need some guidance and advice

[hndasedan1]

First off, Id like to say hello. Im looking for some advice or guidance if anyone could help me out. Im a medical assistant here in Georgia, along with having my CNA license. I have a set goal in mind on what I want to do in life, and thats become an RN, then do my BSN, and then do my masters in midwifery to become a CNM. Im in the process of moving to California to be with my family, and im actually stuck. Ive done so much research here, and on school sites, along with reading other peoples advices for their own situations, and im stuck to the point that it is actually giving me a headache. I originally wanted to do the Edukan thing for my prerequisite and general education classes, but I really dont have the budget for it right now (single mother with bills and a full time job.) I wanted to use financial aid to go through school, but at the same time, i dont have the schedule to actually sit through class for the prerequisites. I have the nursing part covered when I get there, but not these courses. Im really lost at what to do. I wanted to see about doing the LPN program first, then work and try to save up money so that I can do the RN program online, but thats another hassle, because California doesnt except any of these programs that ive found through this site. so here are some questions.

1. what do you think is the best way to go given the circumstances?

2.If I took online classes through some other school who offered what I needed, and used their financial aid, after I was finished, could I go somewhere else and use their financial aid for the ADN bridge, or even the LPN-BSN program?

I know this subject has been exhausted so many times, but im so exhausted and frustrated because I want to get started, im ready to help people, im ready to get my goal in the process. I cant wait around for something to come to me, I have to do it on my own. I was thinking about doing an LPN program at an adult school seeing how its only 2000, compared to what those private career programs want, which was 20 grand.Then I could get my LPN license, and then use financial aid to attend an LPN-RN bridge. I dont have very much money, so I cant afford to not choose the right path. I know what I want to do, but its just finding a way to get to that point.

[rninme]

check with your local community college. Most offer online classes. They are also the ones to talk to about financial aid....being a single parent you should qualify for help.

Good luck to you.

[willtm]

Your employer may provide education assistance. Most schools accept clep/dantes and EC general courses for the prereqs. For these you self study and take a test, it's less expensive then classes and you can do it at your own pace. A&P and micro you would have to take at a local college since most colleges require the lab component, but many colleges offer friday or saturday only classes which fit a working persons schedule better.

Your starting point is decided where you will be going to school--Georgia or California-and determining what gen eds you need, most states are different. I went to school in Maryland and georgia, MD wanted sciences, GA is more into history. All states and schools have different requirements. You can also call and talk to the school to help determine what classes they will accept as clep or EC and which ones they require you to take at their school.

I hope t his helps, good luck:)

[anticoagulationurse]

My random thoughts on the subject.

Given that you have a long road of school planned I would suggest busting out and getting staright through a traditional RN ADn program (2 years). Do your pre-reqs the easier way possible for you (online, CLEP whateve).

When you earn your RN degree the old fashioned way and get your foot in california's the way they will accept you as an RN (ie. NOT from Excelsior) once you pass the same NCLEX any other RN grad does. THEN, you could pursue further RN associated advancement unencumbered in California. There's only one NCLEX once you pass that you're in.

Don't quote me on this. I've not researched Califs requrements or national/state certification requirements for advanced nursing degrees. For example my state is picky about Excelsior grads being eligible to sit for the NCLEX but after that there are no special exception type requirements I can find for ARNP or CNS certs. I imagine once you're an RN there, it shouldn't matter where you continue your education. NOT that it should matter where you START your education.:smiley_ab

[nursingis4me]

Hello to all,

I, too, am in the same dilemma-albeit from a different state (I'm from Philadelphia, PA). I'm trying to find my way back to school, in order to advance in the healthcare profession. (I'm currently a M.A. with 15+years in, and want to be a LPN or R.N.). Although I've considered LPN school, I'm now leaning towards RN school. Whichever I finally choose, it needs to be a part-time program-since I must continue with my full-time job. Are there any really good distance learning programs for LPN or RN studies (please, not LPN/LVN-to-RN programs, they won't help my situation)? Please advise ASAP--I need to start this so I can make a career change and be happy again!!

Thanks so much for all of the upcoming help!!!!!