johnwe

This is why I am looking at the LPN route. There is currently a 2 yr waiting list for the ADN program in my area. I still have some pre-reqs to take, so I would actually have to wait about 3 yrs at least before I even started the ADN program. Through my evaluation of all of this, I could get the LPN and then bridge to RN or do an LPN > BSN program while working. I've had some people tell me just go for the RN. My sisters even tell me this (they're nurses)That IS what I'm doing, I just feel I have to take a specific route to get there based on my circumstances. Thanks for both of the replies.

Hello all. I do find this forum quite helpful. My question is this. I am really considering becoming a nurse. Based on my specific set of circumstances, I have a question I was wondering if someonw might give me some guidance on. I am 34 yo male. I have a M.S. in computer science which I just completed. Why do I consider nursing? I always have, but for some rason or another, I never took the plunge and went back to school because of timing, money, etc. (You know). Well now I am married with a wonderful wife and daughter (18 mos). My life was recently turned upside down when I got laid off from my nice comfortable secure job. Here I have a young daughter, a mortgage to pay AND a new house currently under construction. What fun trying to sort all of this out! In many ways I am at rock bottom. In many ways I believe that everthing happens for a reason and I definitely have a lot of experience under my belt with work, school, and life in general. Anyhow, contrary to popular belief, there is absolutely no career stability in technology or computers and very fuew jobs. Trust me! Many people think this is not true, but I know what I'm talking about in this area. Any how, I have looked at several nursing options and its really not do-able for me to take pre-reqs right now for 2 years and then be on a waiting list for RN school. What I am considering is LPN school which starts this August 2005. I can be finished in 9 months going full time, fully accredited school. Because I am considered a "dislocated worker" for being laid off, I can get government asst from the county I live in to pay for about 80% of the program and pay my day care expense while going. My goal would be to take acouple of pre-reqs toward an RN or BSN at the same time. The way I look at it, I can be in a position to find steady work in about 9 mnths when the school is over. From here I can work some odd hr shifts maybe and keep my girl home from day care ($700 a mnth). All the while, I can contiue on toward a BSN or RN program from somewhere that may allow me to take classes on line or through distance learning and have my employer assist with expenses toward this goal. I already have a M.S. so I wuld like to contiue on and get a BSN. I just feel based on my circumstance, I might be better getting an LPN first and htiing the gound running. What do you all think?????? Any input is much appreciated. Also, yes I have researched nursing quite a bit (my sisters are nurses). I know the good, bad, and ugly about it. Whenever I hear them having a bad day, I remind them that they are gainfully employed and could get a job about anywhere they want. I remind them that my wife and I lost 60% of our income over night, have a child to feed, a house under construction, and just spent $15 grand on a masters degree. This was "cash". I sure wish I had that money now! Anyhow, sorry for the LLLOOONNNGGG question.

Great questions! I knew you'd ask. I live in Springfield IL. I got laid off from my public sector job in computers after 4 yrs of faithful service. I was 1 class away from completion of my masters degree at the time. I learnedabout 1/2 way through my MS of the reality that their is NO jobs in computers. Even with a MS. I am now working tech support doing for an Internet rovider for $8.50 an hour. That is sad. I also have a new house I just built and a wife with a pretty decent job. So, moving is out of the question. I have always been intriged by wanting to be a nurse. Many of my family members are. I just want to now that I have a skill that I can work just about anywhere. Trust me, computers is not where it's at. A lot of people have that misconception that don't work in the field.

I am new to the post and would appreciate some help. I would really like to be a nurse. It would probably help if I gave you my set of circumstances. I have a Masters degree in Computer Science with and B.S. in Liberal Arts. I got my BS in 93 and my MS just this month. What woyld be my best option to become a nurse? I need the most flexible option possible. On line or DL. Should I start as an LPN and then look for a bridge program? Should I take some more pre reqs and then go into an accelarated BSN program? I am 34 yrs old, married, with a daughter. I really need flexability. I have looked at Deaconess, some others, etc. Is there an accelarated BSN through distance learning? Any other Rn online programs? I did get my Masters through distance learning and it was a very good program. Any help is much appreciated!