Picking a progam

[ddthemedic]

I am a paramedic. My goal has always been to be an RN but I have found it difficult to get accepted into an RN program. A new program has been started that is a Paramedic Transition to Rn and I was accepted into the class. The problem is that the school is two hours from my home; I also received acceptance into an LPN program in my hometown. Both programs start and end at the same time and take one year to complete. Should I drive two hours, four days a week for an RN education or should I stay home; become an LPN and then attempt entry to an LPN Transition to RN closer to home? I am concerned that if I turn down acceptance into the Paramedic Transition program I will not get another shot at becoming an RN.

I have a new home, a wife and two kids so moving is not an option. My family is ready at support any decision that I make I just want to make the right one.

Thanks for listening

[HealingHands327]

I would bite the bullet and do 1yr of the 2hr drive thing and get it over with. RNs get significantly more than LPNs and plus you will have to go back to get your RN again, which is a total drag. If you study at school then drive back during non rush hour times, it should help. Yes, you will spend less time with kids and wife, but it's only 1 year. Btw is your RN program at a city college?

Just curious since i'm in a BSN program that is 3 yrs, plus 2 yrs of prerequisite courses.

I am a paramedic. My goal has always been to be an RN but I have found it difficult to get accepted into an RN program. A new program has been started that is a Paramedic Transition to Rn and I was accepted into the class. The problem is that the school is two hours from my home; I also received acceptance into an LPN program in my hometown. Both programs start and end at the same time and take one year to complete. Should I drive two hours, four days a week for an RN education or should I stay home; become an LPN and then attempt entry to an LPN Transition to RN closer to home? I am concerned that if I turn down acceptance into the Paramedic Transition program I will not get another shot at becoming an RN.

I have a new home, a wife and two kids so moving is not an option. My family is ready at support any decision that I make I just want to make the right one.

Thanks for listening

[MB37]

I'd do the drive. You might want to try to meet people in the program, or send out a mass e-mail once you get an account with the school, and see if there is anyone else in your situation - maybe a few people could get together and rent a crappy apartment in the town so you could crash there when you have a late night/early morning - it might be weird being away from your wife and kids, but safer than spending 4 hours a day on the road. Also, tape your lectures - a lot of people listen to them during their commutes.

[wayunderpaid]

go for the RN, definitely

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

Take the drive. The RN will get you where you want to be in a shorter time period....

[phoenix72]

I have to agree with the others. If you're able to afford the gas and time that the drive will demand, I'd go for it. In the same time it would take to become a LPN, you could be a RN. Good luck!!!

[flightnurse2b, LPN]

hey dd, i just went through this same dilemma....i am also a paramedic and was put on a waiting list to get into the RN program at the local CC... there is a paramedic to RN program about 2 1/2 hrs away in winston-salem, but i chose to do the LPN program because its closer and i was accepted immediately. but i think i made the wrong choice... once i graduate, i will have this big gap in the scope of practice with an LPN and a paramedic, which i wouldnt have if i had done the RN. i hope to go on immediately to the LPN to RN program, but i will also have to retake many of the core nursing classes, because LPN programs teach the "LPN version". i will also be up to my eyeballs in student loans. i guess my impatience is my downfall here. go for the RN. the drive will be much more worth the extra running around later. i wish i had made that choice before. good luck!!!!!!!