Struggling with the different paths to become a RN

[MajesticDancer]

Hi all,

I am hoping for your help. All opinions are welcome.

I am currently working towards changing my career and becoming a RN. I have my BA in political science and my MA in cultural anthropolgy.

I have been completing my prereqs to attend an ABSN program but am beginning to rethink the ABSN route. I'd like to stay living where I am (Sacramento, CA) if at all possible, but there is only one ABSN program here and it's expensive.

I am trying to weigh all the factors: quality of education, cost for me to go to school and not work for 1.5 years (plus pay my mortgage and general living expenses), and which is the best path for quick career advancement (I enjoy challenges).

Should I: go for my ABSN, a MSN (not as a NP, but with the knowledge that later down the line I would like to become a NP), or take a route such as LVN to RN to BSN, etc.? Plus, I have to figure if there are employer programs that will pay me as a LVN to go back and get my BSN (I don't even know which employers offer this but I know it exists). Then I also have to consider other loan forgiveness programs such as working in a VA.

As you can see I am overwhlemed with options...and that doesn't even count me figuring out which specialization I would like to a RN in! I wish there was a general nurse counselor I could meet with who is knowledgeable about all of these things but it seems most I have met are only really familiar with their own school.

Any help or insight you could provide would be incredibly appreciated. I am really excited to be closer to going to nursing school (I'm almost there) but feel overwhelmed with all the choices and not really wanting to move to go to school (but will if it is the right thing to do).

Thank you!!

P.S. My avatar is a pic of my horse - an ex racehorse name Majestic Dancer (well he never raced because he was injured during training but he still likes to think he can RUN like the wind).

[caliotter3]

Many, if not most, people apply to X number of programs and attend the one that accepts them, accepts them first, or is closer to the top of their list and accepts them, or is closer to their home, etc. If you develop very strong preferences and have the money and energy to relocate to your preferred program, then that will dictate your choices. I can commiserate with your location in Sacramento. That does not make your decision very easy, as more than likely, all nursing programs in all areas of CA are not easy for admission. Your choices will most likely be dictated by your ability to make yourself as competitive as possible. Going to nursing school in CA is no walk in the park.