Not enough LPN-RN students to fill a transitions class....

[AJayG3310]

So my school offered me a seat for the entry level RN program at FSW here in Fort Myers, FL. It's the same program as the transitions program but the only difference is that it is 1 semester longer than the transitions program. I wasn't really upset about it... part of me was concerned about the unplanned costs of an extra semester (I like to budget way ahead for things of this nature) BUT the other part is that I am just thankful I had enough points to even be offered a seat at all. I want to go to RN school... I've been an LPN and working as one for 4 years and I'm ready to continue. Has this happened to anyone else? I feel like I should take what has been offered because its nursing school and seats are never guaranteed. I also wouldn't mind being taught the fundamentals again. It definitely can't hurt. What do you seasoned nurses think? Should I go with my gut and accept the offer or wait for the application cycle for Spring 2016 and hope that there will be enough applications for the transitions? Pros and cons? Any advice from nurses or student nurses would be appreciated...I've already gone ahead to the next phase and completed the background check/drug test/fingerprints.

[caliotter3]

I think your best bet is to take the offered seat. As you said, the extra semester will be a good refresher and will get you back in the swing of nursing school. Good luck.

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

I would take it as well! :)

[turtlesRcool]

Take the seat. For me, it would be too much of a gamble to hope they'll have the class next spring. If there's not, you'll be back in the same place you are now, but with an additional year tacked on to your timeframe to become an RN.

I know there's a difference in tuition, but you also have to consider the risk of lost income if you don't get into a transitions class in the spring. I assume part of your motivation is that RNs make more money on average than LPNs, so the sooner you get your RN, the sooner you'll start making back your investment in the RN program.

When I was applying to ABSN programs, there were two I was really interested in. One was about $10K more than the other. They were about the same length of time, but because of the different months they started and ended, the more expensive program would have me finished about 7 months earlier. My husband asked me if I could make more than $10K in 7 months as a nurse. I said yes. He pointed out that the more expensive program then made more financial sense because getting into the workforce sooner meant I could make back more than the difference in the costs of the programs.

Now in my case, the investment angle was pretty straight forward because I was not working outside the home prior to the program. I assume you're employed as an LPN, so when you calculate your return on investment, you'll have to look at the difference in pay between LPN and RN in your area.

[AJayG3310]

I really appreciate the advice! You guys have pointed out what my gut was telling me! I feel that the opportunity is too good to pass up! I've been working as an LPN and will continue at my evening position throughout the day program and I have been wanting to go back to nursing school for a while now. It's comforting to have the advice! I'm going to take the plunge and go for it! I can only benefit from the extra semester going over the fundamentals again! Thank you so much!!! I love AN! You guys are great!!!

[AJayG3310]

I think your best bet is to take the offered seat. As you said, the extra semester will be a good refresher and will get you back in the swing of nursing school. Good luck.

Thank you!!