michelle2369

It also depends on what you really want to do. I'm in pennsylvania and a lot of hospitals don't hire LPNs anymore. They're mostly hired in LTC facilities. I also always hear..."LPN's don't make any money!" In my area I know LPN wages are very comparable to RNs in the area. You need to do some research.

I just made that decision recently. I've been on the RN program waiting list at my school for over 2 years and I can't wait any longer so I am going into the LPN program. The ADN program at our school is 2 years (4 semesters) and the LPN program is 1 year (3 straight semesters). At my school if you go into the LPN program and go back for RN you can test out of the first semester of the ADN program. It's really up to you and your situation. But either way has it's benefits. I'm taking a CNA course next month and plan to work as a CNA until January when the LPN program begins. That will give me experience and start to prepare my for the LPN program. Then once I finish that and work for a while I will go back for my RN. Personally I think I will feel more at ease going into it slowly and gaining experience instead of just going right into an RN program without any medical background. Not that it cannot be done, alot of people do it that way. I'm constantly being told just go for the RN and frankly I find that quite annoying that some think LPN's are not "real" nurses or that I won't be happy as an LPN. I will never ever have that attitude that as an RN you deserve a higher status...

I have kind of been in your boyfriend's shoes. I was with my boyfriend for over a year and we were inseperable...and then he decided to go back to school to become a PA. I saw him once a week for a few hours if I was lucky. It almost broke us up because I felt neglected. We managed to get through it and I'm happy we have. It's been over 5 years and now I'm going back to school for nursing. He supports me and understands the demand of the schooling. So my advice drop him...if he isn't supporting you now through school. . .who knows how it will turn out later on in life. I do know that it is easier said then done. You need to take care of yourself, you won't have time to stress over a relationship while in school. Sit him down, set him strait, give him the option to support you or not.

did you flunk out of the program? what was it like?? are you being a bit over critical? i know it's going to be tough...as any program is...but really that bad? i really dont have any other options...i've taken out so many loans on a previous pursuit and a community college is all i can afford.

I'm taking a CNA class in a few weeks and I would like to know too.....specifically in Pennsylvania...Allentown/Reading area. Thanksss

Thanks for the help everyone! And also the well wishes! I really appreciate it. I didn't really think about it but i'm more nervous about my bottoms being see through. haha I will definitely look for those can's see through me ones! Thanks again

I'm taking a CNA course in a few weeks and they require us to purchase all white scrubs (eeeek)! Is it okay to wear a tank top or cami under my top for some extra coverage? ** i don't really have any nude colored bras to wear under a white top...anyone know where to get a nude tank top/cami?

I've been going back and forth on the same decision for months and it really depends on your situation. My decision was based on time and money (I want to get moving with a career and can only afford to not work for a year). If I had no post high school education I would go right into a BSN program. But if you're looking to get into something sooner go with LVN route. You will finish in about a year, gain some experience, then go back for your RN. That's my plan. I'm not sure what the need for LVNs in your area is, but here in Pennsylvania I see a lot of openings, but mostly in LTC facilities.

I know exactly how you feel! I've recently decided to go into an LPN program over RN just because the waiting list to get into the program is insanely long. I really just want to get the ball rolling already. I do plan to go back into an RN program after a few years of experience working as an LPN. However, I too am concerned with the nursing shortage. I've also heard discouraging remarks as LPN's aren't "real" nurses and blah blah blah. But my decision I am making is what is BEST FOR ME at the current time. That is all that matters! I know where ever I start I will be the best that I can in whatever I do.. whether LPN or RN and I won't let anybody make me feel bad about that.

