LPN VS. HIIM

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I seem to be having some issues deciding on the path I want to take in order to eventually get to where I want to be. I have an Associates degree in Allied Health Science and I know that I want to continue in the medical field. My ultimate goal is to obtain my BSN and work as a labor and delivery nurse, eventually I may even transition into a CRNA program. However, I've learned that everyone's nursing journey is not the same and does not happen the way we intend all the time. I considered going directly into a BSN program but right now I'm working full-time as a lab technician and I love my job and I have a family to help support. So the traditional day time full-time program may not work for me. I've gotten accepted into an LPN program that runs both days and evenings and I've also gotten accepted into a Health Information a Management program as well (Bachelor's ) both are good routes and can eventually put me in great positions to get to the nursing career I eventually want. I also am waiting for a decision from a BSN program that starts next year. I need advice or opinions on which path sounds more logical. My intentions are to continuously level up and put myself in a position to increase my salary until I get to my dream job. Also the HIIM program is hybrid and only meets one day a week, the rest is online. I would probably do LPN in the evening. 😳😳 help

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I had a hard time deciding on returning to school for LPN also. I have an Associates in general studies im a CNA and a phlebotomy tech my dream goal is to be a nurse practitioner but what made the decision for me was my LPN program was only 12 months. I needed and wanted to see some progress in my life better income and I wanted more responsibility on the job. I wasn't ready to commit 4 years just going to school I feel as though id get easily distracted. Im happy with my decision. If I were you id do a pro/con list and also do a debt to income ratio for your school expenses and necessities. A LPN is a nurse and i firmly believe that being a nurse will get you closer to being into a higher level of nursing faster and with more understanding than picking a field that's only partially related. Best of luck

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Thank you so much for the advice. While completing your LPN program were all of your clinicals in LTC or were some in the hospital as well?

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I know the way I worded my first post was kind of crazy but I'm still completing my LPN,however I think I'm far enough in the program to give you solid advice. My clinicals are at both long term care and hospital we normally do 8 hour day shift clinical days but may have to do 12 for our OB rotation.

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That's what initially made me shy against the LPN program. I was told by the school that I was going to attend that we only do clinicals in LTC and that our Peds and OB skills would basically be practiced in the schools skills lab. I feel as though I'm getting cheated valuable experience, especially when I have to pay 20 grand for the program in the first place. I want all my clinical experience

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That's what initially made me shy against the LPN program. I was told by the school that I was going to attend that we only do clinicals in LTC and that our Peds and OB skills would basically be practiced in the schools skills lab. I feel as though I'm getting cheated valuable experience, especially when I have to pay 20 grand for the program in the first place. I want all my clinical experience

You shouldn't feel cheated in regards to the clinical experience because, most states dont even offer LPNs jobs in the hospitals just the offices that are a part of the hospital system. just because you go to clinicals doesnt mean you will get hands on experience or even see 50% of the things you learned in class, so at the end of the day getting through the program and getting Licensed as a nurse is all that matters because most of your experience will be gained over time and through day to day work ........Now not to be rude but you should feel cheated if you spend $20,000 on an LPN program!!!

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That is also another reason I was hesitant. 20 grand is an extreme amount of money for an LPN program, which is why I'm still researching other options. Thank you for your advice on the clinical part of the program

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Go for RN!!!!

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Ultimately I do want to be an RN but usually those programs are full-time daytime programs and I work full-time in the daytime right now. If I could find and evening program I definitely would consider that route

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Acceptance into a practical nursing program is highly commendable. Partaking in this program will allow you to make a step toward ultimately becoming a Registered Nurse. The other options are good but think of your life long term. Finiancial aid also will eventually run out so choose wisely.

Employeers also pay you based on your nursing experience. If you wait to become a nurse, your loosing three years or more of pay waiting to complete a BSN. It's better to be a RN with years of LPN experience than a new RN with no experience.

This one year course that is taken in the evening will give you experience and knowledge of the nursing profession. Clinical sites are based on availability, be humble, offer help to all thoes in need with a friendly attitude, and always arrive early.

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Not all LPN programs are expensive but both a definitely worth it. Public and Private colleges vary in the cost of tuition. Private colleges are usually for profit institutions. They tend to be two or three times more expensive. Before acceptance, compare the costs and apply to more than one nursing program. Prior to accepting an offer review price, interview students, and discuss how the material is taught. Finally look at their pass rate of the board of nursing within your state. The last thing you do is ask what is the withdraw process and how much you would owe.

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Awesome advice. I'm usually pretty thorough in my research since I want to choose wisely about the decisions I make. I do know that financial aid will eventually run out so I also want to think of that aspect as well. In a perfect world I'd get an LPN job that would ultimately pay for me to return to school, but I do know that varies. I have a few more options to consider before making the final decision. I do feel it's the best start to my future as a nurse. Thank you so much

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