Not sure if I'm doing this right, but "LPN or Accelerated Program"?

[amaliarita]

Hi all! I am 22 years old and currently a senior majoring in Psychology. I will be graduating with a BA in May. My first intentions right out of high school were to become a RN, but with all the talk about how hard the program was, I became very intimidated and decided against it... and now I'm regretting it big time. My plan was to apply to a tech school to become a LPN once I graduate and hopefully bridge to RN, but I was actually fortunate enough to meet with the dean of nursing at my college, and she basically told me that going for LPN would be the WORST idea. She said hospitals no longer hire LPNs, a lot of them are unemployed, and that by the year 2020 all nurses are going to be required to have their BSN. She suggested an accelerated BSN program, but in all honesty I don't think I'd be able to do it. I have no experience whatsoever with science (prereqs such as A&P 1 and 2, organic chem..which I know I'll need to take eventually) and I know in the accelerated program they encourage you not to have a job.... I have bills to pay, I don't have the luxury of not being able to work So I figured going for LPN would be the easiest/cheapest way to get my foot in the door. I would really appreciate some advice from people who have already been through this or are currently going through this. Please be honest!! Thanks!

[Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN]

Hi all! I am 22 years old and currently a senior majoring in Psychology. I will be graduating with a BA in May. My first intentions right out of high school were to become a RN but with all the talk about how hard the program was, I became very intimidated and decided against it... and now I'm regretting it big time. My plan was to apply to a tech school to become a LPN once I graduate and hopefully bridge to RN, but I was actually fortunate enough to meet with the dean of nursing at my college, and she basically told me that going for LPN would be the WORST idea. She said hospitals no longer hire LPNs, a lot of them are unemployed, and that by the year 2020 all nurses are going to be required to have their BSN. She suggested an accelerated BSN program, but in all honesty I don't think I'd be able to do it. I have no experience whatsoever with science (prereqs such as A&P 1 and 2, organic chem..which I know I'll need to take eventually) and I know in the accelerated program they encourage you not to have a job.... I have bills to pay, I don't have the luxury of not being able to work So I figured going for LPN would be the easiest/cheapest way to get my foot in the door. I would really appreciate some advice from people who have already been through this or are currently going through this. Please be honest!! Thanks![/quote']

I think it all depends on where you live to say that it is worth being an lpn, if a decent amount of jobs are available, if the rn program has a waiting list, etc.

Where I live at, there are a lot of lpn jobs available and they make decent pay. So me doing the lpn route was worth it to me especially after two failed attempts to get into one rn program and being put on a 2 1/2-3 year waiting list for another. I have all of my prereqs to get into a bsn program and will be doing my rn program online next year.

Do your research on the lpn jobs available, waiting lists for rn programs and decide was is best for you hun and good luck.

[Analea]

I had gone thru same process and dilemma, long time ago. The Dean is right, LPN/LVN are key part of nursing, unfortunately LPN/LVN are being phase out of the hospital, most works in LTC, Sub-Acute, Rehab and a lot of facilities are not hiring at the moment, specially without prior experience (varies in your location). My story is I got my BA in Liberal Arts 1994, LPN 2001 and online RN program in 2006. Because of my military obligation before, my career and education are slowed. Some of my classmates are able to take part-time or full-time (I myself) jobs while attending LPN-RN Bridge, it is hard, a lot of sleepless nights. Self-discipline, persistence and time management, everything is doable. I would not recommend doing an online RN or challenge courses if you want to further your education in medical field, if you move around state to state like me. I ended up doing some classes again to satisfy the State Board requirements. Conventional College and Universities are quite expensive but it is worth it. Hope this help you. I have use the search section of this website for more new/old post and inquiries; it did help me a lot.