I'm trying to decide which route to go. I would hate to do the LPN program and when finished wish I would have just done RN. let me tell you a little bit about my situation. I am 25 years old and I was originally in school for psychology. I went to a University for 3 years until I decided I did not want to pursue that any longer and decided to go for nursing. I took about 6 months off from school and decided to move out on my own and work a little bit. I've taken out so much money in school loans so my only option for nursing school is a local community college (RACC) that I can afford. Well I've been on the waiting list for over a year and was just told I still may not be able to start yet this coming Fall of 2010. They only start the classes in the Fall time so at this point I may not be able to begin the RN program until Fall 2011. I feel I cannot wait that long. I've taken Micro and Anatomy I, and am set to start Anatomy II next week for this coming semester. I'm just frustrated at this age, making little money, have financial problems, and car problems and just want to have a job I know I will enjoy doing and still afford to make a decent living for myself. There is no waitlist for the LPN program which I would start January 2011 and is completed in December 2011. OR I can start the RN program Fall 2011 and be finished that Spring 2013. That seems so far off. If I was 18 and out of highschool I wouldn't mind waiting an extra year, but at this point in my life I'm ready to just begin. I've been going back and forth on this for the past few days. I just don't know what to do. Any advice??? I was wondering what salary differences are? What are the responsibility differences? Thanks!! I appreciate it.

I'm trying to decide which route to go. I would hate to do the LPN program and when finished wish I would have just done RN. let me tell you a little bit about my situation. I am 25 years old and I was originally in school for psychology. I went to a University for 3 years until I decided I did not want to pursue that any longer and decided to go for nursing. I took about 6 months off from school and decided to move out on my own and work a little bit. I've taken out so much money in school loans so my only option for nursing school is a local community college (RACC) that I can afford. Well I've been on the waiting list for over a year and was just told I still may not be able to start yet this coming Fall of 2010. They only start the classes in the Fall time so at this point I may not be able to begin the RN program until Fall 2011. I feel I cannot wait that long. I've taken Micro and Anatomy I, and am set to start Anatomy II next week for this coming semester. I'm just frustrated at this age, making little money, have financial problems, and car problems and just want to have a job I know I will enjoy doing and still afford to make a decent living for myself. There is no waitlist for the LPN program which starts January 2011 and is completed in December 2011. OR I can start the RN program Fall 2011 and be finished that Spring 2013. That seems so far off. If I was 18 and out of highschool I wouldnt mind waiting an extra year, but at this point in my life I'm ready to just begin. I've been going back and forth on this for the past few days. I just don't know what to do. Any advice??? Is anyone and LPN or RN in the area? I was wondering what salary differences are? What are the responsibility differences? Thanks!! I appreciate it.

Thank you so much for such a good response. It's finally given me a good idea what to expect!!

Another question....after the first semester of clinicals are you able to work as a cna?

Thank you so much for replying with that. It seems like everyone in my classes are going for Lab Tech or Respiratory Care so I've had little association with any nursing students. I've been kind of clueless on what to expect. We have a meeting next week which I believe we get forms for clearances and cpr...etc. Right now I have a 3.7 gpa and will definitely have all my classes finished by May so when the time comes for clinicals that is all I will need to worry about. Luckily I do not have kids, and have a very supportive boyfriend (with school and financially if needed). I would hope that I could at least waitress or something on the weekends to make some extra money, but if it's that intense I do have the option to not work. Will have to see what I can handle. I will be 100% committed to nursing though. During clinicals what are the hours like? How much is class time? How much is clinical time? What is taught in the first semester, 2nd, 3rd, 4th? What are the book costs? I try to take a look on RACC's bookstore website...It seems that the first semester you buy most of the books you need throughout the program? Am I right with that? Did you feel well prepared? I haven't heard much about the program but the few stories I did hear were horror stories of students who got kicked out of the program "because the professors are horrible." I'm sure thats not the case but it has me nervous Thanks!!

I've been on their waiting list for over a year and hopefully will finally start the clinicals this coming fall. In the mean time I've been taking care of my sciences....Anatomy and Micro which I've done pretty well in. I'll be finished all other classes by May so when it's time for the clinicals it is all I have to focus on. I am anxious to begin clinicals but am very nervous as well. How are clinicals setup? How are the professors? How is the schedule? Is it possible to handle a full time job on top of the clinicals. Any tips or advice or any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!