I have an MBA and was laid off from my corp job. I would like to make a career change and go to nursing school. After tons of research and factoring in prerequisites, wait lists, acceptance rates and costs, reputation. I decided on ECPI 14 month LPN program. At then end of the day, license exams are the same regardless of the school you went to. I will then go straight into an online BSN.
I know the pay scales for new nurses. My question is, will I be able to find a job? Even better, I'd like tuition reimbursement for the BSN.
Apparently Indiana State University offers an LPN-BSN Track – BSN online. Although the College of Health and Human Services states the North Carolina BON recognizes the LPN to BSN track, the bigger problem is going to be finding one that has been approved by the UNC Board of Governors. I am unsure how this lack of approval will affect the OP when he or she applies for licensure in NC.
Again, if he or she is hired at UNC, both tuition assistance and tuition waivers at state institutions are available.
This is excellent advice.
If you are serious about nursing, I think you've been given excellent advice regarding shadowing a nurse. This will help you make your decision with current data, not 30 year old memories.
Best wishes in whichever route you choose.
You still have to set up your own clinicals with that program. That is vastly more difficult than a school that already provides them.
To the OP, yes it dies matter what you school you go to for the very reason you stated it doesn't matter. School prepares you to take the very difficult NCLEX. The better the school, the more adequately you are prepared to critically think and tackle the test. NCLEX is not a self study test. You need to know the info before you study for it. That is where school comes in.
No LPN-BSN program is 100% online as there is a clinical component that will have to be completed. You must have a certain amount of clinical hours completed to be able to take the NCLEX-RN. That is two separate, licensing tests you must take.
You will not find very much available in tuition reimbursement. Especially in a LTC facility environment which is most likely where you will have to work.
I would look at a community unity college and start with your ASN.
I would also thoroughly research your job market for a new grad RN and LPN. I say this because you are coming from a completely different field and like the pay for nurses and think this will be good job security. This may or may not be true in your area. Look at new grad starting pay and available positions in your area. Not experienced nursing pay and positions. Gotta get your foot in the door first.
Be careful of such school as they overcharge for degrees and unless your Job reimburses you, you will be in major debt. You may come to learn that you want better jobs and more money. You will still have to go back for the RN and more than likely BSN. Many places want one to have that these days. You may find that beside nursing is hard on your body. Some people end up going for NP to fix that. Consider all things before going into debt. At-least having the RN will give you a chance at working for a hospital that will provide tuition reimbursement. Being an older nurse doesn't mean that you won't be offered jobs but age is taken into consideration when placed into positions. You will see that on applications they ask about your age. It can we worth it but you must go about everything strategically. Tuition reimbursement doesn't always mean a job will pay the full amount of money. My job only offers 3000 dollars a year. Two of my classes cost 3000 dollars . I will be done in 1.5 years. Hospitals also reimburse based on your grades. You have to sign on to work for the place so many years and once you sign the contract you must commit to it or you owe that money back. Some places make you go to their school of choice or they won't fully reimburse you. What I am basically saying is the money isn't just handed over, so you will need a plan B.
I'm in Raleigh and you'll be lucky to get on at any hospital that I know of with no experience and only an LPN license. In fact, you'd probably have a hard time getting hired anywhere except LTC without that experience. Unless you're interested in psych. Central Regional and Cherry still hire LPN's as far as I know, but they'll basically take anybody that's breathing. Good luck to you. Personally, I'd advise you to think long and hard about your decision. Nursing isn't what you're probably thinking it is. It's hard work and there isn't much time for patient interaction anymore.
. I will be done in 1.5 years. Hospitals also reimburse based on your grades. You have to sign on to work for the place so many years and once you sign the contract you must commit to it or you owe that money back. Some places make you go to their school of choice or they won't fully reimburse you. What I am basically saying is the money isn't just handed over, so you will need a plan B.
NurseGirl525, ASN, RN
3,663 Posts
You still have to set up your own clinicals with that program. That is vastly more difficult than a school that already provides them.
To the OP, yes it dies matter what you school you go to for the very reason you stated it doesn't matter. School prepares you to take the very difficult NCLEX. The better the school, the more adequately you are prepared to critically think and tackle the test. NCLEX is not a self study test. You need to know the info before you study for it. That is where school comes in.
No LPN-BSN program is 100% online as there is a clinical component that will have to be completed. You must have a certain amount of clinical hours completed to be able to take the NCLEX-RN. That is two separate, licensing tests you must take.
You will not find very much available in tuition reimbursement. Especially in a LTC facility environment which is most likely where you will have to work.
I would look at a community unity college and start with your ASN.