uRabbit

While the salary is very alluring, the time (and money) spent in school is not. I would assume that anesthesiologists would not be on-call like typical physicians, but I think the time spent away from home would still be quite extensive. But, again, the schooling is the main thing for this one - nine or more years in school... And I am not sure how one would make money while going to med school... Ha.

I have been thinking about how I have wanted to be a doctor, but that I thought being a nurse would be better because of the fact that a) I know I would be great at it, b) it would be better for the family, and c) I would not be running around in circles tripping over my own shoe-laces AS MUCH as an MD. Anyways, I have just now started thinking about going to school to get a Masters after my BSN (Boise State University offers an MSN program for current working RN's). I thought, "Hey! NP's do a LOT of the same things that doctors do..." However, I want to be an OR Nurse, and - hopefully - a Charge Nurse somewhere down the road. Mostly, though, I think surgery is where my passion is (at least, unless something else grabs me later on down the road). And I do not think that PN's do any surgeries. They typically do all the clinical side of stuff that doctors do, like prescribing meds and care plans, and what-not. Also, I obviously want to work in a hospital, which I also think NP's do not exist in much. Also, there is the money, too. While this is NOT the forefront of my concerns, it is definitely an important issue to consider. We will be moving to the Portland area and my salary will be - and is currently - the sole income (until my wife can start up her Etsy shop). So, there is that. And I do know that NP's make about $20,000 more per year. Looking for a little guidance. Got any for me? :)

I will be working full-time as the soul provide for my wife and baby, and going to school full-time. I did it once before while single, I can do it again. I am not sure in your case, but when I was looking into RN bridge programs in and around Portland, I believe Walla-Walla's Portland campus had a program. Just Google 'LPN to RN program Portland'. :)

You can go to Carrington's web site and find all the info you need. However, since posting this thread, I have decided very heavily in favour of going to a REAL university. Here, it is $22,000 for your LPN, $19,000 for your RN bridge. Ridiculous! And even if you qualify for all of the assistance, you will still have to take loans and pay them back. Going through the traditional BSN program and a well-standing university (Boise State - very competitive program), I will only end up owing about $8,000 at the end of my 5 years.

I am still barely a student. Have yet to begin my pre-reqs - start in Spring. But I am interested - how do unions work in this field? In the labour industry, there are many cons when compared to the pros. Employers cannot afford unionized workers, so they go oversees looking for workers. But since we do not actually produce things, I would assume this is a little different. I would assume that employers seek non-union members rather than union members, even if their experience is lesser. This could pose some issues, yes? Just looking to get educated and cannot find anything via Google. :)

This has been my general take on the market there as well. I have even seen Providence hiring for positions that a new grad would qualify for. But it has always been my thought that one should never move right when they get out of college. It is a huge risk, and leaves more room for stress, being outside your familiar element and all, finding housing, etc. It is something that a new grad does not need at the most important time in their career. That said, I plan on accumulating at least one year of experience (most likely two) here before moving to Oregon. I will have at least seven years of experience working with DDA by the time I graduate (nine if I am not forced to quit), so I am hoping that that will have some sort of good impact on my resume.

I am applying at BSU this week for. I don't know how traditional universities work, so it's pretty strange to me. Like, not knowing the class schedule before even going to orientation, not knowing exactly which classes I will take, etc. Anyways... I am a little discouraged. A coworker of mine applied multiple times to the nursing program at BSU, and never got in. She said she had a 4.0 and high entrance exam scores. She gave up applying to nursing, and graduated with a BS in Psychology. Does not sound good. "/

Okay, CWI (ASN) is not accredited. Carrington, however, is. Anyways, I am still on the fence... I just don't know what the best route is - and how it will all work with me working 3 on, 4 off nights/week.

GrnTea, I work with developmentally disabled adults in an apartment. I am still considering the ASN, as Salary.com shows that 43% of RN's have an ASN, while 49% have a BSN. So would it really be that bad for me to get my ASN and then get my BSN at a later date?

GrnTea, thank you much for your opinion. I am thinking this as well... It just may be the better deal. I would be an idiot to disregard someone with as much experience as it sounds like you have. The credits from the ASN school transfer to Boise State, but BSN is probably best... I just submitted my FAFSA and forgot to include Boise State University in my list of schools. >. I have a question for you - hopefully you are following this topic... I hope to go to school full time. I currently work 9-5 M-F, however, I used to work the 5p-9a 4 on 3 off schedule when I attended school for Massage. This worked great. Awake for about five hours of the shift. So I would have time to study and what-not as well. Do you think this would be a good shift for full-time schooling at a traditional university such as BSU? I would really rather not spend more than five years in college. As it is, I will be 29 when I get out if I start next year. Still young, I know, but that is just that much longer that I have to keep my family living in this house (w/ mother, father [who aren't so bad] and my delinquent older brother]) and in this God-awful area. But I really want to do what is best for my career. On days that classes interrupt my work schedule, I will most likely be able to have someone come in early for me. Anyways, thank you - your reply is just what I needed. :)

If I go for BSN, that's even longer working this lower paying job; that's my hang-up. Thank you for your input. :)

