New here...considering becoming a nurse..need advice

Freedom42 · Nov 28, 2009

If I were you, I'd look into an accelerated BSN program for people who already have bachelor's degrees. You can complete the second bachelor's degree in as little as 15 months, presuming you have already completed the same pre-requisites that would be required for an associate's degree.

You want to enter practice at the highest academic level possible to increase your career opportunities down the road. Hospitals in some markets (Boston, e.g.) increasingly prefer BSNs. Some hospitals want BSNs for specialty jobs, such as ICU. And although there isn't always a difference in entry level pay for the BSN and the ASN, there is in some markets. If you want to work at a particular hospital that has "magnet" accreditation status (check out the hospital's home page), that hospital has pledged not to promote associate's degree nurses to higher level positions as part of maintaining that accreditation. You might not want to work in management now, but should you change your mind down the line, the BSN will give you the leg up.

Again, these circumstances don't apply everywhere. But if you read these boards often, you'll see that these trends are growing. Where and how LPNs are employed depends on what part of the country you're in. I'm in the Northeast; in my neck of the woods, you don't see many LPNs in hospitals. (In fact, all but one LPN training program remains in my state.) But LPNs are heavily employed in long-term care.

One other thing to consider is the cost. Accelerated BSN programs can be very expensive at private schools. I attended one at a public university that cost around $20,000, all tolled. An associate's degree at a nearby community college would have cost less than half that. But to complete it, I would have been out of the work force for an extra year and a half. That was a trade-off I wasn't willing to consider.

Dalzac, LPN, LVN, RN · Nov 28, 2009

You will be lucky if you get a job as an LPN. What you heard is right they get jobs in snf and ltc. Maybe home health but even now RN's are competing for those. Go for your adn do the extra distance. You have a much better chance of getting a job as an RN. I am a LPN and I retired before the economy hit the dumper. But all my friends that still work tell me it is a true jungle out there and you have to fight to get a good job. The difference between me and other LPN's is my whole career was ICU, CCU, ER. If I came out of retirement my old boss said she would hire me back in ICU because I am cost efficient. I have so much critical care knowledge but she just has to pay LPN pay.

So do the ADN school.

MERRYWIDOW46 · Nov 28, 2009

If possible I'd do a BSN. If NOT ADN. Today, depending where you live many hospitals will NOT hire without BSN for ANY position. Back in my day, I graduated hospital diploma program in the 1970s, you could have a bachelor's in any field and masters in any field and do management. NOT TODAY. I recall one VP of Nursing where I worked was a diploma grad and had a PHD in Anthropology. Now they want bedside DNP (doctor of nursing practice) degrees. Do what is best for you. However, it is a bleek job market for LPNs, I would NOT recommend that. IF you do ADN MOST employers are still offering SOME tuition reimbursement to get BSN, MSN, PhD Nursing. Good Luck.

iPink, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2009

So far I agree with everyone that has posted. I'm a career changer as well and was contemplating the LPN program, but glad I got many advice NOT to go that route but was told instead to go into an Accelerated BSN program. My aunt, who lives in Georgia, told me that LPNs are not being hired at hospitals where she is. Go the RN route. But wish you all the best.

elkpark · Nov 28, 2009

I just want to say, as a little reality check, that if you're looking for a change because you found teaching a "horrible, stressful" job, think long and hard before going in nursing. I've done both, and teaching is a walk in the park on a sunny day compared to nursing (not to minimize or dismiss teaching!) There are lots of good reasons to go into nursing, but, if you're looking for something less stressful than teaching, that would not be my first recommendation!

If you do go into nursing, you will have pretty limited professional/career opportunities without getting a BSN at some point (whether that's to get started or later on).

There are lots of lower stress career possibilities within healthcare other than nursing. Have you looked at all the possibilities?

