Need some advice, going back to school for nursing

[sstewart]

Hi Everybody!

I am new to allnurses.com and I am really needing some advice. I want to go back to school for nursing and I am wondering which path would be best for me. Here is some info about me and my current situation:

I graduated from Purdue University in 12/2007 with a Bachelors of the Arts and Behavioral Sciences-Concentration in Social work degree (I know, long name!). I am currently working in a group home, I have been doing this for about 2 years. In that amount of time I have sadly discovered that Social Work is not for me. I went to college directly from high school, wasn't really sure what I wanted to do, and thought Social work would be a good career choice (and of course I decided this at 19 years old, it's hard to determine what you want to do with the rest of your life at 19!). For the past couple of months I have been thinking about going back to school for nursing. It has become my dream to do this:). I always used to think "there is just so much science and math involved in becoming a nurse, I can't possibly do that!". My grades for the college algebra and elementary statistical methods that I took in college were not great but, then again I really wasn't focused on them and did not put in the time needed to properly study the materials. I only took one science course, astronomy, which I got a "B" in. I graduated with a 3.3 over all GPA. I KNOW I want to be a nurse! I KNOW I would put in the effort needed to excell in the math and science courses! I am just questioning what path I need to take. I was thinking about going to my local CC and getting my certificate to become a LPN. Then while working as an LPN, I would go back to Purdue to become a RN. This way I could make decent money while in school. The other option was to just go straight back to Purdue to get the RN degree and just keep working in my current field. I have so many pre-reqs to do though, this would prob take about 4 years. I figured with the LPN Certificate I would get a lot of Pre-reqs out of the way (And I would make sure everything would transfer) and I could still work. If anybody could help me out here, it would be greatly appreciated!!

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Welcome to allnurses.

I too went straight to college after high school and spent 5 years "settling" on a degree. Now, four years later I'm back trying to do what I should have done many years ago and that is to pursue nursing.

I originally was going to do LPN, but realized being an LPN was not something I wanted to do. However, I will not discourage you from going that route. I wanted to work in a hospital and found out LPNs no longer are hired in that area. So, I'm doing RN.

Another option you can do is an Accelerated BSN program. They are expensive, but take 12-15 months, depending on program. This is the route I'm taking. I received a B.A. and thought I was going to spend years taking the needed prerequisite classes, but when I researched each program, I only needed 6 classes, which took 2 semesters to knock out. So, you don't know until you look into programs of interest. Most ABSN programs required applicants have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA from their first degree to even apply (which you qualify for).

And finally, another route is to go into an ADN/ASN program at a CC near you. Yes, they are cheaper, but takes around 2 years to complete. But, factor in another year to complete some of their required prerequisites to even apply. Very competitive program, so make sure you get good grades in your required classes.

Hope some of this info helps you. Good luck.

[sstewart]

Thanks for the advice! I really don't want to be an LPN either but, was just thinking of doing this so I can make some more money while going to school to be a RN-that is ultimate goal to become a RN. Purdue does have the accelerated BSN program but I feel like I have SO many pre-reqs to do before I can apply for it! I did not take any college (or high school even) Chemistry, Biology, and I would have to re-take my college algebra and stat classes. I guess I could stay in my current field while pursuing my RN but, I am only making $10/hr and it is just not cutting it. Or I could take out loans for my expenses while getting my RN degree and not work, maybe just concentrate on volunteering at a hospital or shadowing a nurse. I know I would end up with a lot of debt but I feel it's worth it to achieve this. Any body else out there take out loans so they did not have to hold down a job while pursuing their RN degree? Let me know what you guys think, it would be greatly appreciated!

[bonn_bai]

Just my two cents, it is NEVER worth it to rack up a bunch of debt for school. No way! You should not be saddled with all that when you are trying to "start" your life - buying cars and houses, etc. I would definitely consider a second-degree BSN since you already have a bachelor's. If needed get your CNA and work as a CNA. You'd make a little less money but your hours could be more flexible and you'd get a taste of nursing without spending time on an LPN, which isn't what you really want. And don't be daunted by the pre-reqs - yes they are time-consuming but speaking from experience, the time goes by quickly.