Starting LPN in August and need advice regarding continuing on to the RN program.

[careerchangeat47]

Hello, I became displaced ( lost job) back in March after many years of financial management(22 all together) . Unemployment is willing to pay to retrain me as an LPN. Nursing has always been a desire of mine however I could never figure out how to work to support my family and attend a nursing program at the same time. I am very excited to start the LPN program in late August and am determined to continue my education and gain RN status as quickly as possible. I most likely will not have to work while I am going through the LPN program. I realize the LPN program is a rather rapid and strenuous learning environment however I was considering attempting to take at least one general education course at the local college each semester so I am that much closer to my RN when I graduate the LPN program....I would love to hear any thoughts or find out if anyone did anything similar. Thanks in advance!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I wouldn't take the general education courses until well after you've completed the LPN program. The point is to do extremely well in the gen. ed. courses, and that might not happen if you're attempting to balance 2 things at once. In many areas, you have virtually no chance of getting into a public RN program if you've received 'B' or 'C' grades in your general education classes.

[Jules A, MSN]

Hi,

I would agree about the pre-reqs if you were trying to get right into a LPN or ADN program because around here with anything less than 3.75 its nearly impossible but since you will already be in the LPN program and will only be applying to a bridge to RN I don't think gpa is that big of a deal. Ask around for sure but here there isn't that much competition for the bridge programs so a B average shouldn't be a problem. I guess it depends on what kind of student you are. FWIW I took a gen-ed class every semester during my LPN and ADN program working toward my BSN and am happy I did. Good luck, Jules

[kat7ap]

If you want my opinion, I think you should just focus on the LPN program especially if you have to work at the same time. This way you can ensure excellent grades in both your LPN classes and your RN bridge prereq's. My LPN program was about 40 hours a week (not including study and homework time) for 11.5 months with only week breaks in between quarters. I didn't work while in the program and I graduated with a 4.0, still I could not imagine being successful in both an LPN program and another gen ed course at the same time. You may also want to spend a few months getting comfortable working as an LPN before you go back to school because you will probably be under enough stress from starting a new career. Sounds like you have some great ambitions, good luck to you!