This may be a silly question

Nursing Students General Students

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Hi,

I am new to this board. I'm 23 and the mother of a 3 month old and I've decided that I want to be a nurse. I'm taking my prereq's now and I need 1 more semester before I can apply for the ADN program which is supposed to be the path to becoming an RN. My question is how do you get into the different areas of nursing? I want to get into pediatrics or NICU. Do you get your ADN first and then later take more courses to specialize or are those areas covered while pursuing the ADN?

Also, what's the biggest difference between an RN and an LPN?

Thank You in advance

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Hi Sabrina!

I'm on Oahu, too! Where are you taking prereq's? I did all my prereq's at LCC and now am at HPU. First semester nursing classes for me! Woohoo!

When you go for your RN (either adn or bsn) you will be trained in general nursing. When you get a job you will be given more specific training to your field... usually through an orientation of about 3 months... at least that's what I have picked up.

An RN has more education and responsibility than an LPN. Much of the job might be similar, though. An RN is usually at least 1 more year's worth of schooling.

(I'm not an expert on any of this... I just wanted to reply to a neighbor... others might actually be better at answering!)

Good luck!

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yeah for you!!!

I'm taking my prereq's at KCC but I live in Kailua and WCC doesn't offer all the courses I need. I also work on the Leeward side though and I thought LCC would be good for me, but everytime I drive to work, the campus looks packed!

I was also looking into HPU but the tuition is a factor.

Do you also work and go to school?

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