2 Options, LPN then RN, or wait longer and be an RN

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Hello, I am new to the boards, and have enjoyed reading the info!

Here's my issue, I am pregnant with my first, due in March, almost 30, already have a BS degree in Business, and want to begin my journey to a 2nd career as a Nurse.

Here are my options, start a vocational-school's LPN program (no wait list because it's more pricey than the local college) this August (2009) and go FT and be done in a year, then am able to work as an LPN so long as I pass the NCLEX-PN-plan is to apply to the ISU LPN-BSN program upon graduation to become an RN, or get on a long wait list for a local school.

OR start my science pre-reqs for an RN diploma program (I need 6 classes, so will take me until Spring 2010), not be able to start the RN program until Fall 2010, and finish in May 2012.

I have gone over this in my head for weeks, and I am thinking the best option for me is to do the LPN program this Fall, so I can at least have something and am able to work. I am a self-employed business owner now in the housing market, and I need to be making more money, especially with a new baby on the way. I really want to work 3- 12 hour nights upon graduation, so my other half can watch the baby in the evenings, and I can watch him during the day (with some help from my Mom so I can sleep some!!)

I am in Delaware, and have been told that most hospitals only want RN's and that I will most likely have to work at a LTC facility. They are usually 8 hour shifts I believe. I am quite torn, and would love some opinions from you!

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For me personally, it is/was better to get my LPN first. (just graduated in November) That way I can work while going to school to get my RN making more money. So if I were you, that is the route I would go. Good luck!

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If working and making a decent wage is one of your considerations, I would go the LPN route and then bridge to BSN. I am almost in your position with an advanced degree.

However, while you wait for Fall 2009 to get into the LPN class, I would use the Spring and summer 2009 semesters to at least start your science courses etc.

I would register ASAP for AP1 and if the ASN or BSN program in youar area requires a Psy or Sociology class and you don't have it, I would take Anatomy and Phys 1 and Psy or Sociology in the SPring of 2009 and in the summer take AP@ and lab.

This way you are killing 2 birds with one stone and you will only need Micro and a few other classes for your ASN. You will finish your LPN course in 1 yr and be able to work . Also, after a year, if you choose, you can work agency/home health and make from $25-$80 a home visit.

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She's having a baby in the spring- it doesn't sound like she plans to be in classes around the time she delivers.

To OP, it does sound like the LPN first would work better for you. Check out your local job market to see who is hiring LPNs though.

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Specializes in Maternity.
she's having a baby in the spring- it doesn't sound like she plans to be in classes around the time she delivers.

why not? i did :)

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why not? i did :)

to spend time with the baby, to not have to stress over school, to not risk having it effect her grades, because she'll be tired with a new baby, will be adjusting to motherhood.... i know a couple of other women who have had children mid-semester, but just because it's possible doesn't mean it's ideal. besides, from op's post, it doesn't sound like she's considering school that semester.

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Thanks for the replies so far! I am not planning to go to school this Spring due to having my first child, not wanting the additional stress of school, wanting to breastfeed exclusively for the first 4-6 weeks, then utlilize a pump and introduce the bottle as needed. Plus, all the science courses are already full at my local college-they fill on the first day.

I do plan to take some courses this summer though since I will need science pre-reqs eventually for my RN or BSN. The LPN school I hope to attend requires me to take the NET test, and after reading up on that, I am all nervous! Math is not my strong point! So even though I will not be taking classes this Spring, I will be studying!

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Dr. Office, Psych.

Lpn is a great start, than you can bridge over if you want or pick up specialty classes to enhance your LPN degree, thats what I did & I have never regretted it! and i had my son 6 weeks prior to starting nursing school & he is 18 now............. he loves me being a nurse & he NEVER suffered from me being in school while he was little.... :yeah:

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Thanks for the replies. I must say, I am letting this all get to me! My preference would be to go straight through and get either my RN or BSN (already have a BS in another field), but I just cannot complete all the pre-reqs in time for Fall 2009 entry. And I really cannot afford to wait until 2010 as I need a better paying job SOON! But with all the talk about LPN's not being able to find work-that has me worried as well. Maybe better to take all of my Pre-reqs (only have 4 or 5), then wait on a long wait list for an RN program. Anyone else going through this same though process?

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Most ASN programs are not waitlisted but based on your GPA standing. You may want to check the procedure for the school that you are interested in. In addition, the trend is for most community colleges to have 500-600 applicants for 200-250 slots- all gpa based predominately on pre-requisite grades.

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