Male perspective, on a question that I asked in the LPN forum

Published

Specializes in Rheumatology/Emergency Medicine.

Hello all,

Sorry for the double post, I asked the below question on the LPN forum, but I also need to get a MALE perspective on the issue. I've just come from 2 male dominated fields, 20 yr military retiree and I worked for the railroad as an operations manager for a year prior to taking on the life that I have now (CNA, while taking classes)

Here is the question, and I ask what would you do??

Today is wed the 16th of July, I need to give an acceptance call to the local tech school to accept the spot in the LPN class that starts Sept 2nd. We have our school orientation next week on the 22nd of July.

Should I accept the position?? I have a couple of different options, but time is ticking on them, I'm 41 yo and not getting any younger.

I'm currently working as a patient care tech (CNA) on a cardiac care floor, I'm in the last semester to finish my degree in History and I am retired from the military with 3 years of GI bill money left to spend.

My choices:

1. Accept the LPN school slot by friday and take the one year course to give my my LPN. Start 2008, finish 2009.

2. Skip the LPN slot and focus on getting the prereq classes done and apply for ETSU's BSN degree for 2nd degree holders, 18 months to have my BSN. I've not applied for it and haven't taken the prereq classes yet, starts 2009

3. Skip LPN slot and try to get into a direct entry MSN program at UT Knoxville in 2009, I'm guessing that their is a huge competition for these slots and unlikely to get one, not to mention the controversy that a direct entry program entails in nursing.

4. Skip LPN and attend the EMT course while (2 semesters) while awaiting 2nd or 3rd option.

5. Last option, skip nursing altogether, take the Postal Exam that I'm scheduled for on the 22nd of July in Bristol, TN and go back into a more traditional male work force.

I've been wondering about going to nursing school ever since I declined LPN school in 1990 to go back into the military to finish off my 20 yr military career, I'm not exactly 100% sure I want to be in nursing, even after working as a CNA for the last few months.

What should I do, I need to make a decision by FRIDAY and I'm working the 7p-7a shift wed/thur, so by friday morning, my mind will be shot, HELP!!

Tony in TN

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Tony, go for (2). Lots more advancement as an RN, and lots more opportunity.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

I vote #2 as well. With a BSN after 18 months, it will open MANY doors for you, including management and education positions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

:nuke: Im a current postal employee thinking about nursing. A few reasons why i want to start nursing is, I cant see myself doing this the rest of my life. I see the same addresses every day all day ( im a carrier by the way). Its all politics and unions. Also all about senority, you work your butt off when you first start. Also dont forget you will be double dipping if you want to retire from the P.O

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, LTC, Med/Surg.

How long will it take for you to get into the BSN program? A traditional LPN program will take approximately 18 months to complete, so if you will be done with you BSN in 24 months then I would choose option 2. If you are unsure if you will be accepted into the BSN program even after completing the prerequisites, then I would choose option 1. LPN's although they don't have the opportunities that RN's do, do have more options when it comes to advancing their educations, whether it be a LPN to ASN/ADN mobility program, LPN to BSN program or going through the LPN to ASN mobility then the ASN to BSN program. I can tell you that I chose to get my LPN first then go for my RN and I don't regret it. I love being a LPN, I am getting nursing experience before I am an RN, and the experience that I have as a nurse now will count later when I finish my ASN program. In the end the decision is yours and you need to do what fits you best.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Another vote for #2. I'm biased though. I did a 2nd degree BSN program. You didn't mention your need to work while in school. If you must work while in school, then the 2nd degree program may not be for you. I'm not saying you won't be able to work at all. You can keep a contingent position.

Cheers,

Dave

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rheumatology/Emergency Medicine.
How long will it take for you to get into the BSN program? A traditional LPN program will take approximately 18 months to complete, so if you will be done with you BSN in 24 months then I would choose option 2. If you are unsure if you will be accepted into the BSN program even after completing the prerequisites, then I would choose option 1. LPN's although they don't have the opportunities that RN's do, do have more options when it comes to advancing their educations, whether it be a LPN to ASN/ADN mobility program, LPN to BSN program or going through the LPN to ASN mobility then the ASN to BSN program. I can tell you that I chose to get my LPN first then go for my RN and I don't regret it. I love being a LPN, I am getting nursing experience before I am an RN, and the experience that I have as a nurse now will count later when I finish my ASN program. In the end the decision is yours and you need to do what fits you best.

My LPN program is 12 months, full time days. I'd graduate next summer (2009). I could possibly start a BSN program 2nd degree holder next summer (assuming I get accepted, definitely no guarantee).

Tony

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion