Need help making a major dicussion regarding Nursing

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I'm looking to getting into the nursing field via an unusual route.

I have a B.A. in Political Science, and was laid off by the State of Arizona this past year. As part of the Phoenix Workforce program, I am being offered a full-scholarship to a 10-month LPN training program. They will pay for all my tuition, books, shots, uniforms, etc. I also will be allowed to collect unemployment. Its a really great offer.

I was wondering with my B.A. degree, what would be the next step to becoming a RN? Does it make most sense to go directly from the LPN program to a ARN program?

Or could I go for a Master's? Is this a good path or am I selling myself short?

I also have pending job offers from the Federal Government, but have gotten sick of the waiting, and am really considering the LPN program. I've been talking to everyone I know about it, and have only days to make up my mind. Do I make the leap?

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I'd jump on it.

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Take one or two of those days and shadow nurses in a few different settings. It is only a good deal if you want to be a nurse.

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Heck yeah

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I've always considered nursing, but wasn't sure of a good pathway into the field. I have worked in Nursing homes in the past. I've also spent a lot of time being a companion for a man with Alzheimer's. My Aunt is a Head ER Nurse at Mass General in Boston, and my Grandmother was a nurse for 40+ years. I guess it runs in the family.

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good luck with that discussion!

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Op some advice...do not get too specific in the personal info you present here or on any board. Nothing that can identify yourself or friends or family. :)

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Specializes in Critical Care.
I'm looking to getting into the nursing field via an unusual route.

I have a B.A. in Political Science, and was laid off by the State of Arizona this past year. As part of the Phoenix Workforce program, I am being offered a full-scholarship to a 10-month LPN training program. They will pay for all my tuition, books, shots, uniforms, etc. I also will be allowed to collect unemployment. Its a really great offer.

I was wondering with my B.A. degree, what would be the next step to becoming a RN? Does it make most sense to go directly from the LPN program to a ARN program?

Or could I go for a Master's? Is this a good path or am I selling myself short?

I also have pending job offers from the Federal Government, but have gotten sick of the waiting, and am really considering the LPN program. I've been talking to everyone I know about it, and have only days to make up my mind. Do I make the leap?

Not even a question in my mind! All expenses paid for to go nursing school with a guaranteed spot in a LPN program that can easily lead to a RN program? :eek: Jump on jump on jump on it!!!!!!!!!! Good luck! :D:nurse:

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

I was thinking of going a similar route, but after some research I chose a different path. After you've done your own research about the field of nursing, in particular LPNs, and this is something you definitely want to pursue, then JUST DO IT! You know how much money you'll be saving?!

Good luck to you.

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Oh, I see, I thought you were interested because of the offer, I didn't realize you were already interested.

For your next step... there are LPN to RN bridge prgrams or you might look into skipping the RN and doing a second degree BSN since you already have a bachelor's degree. I haven't looked at much MSN info so I don't know what they need... if they need a BSN and don't need an RN, it might be better to go with the second degree BSN unless you want to work as an LPN while you study for the other degee(s). Because by the time you do the transistion steps between LPN and RN and then RN and BSN, the second degree BSN might be better even considering the scholarship.

If I were in your shoes, I'd talk to the advisors at the MSN programs before deciding. If I couldn't, then I'd comb through the websites of those schools.

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At this point I am leaning toward accepting the scholarship. It makes sense on a lot of level. First of all, I get to jump right into the program beginning March 1st. I will be an LPN by mid-December. From there I can start working, earning a decent income, and enroll in classes to become an RN.

I do not have to wait any longer to return to school, apply, write essays, and take admission tests. I do not have to incur any debt in the next year, and all my expenses are covered (living, tuition, shots, books, uniforms, everything). The state also offers me a year long service of helping me find a job after I graduate. They want nothing more than me to succeed, the continuation of the grant funding depends on it.

If I am to do a LPN-to-RN bridge program, I will have a Associates in Nursing. I'd rather have a BSN, but I did read on this site that there is not a huge difference in pay. However, it was stated that a BSN allows for more opportunities going forward. Maybe that is where my undergraduate degree will come into play, and I will pursue a Masters Degree in subject that combines both subjects.

It seems like a good thing, and I appreciate all the opinions....

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Specializes in ER/Trauma, Corrections, Consulting.

I know in Ohio there are some programs that offer accelerated BSN programs if you have a Bachelor's in another field. If you're going to get paid while you're in school (unemployment, etc.) and schooling is paid for, I highly suggest just going for RN. If you are already degreed you may find going for/working as a LPN not nearly as fulfilling as RN. There just are alot of differences in the two that you won't see until you work with them. You should shadow with some nurses for sure. Contact your local hospital's education department. They should easily set up a shadowing time for you with RN or LPN.

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