am i doing this right?

Trauma Columnist · Sep 30, 2009

I was a military wife during nursing school too and wish I had done the ADN right off the bat. However, my situation was a little different: in 1990 we PCS'd from Korea to Las Vegas with the idea that we would retire there in six years. However, the USAF had other ideas and we came down on orders after 18 months! To Indianapolis.

I did my pre-reqs the first year we were in Las Vegas, then did the LPN year and in the meantime, hubby and oldest son PCS'd ahead of us (couldn't sell the house but that is another story). I ended up moving to Indy with an LPN. However, the wait list was 4 years for the LPN to RN bridge so I went to a private college, paid big $$$ and then got my ADN in 3 semesters.

My advice - if you know you are being stationed there for 4 years: do your pre-reqs and if waiting time reasonable, go to public college. Otherwise, take out student loans and get your ADN via private college. If you can do it, I would do the BSN from the get-go.

I had small kids at the time I did NS too and it wasn't fun but like you, I was determined to make it.

Good luck -let me know how things go.

KathyRN2B · Sep 30, 2009

I second this advice.

My hubby just retired last year. It's tough having to work around Uncle Sam. I started pre-req's prior to his retirement and here I am starting nursing school on Monday.

Compare programs in your area, both ADN and BSN and go from there. They should also let you know if they have waiting lists. To avoid waiting lists, I personally, opted for private BSN. Costs more but I wouldn't be on a waiting list that would take just as long for me to get my BSN.

The LPN part isn't necessary, really. This is all definitely do-able, even with little ones.

Best of luck to you.

mesa1979, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2009

I did it the way you are doing it. I worked on my pre-req's until I got into the LPN program, which didn't take long. Now that I have graduated, I'm working on my RN thru a private college.....I have four children that range in age from 2-15, so I'm pretty busy, but my RN program is 2-3 days a week for 15 months. I think either way is good, it's just your preferance. Wish ya the best!

mamamerlee, LPN · Oct 2, 2009

I was never a 'candy striper', CNA, or LPN. Unless there are financial circumstances, go directly to an RN program, whichever you can afford in terms of both time and money. Many hospitals have programs for nursing students to work part-time as aides, if you have completed a CNA program or certain courses in school. I personally don't see the point of an LPN program if RN is your destination. Best wishes!!!!

rawrn · Oct 2, 2009

I was never a 'candy striper', CNA, or LPN. Unless there are financial circumstances, go directly to an RN program, whichever you can afford in terms of both time and money. Many hospitals have programs for nursing students to work part-time as aides, if you have completed a CNA program or certain courses in school. I personally don't see the point of an LPN program if RN is your destination. Best wishes!!!!

wow, i'm so proud of you! It sure sounds like you are pursuing your dream while being a supportive military wife and mother! I agree with the above poster...go for the RN. Here is what I did...I am 47 years old and was a medical transcriptionist for 25 years. Although I absolutely loved my career, I always always wanted to be a nurse. I admired and respected them, as I still do. After helping to raise my brother's 2 sons after his demise, then caring for my mom with COPD and her passing and then my father, who then passed, my husband said...that's it...go back to school and do what you have always wanted to do. At the age of approximately 43, I started at a local community college and took my pre-reqs...everything from algebra, to english, to theater, to chemistry, to microbiology. I quit my job and took a much less paying job as a nurses aide...mind you, not a CNA...I was honest and told them that I've never wiped another persons behind other than my mom, dad and the boys, but I was willing to try it if they were willing to give me the chance, in addition, they would pay for my tuition and books (watch urself though...don't sign anything that requires you to "owe" them time back). After I got the pre-reqs out of the way, I applied to the same community college nursing school and was accepted. I graduated in May of this year with my Associates Degree in Nursing (2 year course) and passed my boards in August! Keep in mind too as to whether or not you want to get a diploma or a degree. It will make a difference if you ever want to pursue a higher degree. God Bless and Good Luck!