Need Help Making The Right Decision

Nurses Career Support

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I really need some help making the right decison. I'm working towards getting my RN license, but I'm torn between going into LVN school this February. I STILL haven't even finished my pre nursing classes, so i would be able to apply to the RN program in Fall of 2008. The LVN program is an 18 month program and I could start working right away. I'm a single mom of five. I really had eight children, but three are all grown up. I just got my CNA certification and i can't seem to find a job with that. i have not been working at all for two years, things have been pretty tight for us. I feel like crap when I know that my car will probably be gone in the next couple of days, because I couldn't afford to make the payment. I had enough money to keep the rent and all other important bills. I feel like such a failure. My kids will probably not have Christmas this year. I did go on some interviews and one job hired me, but since I was related to someone that works for them they turned away and didn't hire me. I really need to make good solid choices in the next few months. I know this might sound so irresponsible of me to let things go this far, but believe me I feel bad for all that has happen in my life. My schooling RN schooling is paid for, but the LVN will have to come out of my pocket. I have always wanted to be a Nurse professional. I love this career. I just need to make the decision on weather I should just take the LVN route and start working for my family. Please give me some feed back please. I take the ATI-TEAS on December 18th for the LVN. I know i will get in. My nursing director said that if I go the LVN to RN route that will only cut off two quarters for my RN. I also heard that once I get my LVN I might be able to clep the NCLEX. Clep meaning testing out of it to get my RN license. Help me !!!!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

You will not be able to CLEP the NCLEX. So nix that idea. You will have to take the NCLEX-PN after you get your LPN and then again NCLEX-RN when you qualify for that.

It sounds like your financial situation is one that requires an income now, so you should continue to look for a CNA job. 18 months sounds like a long time for an LPN program.

If you go the LPN route, you're still going to have to take those pre-reqs to become an ADN, so it's going to be a bit more than 2 semesters. Also many people get busy with kids and life and never go back to school.

The other crazy thing is the RN is paid for, so is the financial burden of paying for school (obviously through loans and grants) worth the lower income of the LPN?

Tough decision I know. My instinct is to tell you to go for the ADN since that is paid for and will probably only add another year or year and a half. But it's the better investment because you'll come out making much better money and being debt free. But if you fincial condition is desparate then that year could be very shakey indeed.

Good luck!

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Thanks so much for replying to my posting. I really think I need to stick to this BSN program(it's not a ADN). I really need to finish my education. I think that taking on a LVN program would not be worth it. I really don't want to keep going back and forth to school. I'm getting old for this. Thank you for your advice. Our you currently an RN? write back.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

I agree with Tweety if there is any way to finish your free RN schooling then do it!

Especially with a BSN - because your options will be even better in regards to money and advancement later in your career then with a ADN or diploma (by the way I am both a RN diploma graduate and then went back for BSN). Some jobs such as school nursing or public health require a BSN.

Can you take out student loans now to help with a few of your bills such as your car? You have to have transportation don't you? Or do you live in an area where there is decent public transit?

Keep on applying for the CNA jobs, you will land on eventually as good people are hard to come by.

Good luck.

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Specializes in Neuro, phase 2 recovery.

There were many students in my RN program that worked as CNAs at nights or weekends. That could be an option for you to earn money while going to school. Working as a CNA will help you some basic skilss and you may be able to find an RN that can mentor you.

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Specializes in Orthopaedic and eye.

It all depend on what you really want ...dear ?????Think carefully:uhoh3:

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Do you have a guarenteed seat in the RN program you are currently taking courses for? If you do, then continue. If you have to apply, make sure that you have a competitive GPA. Each school in each area is different; some have lotteries, others go by the GPA (the higher, the better), and others require an exam in addition to the GPA standards such as the NLN. If the candidate earns a competitive score for the NLN, in addition to good GPA, they are accepted. Again, don't know the situation, or the requirements of the RN program you are applying for. Good luck!

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