Lara J

I'm hoping to start LPN school in March. However, I'm worried about the cheap cost of the program. Even though I will be able to become licensed and sit for the state boards, the total cost is only $1,600, a fraction of what other similar programs cost. Should I be worried? When being hired as an LPN, how far does "school prestige" go? Would I be at a disadvantage or would my job choices be limited by doing such a cheap program? Does anyone have experience with "economy" LPN school and job seeking? Would appreciate any advice!

Hi, I'm also planning to go to LPN school. I live in VA and have found several different programs, the most expensive being a 15 mo program for $13,500 and the very cheapest (which I'm doing!) for only 12 mo and $1,600. This program is a state funded program at vocational technical center. My advice is to check out all the vocational centers you have locally. I think you can find a list by getting on your states board of education website, they should have links. Then you can go get info about the costs. I've done some research, and after you get the LPN, I think you are eligible to take distance learning online classes for the RN and BSN. This is my plan!!

Hi everyone, I recently graduated with a BS in Clinical nutrition. I did a 1 year internship at a university medical center. I found myself increasingly interested in more direct patient care than clinical nutrition would allow. I craved the skills, the knowledge, intensity, and importance of what the nurses around me were doing. I am a deeply caring person, soft-spoken, hard-working, hands-on. Despite studying nutrition for five years, I haven't been able to drop this desire to become a nurse. Right now, I am applying to nursing schools. In a way, this will be a "2nd career" for me. To be honest, especially after reading many many posts (concerning the reality check of every day nursing, the corporate problems, short-staffing, etc), I am TERRIFIED to enter this field. I am afraid of making a huge mistake. I want to take care of people, but it's as if I'd be committing suicide by going into this field. There seems to be a big "WARNING" label on nursing that just might scare me away!! What I need to know from you nurses already out there, working day to day, would you advise someone like me to start this? Is it highly possible that a caring, motivated person can be happy in nursing? Or would it be wise to pursue something else? I am idealistic person, and know that the reality shock would be difficult for me, but I just might be able to endure THAT part of it. What does everybody think? Should I go forward with nursing school, or run the other way??!! Thanks!