del28

I think this is a very personalized question. How well have you done on some practice tests? Even if you did poorly, were there generally many questions where you at least understood the subject matter...meaning if you answered a question about anatomy wrong, but saw your mistake when they showed you the correct answer, then you would be certainly better off if you just made a random guess, and still didn't understand the correct answer. Also, you may want to ask yourself if you are a good test taker and how well you did on your prerequisite courses? If you aced the classes and have confidence in your testing abilities, you may be fine working...but? Do you need to work during this time? If you have a choice, because you live at home with parents or a spouse? Then, why not take the time off to do your best? However, if time off would hurt you or your position, maybe your employer will let you work part time? (If possible, you may also want to consider studying a bit right now- for instance, take two hours a day- several days a week (make a schedule and stick to it) and see how much you are retaining and progressing. I know this may sound odd- but sometimes when we remove everything from our lives to commit to something like "studying for a test," we actually find that we think we have so much time- yet that time really escapes us. For instance, I stopped working for a time period to help take care of my father. I only went to his house while my mother worked at her part-time job. I had calculated that I would have much more time, and even planned to do some house projects...but, without being on the same type of schedule with my job...I didn't realize that I didn't manage my own time well enough, and since I was home- friends and family constantly asked me to do things for them...which I felt happy to do...but before I knew it the day was done, and I wasn't any further in my projects. When my father got back on his feet, and I went to work...I actually tackled more than when I had "free time." Just be cautious of this...I find that it is true with many people. I think I'd start seeing seeing how you follow a schedule to study in your free time right now. It isn't really "if a month" without work is long enough/ but will you manage your time as needed? And how much you personally need? I think if you can find those answers, then you may be able to give yourself a better view of what you need. (I have NOT taken the test yet...but I am finishing my BA and came on here because I do want to go into nursing. When I'm done with my BA this spring...I have planned to study all summer (3 months, but while working...and I am setting myself on a pretty strict schedule- things always come up- so, for instance, I don't plan to study on Sunday- but if I can't study on one of my days during the week, I will have to make up that time on Sunday). I hope this helps! Good luck!

I'm actually glad you asked the question. I have several nurse friends and I have been working as a psychology tech., so I do work with nurses sometimes too. I do find that the type-A personalities can get to me as well. I'm efficient, but very laid back, and they don't like my style- yet I never have problems with management, and I have been watched after some nurses reported me...I got a raise! lol... But, I got on this board, because I have really wanted to get into LPN or RN nursing- and I'm finishing my BA in psych and have a good gpa, and most of the pre-reqs done...and wanted to get into mental health nursing. I find when I am working in the mental health field where nurses run the shift, it can be great, or one "this is the only way" nurse can lead the whole shift and staff to work efficient, yet cold. Yeah, it can only take one sometimes....but that goes the other way too....a great nurse can lead the pack, and the whole shift is amazing- including patient care. So, although I don't have the experience that you have- I do understand why you feel the way you do! (It even makes me re-think what I should do? Yet? I know I'm good with patients!) But I really wanted to write to you because I do have a friend that quit nursing- she became a paralegal for a medical lawyer! Her knowledge is great and she makes more money. She loves the job, and has had countless parents thanking her for her research! She found a lawyer that she respects, and doesn't have the same grit of working with so many different types of people....I don't know if that interests you, but I thought it was a great transition! Good luck!

Your story kind of reminds me of my son...he is not in medical, but IT...however, the "experience" vs. "education," is starting to bite him. He is 26 and went to school for chemical engineering and has a huge knack for computer coding and anything computer related. However, he quit school when he had the opportunity to work for a scientist as an understudy-- he worked with him for about 6 months, but the funding for the project fell through. My son then had school loans and an unsteady academic background. However, with his background of knowledge, he got into the ground floor of some 3-D computer imaging for a large supplier of car parts. It didn't take long for the staff to find out that he was smarter than some of the degree carrying IT guys, and much of the higher personal pass the IT department to find my son to work on a difficult computer problems. The problem with this is that my son was seeing that he was only receiving a small portion of income, as this field requires the degrees- as does nursing. He was becoming agitated with the IT department and higher personal asking him to do the difficult work! HE QUIT! And right after he gave them the news, they told him that they were planning on giving him his own office and a raise (although until he got that degree- it would still be lower than others in the department) But, now he realizes he should have stayed and just got back into school- living very low for a while and getting the degree that would give him the pay he deserved. I know that is a frustrating feeling! But instead of being discouraged? You should be thankful for what YOU know. Even if you can't go back to school and get that degree- YOU CAN be recognized as a valuable asset in the company you work for and they will want to keep you! Don't let someone's higher pay and lesser knowledge drive you crazy. Be the best you can for your whole company and the patients- and make yourself a valuable asset. I'm sorry, but like my son, the bad attitude will make you the opposite, and possibly replaceable....despite your great knowledge. Good luck!

