RN/BSN or LPN Bridge

Published Jul 8, 2008

28 Posts

Thanks to all who responded to my post. I agree that myn UMSL advisor has no idea. Five years is a long time, for me. I really need toget into the workforce quickly.. I have contacted st.johns mercy and theres a Patient Care Associate course they offer that I amy start in September, but Im sure the pay may be squat. I have also been curious about St.Louis college of Health careers because they offer a LPN and Forest Park Communitycollege does have a bridge program, I just got off the phone with a nurse advisor from there and she said it may be a waste of money because you pay a lot to go there, and you have to work a year before you can apply to the bridge. She suggested that I simply do the RN at St.Louis community college or St.charles community college even, need to get my pre-reqs complete and she told me the ones I needed before I could be placed on the list. which are Bio and Chem and a dosage test. then, I would simply work on my Associate degree courses while waiting. Since Im starting from scratch here It may take the time it takes to wait for a spot for me to get several pre-reqs out of the way. She mentioned to the benefits of making a good income RN's salary and BSN salary isn't much different in the beginning, the BSN will open more doors and I would also have the perk of having my job help pay. To me this is certainly the smart way to go. Im 32 I have a 9 and 1 year old. Im a stay at home mom, and Im in a not so stable relationship. I really need to get my life in order and stop depending on someone that I really do not get along with well and I have to make some money to help take care of my family. So yes, I think I will do the RN and take more time to work on my BSN. My ultimate goal is to become a Nurse Practioner, so I will be saving a lot of money to put towards my ultimate goal if I take this route. Again thank You so much for all the amazing advice. Im sure I'll have many more questions. But Im so happy I found this forum. Take Care!