Need advice on career: VA or school???

[sconoli]

I'm an LPN currently attending fairmont state. I'm taking the prereqs for the RN program and plan on applying in december. Well I just got called for an interview at the VA nursing in in clarksburg WV. This came out of the blue, I wasn't expecting this at all! So now I'm going to the interview and I don't know what to do if they offer me a position. The interview is for a FT permanet position, so I'd hate to turn down an opportunity to get on at the VA, but I really want to get my RN so bad. I'm not going to be satisfied with stopping my career at an LPN level, I want those initials RN behind my name. I really am at a loss, if i turn down a position but don't get into the RN program, I'll kick myself for turning it down, but If I accept a position and get into the program, I'll have to leave the position, I'm not turning down an invite into fairmont's RN program, no way! So any advice on this situation???? I really don't know if there is a solution, I think I'm just going to have to see what life hands me. But Im praying for the right path.

[ownadobe]

Look at it this way.

You can always take the position and then if you do not get accepted it would be ok. If you get accepted you would have to leave the position anyway because the position you are taking is for an LPN and not an RN.

[edchunt, BSN, RN]

Sounds like you have made your decision already. I work at the VA that you refer to and it is a great place to work. I have responded to a post you wrote prior to this concerning where to attend RN school. I was an LPN for four years before going back to RN school and it worked out fine. I also plan to work a year then go back to school for BSN because the VA will pay for it plus give you the time off you need to attend. I went to D&E for the ADN with the plan to go back later to get the BSN. I know this has a lot of I in it and everyone has different needs, but I am satisfied with what I have done and what I plan to do. Just thought I would drop a line because I have done these things. The VA will help you pay for you school just a little later on. I think the oppurtunity to go to school will comke more often than the oppurtunity to work at the VA. It really does depend on what you want to do though. You can do some of both and get it worked out. Maybe go to D&E and get the ADN in just three short semesters and the VA will still help you with your education. Sometimes taking things in short steps are beneficial and will pay off too.