New Student

[trishyk]

I am 22 years old and was attending a RN program until October. I became very ill and had to medically withdraw from the program. The school refuses to give me my money back and therefore I can no longer afford to attend the school. I have completed one full year and it is such a bummer : ( I recently have decided to begin a LPN program because I am so eager to begin my career as a nurse and because none of the other RN programs in NJ will accept my clinical course that I completed. I have meetings tomorrow with two different schools in hopes that at least one of them will accept my previous courses and further me in the LPN program. It already looks like one of the schools is going to do that for me! I will still graduate with the class but I will be exempt from some of the classes. I honestly think this is the best decision for me. I will be a LPN in one year begin my career while continuing my education to become a RN. My boyfriends cousin is a RN and she doesn't want me to go for my LPN but I feel that any RN is going to tell me to just go directly for the RN. I would continue with my RN if I had the money but I honestly feel I have a great plan and I am very excited about it. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

[nursel56]

Wow- I am so sorry you were so ill you had to drop out of your RN program. I'm not familiar with New Jersey schools- so I am wondering why no other RN program in the state will give you credit for the year you've already completed!

A few things to think about-- RNs will almost always tell you to go for your RN. As an LPN myself, my feelings about this have changed lately somewhat. If your reasoning is that you want to get the LPN because you want to get your "career started as soon as possible" you need to know that opportunities for LPNs LVNs in acute care hospitals are dwindling down, a situation made worse by the economic climate of today. A new grad RN has far more opportunities than a new grad LPN. I know that sounds harsh- but I would be dishonest if I didn't point that out. If I was starting out now, the first hospital I worked for as an LPN would not hire me today.

On the plus side, there are so many LPN-RN bridge programs and distance learning opportunities now than ever before! You just need to realize some people have trouble keeping the momentum of school going once they start a job as the main focus of their time. Also, if you are feeling the money pinch now, the LPN will get you out and earning much sooner if that is a top priority to you.

However, if you've already thought of these things and you are sure no RN program will give you credit for the year you've completed, then absolutely go for it! It's your life, and your excitement and happiness. No matter what we choose, there will be naysayers. Just learn to let it roll off your back. Here's to your continuing good health, best wishes for your future!

[taRaNeika_88]

I agree with nursel56. You know what you want to do and this is YOUR life. I am currently in a LPN program and I am loving it. My dreams have always been to be a nurse. One day I want to be a RN but I don't mind starting with LPN. I will graduate in July.

Good Luck in whatever path you take. Just keep your dream alive!!!

As I always say we will be nurses in no time!!!

[trishyk]

Thank you guys so much! I begin the program and will graduate March 2011! The money and starting my career was a big player in my decision. I have already looked into distant learning programs for after I graduated. Indiana State University has a great LPN - BSN program I will look into!

[Jules A, MSN]

I think for many people getting their LPN first is a great pathway. FWIW I also don't know of any nursing programs that will accept another school's nursing courses.