Hello gingernursegirl, could you tell me what LPN program you are taking. I was leaning to LPN because of health issues, but also that it gives you a chance to work- but I would rather finish to become an RN, if it is possible for me. My sister is planning on the bridge program as her kids get older, as the course work is more challenging, and she doesn't have the time. I have most of the pre-reqs done, I only need a biology course and intro to nursing- as required by my community college, but I know some colleges have different requirements (I already have 6 credits of A&P, psychology, stats, comp I and II, etc) but? You seem to have found a great program- I'm very interested in a such a program and think it would be an easier transition for me...plus I'm out of grant money as I finish my BA, so cost-effective is a major plus! Thank you....

I work in the mental health setting, and we do work with people who have a hard time keeping jobs, as well as behavioral issues. I'm not a therapist, but I work under the therapist (psychology technician) to help people who are having problems in different areas of their lives. I'm thinking since you don't have a job, you probably don't have or won't have insurance soon. You can talk to your family doctor to help you find a therapist and possible group that can support you. If you let them know about not having insurance, they can set you up with a social worker upon your intake assessment. The social worker can usually help your sessions get covered as well as helping with things like a bridge card to pay for food while you are not employed (some of this will matter if you are married, and how much your spouse makes...but they are really good at finding the best routes). Why am I bringing this up to you? No, I don't think you are crazy or have a serious mental illness, but you may have some depression, or need some better coping skills in life. ANYTIME, we see a similar pattern- such as being fired multiple times- we understand that the person may need a little help. Do not feel bad about getting help, you may actually find having someone on your side more worthy than you can imagine. It's not always just so easy to "change" what you keep doing wrong. That is not bad advice, but I am suspecting that you may need help in seeing what needs to be changed and actually how to go about it. If you have any abuse or neglect in your background (and most people have something), this may be blocking you. So, please talk to your doctor to help you find a therapist or group- it could be life changing. (One of the reasons I got into psychology was having to deal with my own issues- and getting out of a really bad marriage, my friends and family couldn't see what seemed so obvious to the therapists- after several sessions- and it then became obvious to me!) Hope that helps, and good luck!

It often depends on what fits your needs. My sister became an LPN first because as a single mother, she needed to work. The LPN program was shorter and less demanding. She worked full time (nights) and did the program. She is now working as an LPN and making more money than her night job. She wants to keep this position for a while as LPN's often have more flexibility. RN's are often required to work 12 hour shifts, and the rotations of night and day shifts can change for many RN's, while my sister works mornings and is home when her kids get home from school. She plans to do the RN bridge in a few years, when her kids are older, and don't need a babysitter, etc. Although, my friend, who is a RN tells me that my sister could just make more money and have more opportunities out there...but for her it is about having more...while my sister is content that she is doing OK for now, and home more often to raise her kids. Which brings this conversation back to me...I'm kind of working this situation out as well. I am finishing my BA in psychology and planned to get masters in therapy. I am also a single mom of three boys, and I have been slowly going to school while working as a psychology technician. I love my job, and got the position the same month I started my BA...it's taken me six years and I have only a few credits remaining. But?? A couple years ago, I started having seizures. I was out of work for a while too, although I am back now. But my mind is working differently. I have to take the medicine every day, but I still have mini seizures through the night, if they raise the medicine, I can't work at all and the quality of life is well- zilch. And that big but?? Is that I just don't have the same memory or skill set. I work in a group home that also holds a clinic, so although we have a few new people every year, it is basically the same patients. And I forget their names and backgrounds. I have learned to set my day with a schedule upon arrival into work each day and using this schedule and my notes, I am fully functioning in my work- but as far as the therapy portion? One needs to remember vivid details, this means my plans are changing and I was looking into what I can do with my degree and still work in some kind of program. We often visit psych hospitals, and I see that the nurses are doing much of the hands on care, but also facilitating therapy groups. So, I really have been thinking of going into mental health nursing, but I am thinking it will be too demanding for my skill set- which can be learned and implemented, but is slower than before. I found LPN's often work in similar mental health settings, with less demands, and also I can work part time- if needed. That's really hard to find as an RN, unless you are earning much less per hour than a full time nurse- which is about equal to LPN anyways. I think this will fit my needs for now. If things improve, I can always take a bridge course for RN or even do that masters, but I need to plan for the future and worse case scenarios. (Also? My test scores have been suffering. When I started my BA, I even tested out of classes by just reading the course book first and aced the exams, so the LPN testing is less demanding and should be easier for me). So, that may be a different scenario than the average person, but if you have a demanding home life, or health issue, learning disability, or don't like high stress, etc. LPN may be the answer. However, if you have none of these and can handle the load? I would choose RN in a minute! (I originally wanted to be a doctor, so you can see my plans just go less- not that LPN is really less- I'm good with being an LPN...I just don't want to end up having a bunch of degrees and being a Walmart greeter the rest of my life!) Just kidding. I'd say take the practice test a few times and look at your personal goals- go the high road whenever you can! Good Luck!