going to school to be a lpn, a rn or maybe a ultrasound tech. I tried a few months ago to get in for lpn, I rushed myself, I haven't been to school in 20 years or so, so on the tabe test here in Florida they want 11th grade level on everything. So I definitely need to touch up on Math, And Language arts (writing), and also science. So school for lpn starts again in January I believe. But I don't know what I should go for. And I'm so scared I'll fail the tests. Are they hard? I'm trying to study, but it's hard as I have 3 kids, a husband who needs a lot of attention, and a full time job. I want to better my life and their lives. So how often should I study, also is it a different test to get in for RN? I know lpn it's the teas v. And if ultrasound tech is that have a test as well? How often should I study? And for how long before trying to test again? Also which career path is the most promising for a job after school and not hard to get accepted onto once I pass the tests? Thanks for any advice.

[Devon Rex, ADN, BSN]

Hello mnvhughes,

I think the first step you should take is to familiarize yourself with the scope of practice of each position. LPN & RN are nursing roles, while an ultrasound technician/sonographer is quite different.

For information on LPN & RN in Florida, visit: Florida Board of Nursing - Licensing, Renewals & Information

For information on Ultrasound/Sonography, visit: ARDMS | American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography

There is a LOT of information and you might feel overwhelmed. However, it is necessary you know the differences in order to make an informed decision and the one that fits you the best.

You will find jobs in any of these roles. The question is where. Most LPNs find jobs at nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, correctional settings (jails & prisons), palliative care, assisted living facilities, doctor's offices, and some in hospitals. You could also be employed by a private business that would assign you to different locations as needed... what we know in the field as "PRN". The advantage of the latter one is that you have more flexibility on scheduling hours, you make more money, but usually no benefits.

RNs can work on all mentioned above, but most work in hospitals. The scope of practice of an RN with an associate's degree or bachelor's degree are the same. If you were to move upwards into Advanced Nursing Practice, which requires post graduate studies, the scope and responsibilities broaden.

As an Ultrasound Technician / Stenographer, you would work in a specialized business that provides theses services or in a hospital. The patient contact is much more limited as a stenographer than as a nurse.

The workplaces I mentioned above are the typical ones. I'm sure you could find others that I did not mention.

Once you determine which role attracts you the most, start digging into programs, their requirements, and curriculums.

I do not know specifics of your family situation, other than what you've mentioned... but I must caution you the ADN = associates degree in nursing (which leads to becoming an RN) is grueling. You need the full and unconditional support of your husband and children. The younger the children are, the more difficult it will be for the two of you... because they require more attention.

Can you work full-time and go for the ADN at the same time? That depends on your employer as well. Schools are not going to schedule your clinicals around your work hours. It is going to have to be all the way around.

I am not familiar with Stenographer programs, so you will need to do the entire research.

I hope I did not discourage you from pursuing a new career. Follow your heart, consult with your husband if this is the right time, and move forward. In the end, it will all be worth it!

God bless!