Hi all. Long-time researching into the nursing field. I am prepared to make the leap. However, I need to figure out what programs to attend. My options are: > Certificate in Practical Nursing @ Carrington College (accredited) - ~$19,000 - 10 mo - then attend Boise State University for their LPN-RN program. PROS: start as LPN to earn more before going to get BSN; CONS: full time school while working full time, high tuition, will have to seek personal loans > ASN @ College of Western Idaho (accredited) - ~$5,000 - 2 yr; then attend BSU or another school in Idaho or Oregon for my BSN. PROS: lower tuition, will prob not have to seek personal loans, receive AS that would allow me to license as an RN as opposed to LPN; CONS: will take more than a yr longer, have to look for a RN-BS program to attend thereafter The reasoning behind going to Carrington is that I would be able to work as an LPN and make more money off the bat. However, I would be tied-down to more debt. On the flip side of that, however, I would be making about $20,000 more per year than I am now at $16,000. The reasoning behind going to CWI is that I would be less in-debt, I would be able to license as an RN, and would not be cramming so much vital information in all at once, that I may not retain. However, I would then have to seek out a RN-BS program to attend. Boise State University has one, as does Walla Walla University in Portland (Portland is where we want to move to). So, it is quite hard trying to figure it all out. "/ Any advice?

Like?

Found a couple positions like that. I could try applying to one of those.

Ah, I see. Patient Care Technician is a CNA job, correct? I'd love to somehow strengthen my opportunities for post-grad, though I do have a minimum income I need to uphold.

What did you do there? I don't believe there is any hospital that would hire anyone without experience. I have been working with developmentally disabled adults for five years now. :)

Okay. I am going to request information from CWI (College of Western Idaho) for their accredit ASN programme. BSU has a RB-BS programme that is also available as an online programme. What I hope to get from this: ASN lands me a PT (pref FT) RN job, take BSU's course online, maybe get hired where I have my internship. This course will take so much longer, but will end up being better. Hopefully after all that work I will be hired...

Have been reading that Dental Hygienenist, Physicians Assistant, and Physical Therapy Assistant are the new up-and-coming healthcare professions. The first two being the only ones worth going to college for. DH and PA both are two-year degrees and offer on-par salaries when compared to RN. However, the quality of work you provide and the impact on peoples' lives is much less. Have wanted to go into nursing for a long time now. Now I am thinking twice about spending $50,000 to go to school for RN, when there are no jobs to be had.

True, they do not transfer. But I went to Carrington for Massage Therapy and loved it. Well, now I am wondering if it is even worth going to school then. I would absolutely love to be an RN, but if I am going to spend over $45,000 on an education that may not get me employment, then it is a horrible idea... As a new grad, you've got nothing on nurses with experience. Sounds like I would be an idiot to go to school for something I want to do. Looking into Dental Hygiene and Physician Assistant. Not appealing to me. They don't have the impact on peoples' lives like nurses do. And PA is more expensive for an Associates. "/

Carrington is based in California, with campuses elsewhere. There is one here in Boise, used to be Apollo. And yes, I am weary of the fact that it is unaccredited. Do not RN to BSN programmes take anyone with a current RN license? I guess if I want to get the most out of my education and increase my employability, I need to go with an accredited BSN programme? Man, oh man... Not looking good!

Anyone with any info?

I noticed that Carrington also has a full two-year ASN (for RN) programme. It is not accredited yet. But their candidacy for the programme ends in Fall 2012, so I am hoping they get it then. I still have things to take care of before enrolling, but here's what I'm thinking: A two-year ASN at Carrington. If it does not get accreditation, then at least I will still be working as an RN in two years instead of five. That's three more years of income, experience, and time with the family. I am thinking the experience will outweigh the lack of a BSN? I looked at some more openings in Portland. A lot do not require a BSN, though many prefer it. However, I am thinking experience (and certifications) are more important. How does that sound?

I am pondering going to Carrington College's two-year ASN programme that will make me eligible for RN licensure. It is not accredited by NLNAC (LPN programme is, RN candidacy ends 2012 - hope it gets it!). I am slightly worried about my possible career opportunities. I do not want to spend two years and $45,000 on an education, only to default on loans. I have looked at salary.com and it appears as though about 40% of all RN's have an associates degree. The most numerous degree is BSN. With my ASN, would I have horrible odds of getting a full time position with benefits here in the northwest? Live in Boise. Move to Portland after having around four years of experience, I think. Hopefully sooner. I am currently working forty hours a week at only $.25 above minimum wage. My wife, 5.5-month daughter, and myself are living at my parents' house. This is to reduce debt, and we are doing great with it so far. But I need to advance myself. Is there a statistic of how many new grads do not find work?

Carrington's LPN program is accredited. RN program is not. Yet. CWI and BSU would be far longer, and the schedule would not do. Also, I would have to commute to CWI. At Carrington, the schedule would be rough (9a-5p), but it would do. 9a to 5p is my current schedule for work, but there are two night shifts that I could 'choose' from, if there are any availabilities at work, that are 5p to 9a. I am not set on where to go, though, as there seem to be no options that really fit for me. I am becoming quite discouraged!

Nice comment, MN-Nurse! I have encountered many-a-nurse with 'better' credentials than my mother in-law, but when told they were doing something wrong by her, they kind of just give her the sideways puppy-dog face. I am still looking forward to becoming an LPN and RN. Will most likely enroll for Spring 2012. edit: Carrington College here in Boise offers an LPN to RN fast-track (bridge?). However, that program itself is not accredited by the NLNAC, whereas the LPN program is. The RN program is under candidate status from Fall 2010 to Fall 2012. Does that mean they will be granted accreditation in Fall 2012?