JamieLynn RN · Nov 29, 2009

I do agree with what everyone is saying....I too went back to school to become a nurse. At the time my son was one and a half years old. Nursing school did take me away from my family a lot at times because of all of the studying....after your first semester you are able to be employed at a hospital as a PCT, PCA, CNA,,,and most hospitals pay them pretty well especially if you don't get benifits...also if you are in nursing school your schedule at work will allow you do schedule work around clinical time,,,and the added benifit is you get great experience before actually becoming an RN. I chose to become an RN over an LPN because the job opporotunities are more limited as an LPN. As far as the stress goes....Nursing has been the hardest, toughest, most stressful demanding job I have EVER had, but at the same time it has been the most rewarding. You can apply for a lot of scholarships too, I did most of my ADN program with scholarships...and they aren't too hard to get, you just have to write a letter and you can find out how to do that online...or here at allnurses. It is a tough decison to make, but I know that I always have a job,,,,nursing is growing in leaps and bounds and you won't necessarily have to do bedside nursing for the rest of your life (that is where it was hardest for me),,,as far as getting your BSN...do it....even if you wait a few years, because as others have said it is limiting to only have your ADN...I plan on going back in 2010.....good luck to you and go with your heart...nursing is a calling and no matter how hard of a day you have a school, clinical and working as a licensed RN, if it is your true calling you won't regret the time, money and heart you have invested....good luck :specs:

footprints1973 · Nov 29, 2009

Thanks everyone for all your replies and advice. I certainly have a lot to think about! Even if I do go back to school, it's going to be awhile anyway....my husband is losing his job at the end of the year :cry: . In the meantime, I will be researching all the possible things I can do.

Thanks again!:loveya:

rayk1021 · Nov 29, 2009

Hello there! I'm in hernando county. It does seem that most LPN positions are in LTC facilities or clinics/DR offices. Tampa General has positions available for LPN, but of course, experienced only. I haven't looked into Bayfront or All Childrens, as the drive would be too much. I am taking the same route you are considering. (LPN then RN) Many people have suggested going straight to RN, but I chose to stick with this route. This way I can get in the field, make sure it is right for me, and me for it.

The job market seems pretty tight right now, but, it seems we are not as bad off down here as most of the country. Who knows what next year will look like. I would agree with the post that suggests not doing this only to leave the stress of your current job. I'm sure you have heard about the tremendous amount of stress that school is, not to mention that when we are done, someone's life will depend on us!!! I'm stressing out right now.

Have you talked to your husband about this yet? Fact of the matter is, going to school, even LPN is going to change things at home. You will have alot less time at home and with the family. If your husband understands this, and supports your decision, it will make it alot easier.

As for leaving your current job... It's a scary prospect, but really, when is it ever the right time? I am leaving a 16yr career making 65k+. I am nervous about it, but, have always wanted to be in the medical field. The best advice you are going to get is from your husband. He and your daughter are the ones who will have to struggle through this with you, and will be the ones to reap the benefits of your success. Best wishes and good luck in your journey.

suanna · Nov 29, 2009

PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE, look into the job prspects for a new grad LPN in your area before making this decision. In a lot of the country LPNs with experience are finding it impossible to find a job- new grads have no hope. The LPN program isn't cheaper if you can't work after graduation- it's just a waste of your limited resources. As to a "degree" in nursing offering apportunities for management- in a lot of areas a BSN dosen't even qualify you to apply for mid level management. The hospitals in my area want a MSN and 3-5 years practice before they will even look at you for anything other than off-shift supervisor. An AD in nursing (RN)will limit your options in a lot of the country not not as much as an LPN licence will. Please, I'm not putting down LPN nursing- as I have said before, if you are an LPN and have found a job you are satisfied with GREAT- It's just a rarity in todays market in a lot of the US.

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2009

1. LPNs are being phased out in my hospital system (5 area LARGE hospitals)

2. You will be sacrificing time with your husband and daughter. That's just reality.

3. Being a nurse is VERRRRRRRYYYYYYYYY stressful.

Jo