Should I transfer to an LPN program?

[mkoenig1]

So this past fall I started a nursing program (ADN, two year track.)

I've been doing great in my classes (straight A's in two, but a B in the other two.)

I am expecting my first baby in December and I am feeling extremely overwhelmed with the idea of finishing this program with my new child. (I'm 18 years old and all of this is very new to me. It's going to be extremely hard to balance school, work, and a newborn.)

Part of me thinks I've been foolish to start nursing school, the other part of me is proud of myself for doing it. I've wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl, so I know this is what I want for myself. My question is, would it be foolish to transfer into the LPN program at the school I'm going to? I'm worried about money, and if I had a job as an LPN maybe I could make more for me and my baby to live on while I go back to school to get my RN. I'm really torn. Do any former LPNs have any advice? Or anyone at all?

Thanks,

Mallorey

[dream'n, BSN, RN]

Our stories are fairly similar, although my baby was a newborn. I knew I had to get the quickest education around and start working. My plan was to support us as a LPN while going back for my RN. Took me 18 years to finally get that RN after my name just to become a new grad again, having to start from the bottom up. Employers didn't care that I had multitudes of experience as a LPN, I was a new RN and was payed as such. Honestly that was hard, I had topped out on my LPN salary, which was more than the new grad RN salary I was given.

Take whatever you want from my experience. I don't know if it will help in your decision. But sometimes life gets in the way and it can be really difficult to fit the additional schooling in once you stop.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Have you been accepted to the program, or are you just completing your pre- requisites?

[amoLucia]

PP dream'n said it well.

LIFE HAPPENS, when given a little room. Too many variables can interfere with your best laid plans.

It has happened to sooooo many others. There's no guarantees. But only YOU know what you have to do with all your resources & obligations.

Good luck to you.

[Taylorprice07]

Honestly, I would not switch to an LPN program. It's going to take you a year anyway, which is not much shorter than the 2 years for the RN program. You'll have better job opportunities as an RN and can earn more money. It will be very hard, but it is doable!

[EternalFeather]

my suggestion is to stay in the ADN program if you can. it will be worth it. more opportunities as an RN and it will be less time and effort if you add it all up because if you transfer to LPN, you would have to go back to school again to become an RN and take another license exam.

you should see if you can do the part time ADN path instead.

Life happens, so evaluate your self life and your support system. It is doable but obviously every individual has their own limits.

I went to nursing school with a classmate who was pregnant, she gave birth in a december and came right back to class in spring semester. She graduated with us, took the NCLEX and then worked as an RN.

[caliotter3]

You are putting yourself into the category of those who say they are going to return and then they never do. One thing, then another, get in the way and so it goes. Stick with the program you are in. You are more likely to be successful in the long run.

[Jennss29]

I wonder. Are there any LVN programs that accept transfer ADN students. I'm in a similar situation. I've only completed one year of ADN school and I am looking for a temp financial fix as ADN school is on hold until further notice.