Questioning my decision on LPN program...

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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I start my LPN program next week and I really just want to turn the other way and run. Don't get me wrong I really want to be a nurse, but I've never been 100% sure that the LPN route is the way I want to go. I'll be honest and say that I signed up for the LPN program without doing research on what an LPN was or how the LPN job market is in my area was. A few months ago I researched everything and I was really let down to known that LPN's are not really used in my area, at all. The few jobs that I could find required experience of at least a couple years and I have no medical experience. Not to mention there's three LPN schools in the area so the job market is probably saturated. I was also extremely let down to know that none of the classes I would take at the LPN program would transfer towards the local community college or any college for that matter. After looking up all this information, I'd honestly rather try to get my RN instead. I know there are bridge programs, but I would still have to do ALL the pre-reqs. At least two years worth and then the local schools only let you test out of the first semester of nursing school and they also require you to have over six months working experience as an LPN to bridge. I initially chose the LPN program because it was only 10 months. You know, what can seem better than potentially landing a good nursing good after only 10 months? But after looking into it, my options are very limited where I live for an LPN. I can't decide if 10 months of LPN school are worth only being able to test of out one semester and more than likely not landing the amazing job I dreamed of in my head.

I've debated whether or not the LPN program was what I really wanted to do for months now. Both in my head and with my friends and family. Everyone tells me to go get my RN and I know in my heart that's what I want to do. I didn't know it when I signed up for this, but now I know it. Yesterday, I received a call from the school saying they were having problems processing my loan. Exactly a week before the start of school, stressful! I had a terrible feeling in my stomach the whole time and really wanted to say 'forget it I don't want to go'. I couldn't believe they waited this late to tell me there's problems with my loan. I feel like it was a sign reinforcing what I have thought for months, that this may not be the best decision for me.

Also yesterday, the power steering went in my car. I found out it needs an entire new steering column costing $2,000 to replace... I will have no car to drive to school and will have to think of a way to get there for awhile being I left my job to go to the LPN program and do not have an extra $2,000 laying around. Either yesterday was just the worst day ever or it's signs that I shouldn't do the LPN program.

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Specializes in Pediatrics and Women's Health.

Hello dear,

Okay, first take a deep breath. Second think and weigh out your options. Do a pros and cons list if needee and go from there. It takes baby steps to get where you need to be. Lpn may or may not be the correct route but I personally wouldn't give up. Idk if you believe in God but He does everything for a reason. You got this far to the point of starting, why stop there? Things can change in a week and this could be the enemies way of d

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What NathifaLR said could not be more correct -- take a deep cleansing breath. There will always be things that break, money that needs spending and other crises that ran down upon our lives, particularly when one is at the cusp of great change. Is LPN my end goal? Not at all! Is it a quickly attainable step on the ladder of academic progress? Absolutely. Look at the market as far out as you are comfortable, if nothing shows in that range cast a net in metropolitan areas where you have family or friends. Also look at how difficult it would be for you to enter an RN program, will you have to wait for a place? How many years? Do you have the finances to cover the prerequisite course load? Will you have loan problems there as well? Does your current employer provide tuition reimbursement? When I looked at LPN schools I sought out ones that provided accelerated placement into a local ADN and BSN programs (the local community college saves about 10 seats for LPN graduates from our program). Take a hard look at everything, maybe it's not the LPN route that's a bad fit but the school you applied to. Don't let anxiety and 11th hour financial stress derail you since you wouldn't likely enter an RN program until Fall next year and by then you could have PN licensure under your belt.

If you decide that LPN is not for you and you are certain then that is that.

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If I understand what you are saying correctly, the issue is not completely about your recent car problems, nor is it about anxiety, etc.

It sounds like one of your major issues is that you did not check out the LPN option completely, and are now finding things about it that do not meet your expectations.

From what you wrote, I gather that the credits you earn in your LPN program are not transferable. Are you certain about this? I ask that because if your school is properly accredited your credits should transfer without problem. Now if your school is only accredited by your state BON but not regionally accredited, you're right. Those credits will not transfer to an accredited school, and in my opinion (only MY opinion), that would be something that I think you are right to have second thoughts about. It doesn't mean you shouldn't go to that school and take the LPN program, but you are correct in that you will have to retake some courses before you can really think about bridging to RN.

Not many have the luxury of time or money to have to retake classes because a school does not have the accreditation one is looking for.

Would you mind sharing the name of the school? If you're not comfortable doing so, by all means don't, but I'm not going to try to convince you that you should attend a school and take a program that you have continually had doubts about.

I agree with other posters that sometimes the enemy puts roadblocks in our way to try to keep us from our destiny. It also true that God will put rocks (even boulders sometimes) in our path to try to steer us away from something that's not His very best for us. I'm not presuming to say that I know what the answer is in your case, but I will say that for some reason you have never felt at peace about attending this particular school or even about going the LPN route.

I hope you get this all sorted out and have peace with your decision whatever it may be. Best wishes to you. Whatever path toward nursing you take, what matters is that you take your path not someone else's.

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Withdraw from the school. it is not a "LPN school" but a PN education you are trying to find. The "L" is only granted upon completion of school and the national exam.

Ten months is nothing. Here, in Canada it is 2+ years to become a PN graduate. Our only route to RN is via a degree programme at university.

Get your deposit back and do some research.

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Specializes in Pediatrics and Women's Health.

I was in the middle of my thought earlier today but couldn't finish it because I was at work nor do I remember the rest. My best advice to keep it short and simple this time is stick it out. You may end up regretting due to your fear and anxiety. It is the first step to many. Take the chance. God bless you!

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Just my opinion so please do what you think is best.

I say don't waste your time getting your LPN, I talked to lots of them (before deciding on the RN path myself) and there was not one that said she was happy with being an LPN. More than one told me that they always thought they'd go back and get their RN but then they got working and stuff happens (like cars need work). I think your car and the loan not going through are signs that you should go for the RN from the start.

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I've talked to plenty of LPNs before who have completely enjoyed their work. I also know RNs that were LPNs before who have said it was probably the best route they could have taken because it prepared them so well for the broader roles they would be assuming as RNs. Also, it provided them a way to generate good income as they went through school to complete their RN degrees. Now there are some LPNs that have become complacent and the years have passed them by and they regret not completing the RN which was so in their grasp. But I have never once met an LPN (I work in a SNF with RNs and LPNs) that said they regret becoming an LPN. The idea is never to become complacent. You are in control of your future. No one these days becomes an LPN with the notion that they will retire as an LPN. Most of us are becoming LPNs as a means to enter RN programs without having to be waitlisted and take an a huge load of classes. You have to take Pre-Reqs for any program if you don't have any college credits. Pre-Reqs being english, math, electives, social sciences, biology, A&P, those have to be taken regardless. If you are an LPN, it is my understanding that is accepted in lieu of the classes a first year nursing student would be taking, at least it is at the school I will be bridging over to upon completing my PN schooling. Honestly, the only way you will formulate a decision is to do your own research. Do not leave it up to the opinions of strangers. We don't know you or anything about you, thus, we don't know what's best for you. Only you and the Man Upstairs know that. If you feel that He is telling you an LPN program is not right for you, then that's what it is.

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I'm an LPN, and love being one. I graduated in 2009 and work at a sub-acute rehab.

It is hard work, busy, busy,busy.

I will never regret being a LPN, I had no experience prior, I graduated LPN school then got the job I have now.

Don't second guess your self, do the best you can in school, then get a job. You will find one it might take time, but you will get one.

Then look into RN school, I start a ADN program in January, and will never forget my roots.

Good luck

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