Need guidance.

heathert_kc · Sep 23, 2011

I considered doing something like that at one point, the distance learning stuff, but just felt like I was being conned the more I talked to the sales guy. Plus my state wouldn't allow me to be licensed right away without me working elsewhere. First thing is first you likely have a great number of general education courses you have get done: A&P, psychology, english, math, etc. all varying depending on the school you go to. But If you are going to struggle to find the time and money to go back for your RN you don't want to do a bridge program while completing your general education, if you can avoid it or if the school even allows it. My school does allow you to do them at the same time and I can tell you I do a lot better than and have more time to study, since I only take the nursing course, than my classmates who are taking med-surg II and microbiology or algebra.

These general education course can usaully be taken online or a short 1-2 evening/day a week class, or over the weekend, or whatever, at many community colleges, which are the cheapest option and allows you to get pell grant and/or loans if you qualify and take a minimum number of credit hours. Look at your state board of nursings education devision and look at all the nursing programs in your area (chekc them out) and see if there are any online programs. You aren't likely to find any self paced programs like the one the college network goes through. But at least in my state there is one online program that has most of the course work online and you just have to travel to the campus a few time through out the one year program and there are local clinical groups throughout the state. There are another that is partially online with once a week class days. Don't know if such programs exist in your state of not, but they are becoming more common as students are demanding greater flexibility. It might get easier once your child is in preschool or pre-k, but going back to school is always going to be a sacrafice. Be sure that you tell people around what you are trying to do and I am sure they would be will to help if they can, be it your mom or friend babysitting or your work being flexible while you're in school, etc.

Good luck

waaiting · Oct 2, 2011

I am a Diploma LPN who has been working PT in LTC since 2007. I am a single mom of a 2.5 yr old. I want to get my ASDN through disance/online program but all seem to be a rip off or a joke. TCN screwed me over many years back when I attempted to use them -- Now I am wih Rue and Excelsior and I cannot afford the $125.00 a month for Rue to send me books -- 1 subject at a time. And then pay Pearson $250.00 per test --- I took one test so far the A & P i got a D.... I do not have the $250.00 to test again. The out of pocket expenses for these programs only work if you have a TRUST FUND ....lol. Not a single mom struggling on a Part time salary with a toddler. So that leaves me to the predicament I am in --- did I mention I am 42 yrs old too. I was considering the ASD in Allied Health but I am not sure that will get me to my ultimate goal of ASDN and then BSN.....i DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO --- CONFUSED and at a life crisis here--- should I give up nursing and take up another major in nursing field--- but I love it... But it seems like you cant advance at all unless you have your RN. There seems to be no schools that offer online program for LPN to RN bridge --- that allows Loans and grants etc. without out of pocket expenses.. I really feel screwed to put it bluntly.....I cannot physically go to campus -- I understand certain clinical requirements must be met but ---what can I do?????? any advise....

HI sherri, i almost gave into TCN at one point (3 yrs ago) when i was desperately need to get my RN fast. Then i did a lot of research on TCN and decided not to use them. I took my prereqs at a community college and applied to the bridge program. My sympathy for what you've been through with TCN. I can see how discouraging it is for you after what happened. If you still love nursing... perhaps, consider taking the prereqs, maybe one class at a time at a community college. Start off fresh that way... and slowly but surely get your RN while you still could work and have time for your kid?! Best wishes.

PS. i realized u've said u cant physically be at a campus... For whatever reason... that could be tough though.