Virginia, need a little advice

[tjalexa91]

Hello, I'm just looking for a little advice, I live in Hampton Roads, Va., and I'm trying to decide what to do next. I am currently certified as a CNA(which I hated, loved my patients but the workplace politics sucked) and recently got certified as a pharmacy tech. I have not found any success in getting employed as a pharmacy tech and due to some recent personal happenings I've been afforded a lot of free time aside from caring for my baby. Originally I planned on trying to get into an LPN program but then I started looking into a fast track RN program as well. I've read a lot about how scam like these fast track programs, as well as the issues regarding accreditation. I've also about heard/read about how LPNs are being phased out. I already have some debt and 40thousand more is less than appetizing. I really want to be a nurse and make a better way for my little family, just not sure what path to take. What paths have some of you taken? Any luck with fast track programs? Apologies for my long windedness.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

If you have free time, why not start knocking out some of the typical pre-req classes like A&P 1 and 2 and Micro at your local community college?

[bisson]

If you're going to spend time and money, might as well get the RN. putting in a little extra time will have a reward that you will reap the rest of your career.

My only advice is, do not feed the fake schools that charge $40K for an associates. You have a lot of reputable schools here and you're lucky to be in an area that is always hiring, thanks to the military families that always move away, leaving lots of vacancies.

Do the traditional route, get all your pre-reqs at a community college, keep high GPA, and apply for the nursing program.

I didn't get my RN from VA, so I'm not sure who does nrsing here, I'm assuming ODU, sentara, TCC and Hampton University ( va beach campus).

good luck, keep us posted!