Nursing goals...??? ADVICE NEEDED!!!

bgoodman · Feb 10, 2011

I also want to add, that I was trying to get an idea of how the different nursing programs at my CC are like. I noticed that the LVN program has like 5-7 courses per semester for a total of 3 semesters. But I cant find all the classes it lists so I dont know what time of day most of them will be held.

The RN program has 3 classes per semester for a total of 4 semesters. It looks as though 2 of the classes are held in the morning time on mon-wed, and on th-and fri, it says TBD and it says hospital, so these must be clinicals on thand fri.

It looks like the RN program doesnt look as hectic like the LVN does. I just wish I knew what times the th and fri clinicals were.

What are some of your thoughts on which program would be less hectic and stressful?

But even still, I would need to make my choice on which nursing (LVN or RN) career would be less stressful, routine and flexible, in terms of work schedule.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Feb 11, 2011

Either program LVN or RN, while you are in it expect to be in school 5 days a week for 8 hour shifts. Some LVN programs are part time, I am sure there are RN programs that are part time, but I don't personally know of any. You will still be in school 3 days a week and have to study a significant amount. I have done both an LVN and an RN program, they both require more than a full time commitment, but they were full time. Think of it this way, an LVN is pretty much the equivalent of the first year and some change of an RN program. You will have to learn the same sort of information very quickly in both.

The reality of nursing is that LVN and RN are both stressful. I have had patients that died in a nursing home, they just went really south very fast. And honestly, Critical Care in a hospital setting is stressful, but at the facility I work at you always have a lot of people helping you and are never alone. In a nursing home you can be alone.

If you want a less stressful flexible job, I would recommend something like Home Health. If the patients have issues, or something doesn't seem right, you call 911. Most of the patients are very stable. You are unlikely to encounter too many stressful situations.

The problem now is most new nurses are having trouble finding jobs, but that could completely change by the time you become an RN. Also be aware that many home health agencies require a year of nursing experience first.

bgoodman · Feb 11, 2011

I dont think I would want to do home health though...And at the CC here both nursig program are full time. They told me that clinicals are done on thursdays and fridays. And I tryed figuring out the other days , and the class that take up those other days dont seem too bad, time wise.

When you did clinicals how many hours a day were you doing it? Cause on the schedule it just says TBD, theres no times for it on thos 2 days.