My family thinks that I am playing it too safe.

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I am 20 years old, still living at home and currently in my sophomore year at a state university. I applied to the nursing program at my school with a 3.6 gpa..not to bad, I don't think, but I was placed as an alternate for the program that I applied to. I guess, I will find out in a week or two if I am accepted or denied, but here are my plans. I want to retake a few of my B's over next school year, mind you I only have A's and B's no C's. I recently discovered that there was this really good LPN program in my area and I was looking into transferring my credits to this particular school. This LPN program is 14 months and they have and LPN-RN bridge program with this community college (also in my area). Then I want to go ahead and get my bachelors from the same university that I got rejected from because they have a ASN-BSN program. sadly, they do not have an LPN-BSN.

So, why the long route. Well... I have a part time job, neither of my parents have credit cards and I don't have a cosigner. I don't believe that I can take out any loans to pay for school. I am trying to do what I think is best for me here, but my parents want me to go away and pursue my dreams. I keep telling them that I am, it will just be longer than I expected. One of my biggest fears is that I will graduate from college with a lot of student debt and not find a job in my field. I am a sophomore and I have no student loans because I stay home and commute. I do have scholarships and grants, but they are very limited.

What are your thoughts? Am I playing it to safe?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Your plan sounds just fine. Not plunging willy nilly into a bunch of debt is a good idea in these uncertain times.You sound like you have both feet on the ground. Good luck.

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I had a 3.6 GPA aswell and decided to go to LPN school first. For me it wasn't so much about the money because almost anyone can get a federal student loan. But moreso about the exposure to the nursing world. It gives you an in depth preview of what being a nurse is all about. You will truly see if this is where your heart is without spending a whole lot of money and time. If its something you wish to continue as you said almost every community college offers some sort of LPN TO RN program and its generally only 3 semesters because your given credit for your licensure as a LPN. Your plan is solid and remember you have to do what you feel is best for you as you will be the one responsible for both your debt and your future as a nurse. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula.

Uh, YEA, you're playing it safe- why is that a bad thing?? I wish I was as smart and focused as you at 20. I'm going into my ADN this fall and I'm 25 with my second baby on the way. Let me tell you that there is NO RUSH. If you can do it in baby steps, who cares? I find that the longer road makes you more committed to what you want. If you rush yourself into something, you might force things to happen that are supposed to happen in their own time (and guess what that results in? regret!)

You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders. Just keep it up.

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

I say go for it. A lot of nurses take steps in their education. I would rather my daughter pace herself then dive in and then discover she hates being wet. Shows a lot of maturity on your part. Bravo!

Tait

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