which path to take?

[LanaBanana]

I'm probably getting a little ahead of myself with this thinking, but you can never be too prepared, right?

I'm am in my PN program and will graduate in the spring. I have completed all prereqs for either LPN-RN or LPN-BSN except Micro, which I plan to take either next spring or summer. The RN route would take 2 semesters and could be started next fall. The BSN would take 3 semesters (fall,spring,summer) but requires you to work a year before starting. I was planning to try to work at the hospital I just got a CNA job at while finishing my RN, but am now considering getting a LPN job in the Univeristy of Oklahoma clinic because they would pay for most of the BSN. I also like the hours of the clinic better - I'm single and after years of having a social life it would be nice to have free evenings and be able to think about dating! If I went that route, It would end up taking me longer because they require employees to only go to school part-time.

How do you think you weigh all this out? Pay is a little less at the hospital vs the clinic, as well as the price for insurance. However hours and scheduling is a little better at the clinic. I'm guessing there would be a more well-rounded base for clinical skills if I worked at the hospital. Too many decisions!

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Lana,

If you have the chance to do the three-semester LPN-BSN and you feel up for some crazy studying, I would jump on it, because I can't think of any program nearly that speedy.

As far as jobs, does the hospital offer tuition reimbursement as well? Most hospitals (at least where I'm at) do. It might give you a more well-rounded skill base. Although I can sympathize with being single and wanting plenty of free time, I suspect that you'll find time to relax and have fun wherever you end up.

Best of luck to you!