Rejected by RN Programs- Should I Take the LPN Program?

Dear Nurse Beth,

After receiving my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Philosophy, I realized that there weren't many jobs I could do with that degree in a related field (I wanted to work in clinical field). I worked in the human services field for mentally disabled (and some physically disabled as well) people for 4 years and in the meanwhile, I took some pre-requisite courses to enter an accelerated BSN program.

I tried two schools last year and got rejected by both. I'm re-taking two classes on-line that I did not get great grades in, of course, I cannot fix my undergrad GPA, which is barely 3.0. I will then be applying to more schools this year, which will start next summer/fall. During this time, I actually applied to 10-month LPN program in local community college and got accepted, and they've been calling me and asking me to come in and try even after I missed all mandatory orientation and registration period. My goal is to be a RN.

Should I take the opportunity to go through LPN program in case I don't get into ABSN this time, and maybe find other (and slower) ways to become RN, or should I just focus on getting into ABSN now and try to start it next year? I'm just tempted to take LPN just because I'm not confident enough that I will get accepted by those competitive programs.

Dear Tempted,

It might not be a bad idea to take the position in the LPN program. It gives you the advantage of immediacy. You've had 2 rejections, and now you have been offered an opportunity.

It's community college, so the tuition is low. It could be a way to get started in nursing while you find your path to becoming an RN.

Best wishes in your decision,

Nurse Beth
Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next