What to do?? :)

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello, I'm new to this site. I have been reading for a while now a lot of the posts and it's all VERY informative :)

Anyways, it's obvious the nursing field is VERY competative right now, which is scaring me!!! My dream is to become a nurse, I've started pre-reqs and already have a Bachelors in Business....so needless to say I'm a nontraditional student going through a huge career change. I'm also a mom & wife with 2 small kids. If only I realized I wanted to be a nurse when I was younger..lol. Oh well.

To cut to the chase....GPA seems to be the biggie with admissions. When it's all said and done I'll have a 3.52 overall (including prior bachelor's) and hopefully 4.0 with all the pre-req's required. I've been voluterring at a local hospital working directly with patients and nurses, which has been AMAZING!!! I also work full-time in a non-health related position.

I have a while to go to be done with re-req's, & more voluteering experience.

If you were me (and please be honest) would you apply for an Accelerated Nursing program or become perhaps a LPN then work towards a BSN? Considering I have little ones, and work, I'm currently not able to volunteer much more than a few hours a week...and to clarify, I would quit working my current job if I were to start an Nursing program. Am I even a competative candidate for an Accelerated or a Traditional Nursing program??? Any advise will be appreciated!

Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

We see many many threads like yours. You need to do what you feel is best for you and your family. You've got the drive! Good luck :)

Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Personally I think the LPN license may delay your education and goal attainment. BUT, I know many good RN's who were great LPN's at one time. You have to stay motivated to get your education

Specializes in LTC and School Health.

I did the LPN-RN route and it worked for me. You have to do what is best for you and your family. Staying motivated and determined is the key to success.

Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.

In the end, it has to be a decision you make, that said- me and my best friend graduated high school the same year, We both applied to 2 regional ADN schools, and even though he is definetly smarter than me, his grades in school got him refused from both (He lost his sister to car accident his junior year, GPA plummeted from Special Honors). I chose the "nearest" one.

He wasn't just devistated, he knew he could start pre-reqs for BSN, and just get the necessary "Pre-Nursing" his first two years at the Community College. He, after talking with advisors, changed his mind- he entered the LPN Program.

I can surely tell you beyond the shadow of a doubt- his school experience was MUCH MORE rigorous. The LPN program was Monday-Friday after a short while. Seemed like they were in the hospital and class everyday. I don't pretend to know much about the LPN program- other than watching my schedule (which I considered brutal with Work on the side) to his (which I considered Horrendous!). That said, he now has a higher degree in Nursing than me, and works a whole lot less, making a whole lot more! He is now a CRNA in Chattanooga, and Travel (rarely use my advanced degree besides minimum continuing education requirements!).

I would just say take your time and figure out what is best for you. My observation: LPN/LVN more rigorous/but shorter. RN/ASNorAAN Longer but better paced.

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