What To Do In My Situation?? ASN/LPN/BSN?

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Hello All!!

I am super brand new here, and have a few questions for your consideration. :wink2:

Let me preface this with saying that I dropped out of college in 2002, after only completing 2 years (it was a 4 year school), and still have not completed my Bachelors degree. I am 26, soon to be 27 in the summer, and just left a job a few weeks ago (office related) that was not fulfilling. I am also in a committed and monogamous relationship with my life-partner, and seeking a place where I can be myself; I am lesbian, but no one ever knows until I tell them about my partner.

Having said that, I would like to become a RN, and eventually become a CRNA or NP down the line. I need to have money coming in right now in order to pay my portion of the bills, and therefore unsure if I could handle the BSN (though I would love the opportunity!). From my research thus far, my local community colleges having waiting lists for the ASN/ADN until Fall 2010 (gosh!!). And as I mentioned, I can not afford to do a BSN right now. Hmm...I guess I am really unsure which route would take me to my goal. I have considered becoming a CNA, and working in a local hospital (for experience, money, etc) while attending school (if I can find one!!). FYI, I am located in the Philadelphia, PA area.

Sadly, I also have to consider my 'fitting in' should I obtain my nursing degree. Will I face discrimination because I am apart of the LGBT community, amongst other factors (being new, etc)? Should I 'come-out' during job interviews/or in class? I have always been a private person by nature, but I would love to be able to share my life just as the average person.

So, I need some advice on school choices, and being out at work, or in the nursing profession in general. I just don't want someone to not like me based on who I am; it hurts.

Thank you, and I wish you all a great day!

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Specializes in LTC.

Maybe you can become a CNA and work as a CNA while completing nursing school ? I became a CNA first, now I'm working on my LPN, and I plan on working as a LPN while finishing up my BSN. I need to make money now and I want to gain experience this is why I have chosen this route. Good luck and welcome to ALLNURSES !

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I don't know what part of the country you live in, but I wouldn't discuss any relationship - gay or straight - at a job or admissions interview. Don't give them the option to discriminate against you, especially since the majority of states don't have any laws prohibiting discrimination against gay and lesbian folks. Once you're in, tell whoever you feel comfortable telling - it SHOULDN'T make a difference anywhere, but nurses can be as bigoted as people in any other occupation, unfortunately.

As far as what program is right for you, that really depends on where you live and what's available. Depending on which courses you took when you tried college the first time, you may have completed most of the gen ed courses that separate a BSN from an ASN (there are usually a few extra nursing courses as well). The price difference between programs varies regionally, as do waiting lists - typically, BSN programs don't use them. LPN programs can cost even more than BSN, since many (not all) are offered by expensive technical schools. Find out what courses you'll need as prereqs for each type of program, what the expected costs are of each, and how they do admissions. Also, find out the time commitment - many LPN programs (at least where I live) are 8-6 M-F, so you may have a hard time fitting in a job. I always had at least 3 days off a week in my ABSN program, and I could have worked for the whole program if I would have needed to. There's a whole forum here devoted to ADN/BSN/Diploma, and a separate LPN forum if you have specific questions.

Good luck to you!

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I wouldn't come out during any interviews. I know several gay and lesbian nurses both here on AN and at work. Let others show that they are trustworthy through their actions. Protect you and your partner. NS is tough on relationships so make sure that you work through relationship issues before getting into and starting a program.

If you can swing the BSN I would do that.

I would make a list of schools and set up appointments with the nursing admissions coordinators. Some questions to ask:

1. Admission procedures and deadlines.

2. Financial aid availability

3. Clinical sites/hours

4. NCLEX pass rates. (90% first time indicates adequate rigor.)

5. Prerequisites.

6. Average admission GPA. (Do they calculate based on prerquisites or overall.)

If you are satisfied with the interview process than you know if you want to become a part of their program.

Preparing for the interview:

1. Have copies of your transcripts. This will help the coordinator identify any prerequisite classes you need to take or retake.

2. If the website of the school calls for reference letters have them with you.

3. Be ready for the "why do you want to be a nurse?" question.

Closing:

Thank them for their time.

Followup:

Send a thank you letter (not an email.) Let the coordinator know that you would be available for placement on an alternate list. You would be amazed at the number of last minute cancellations that happen.

Best of luck!

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Thank you so much for the awesome replies (and do keep them coming!)!

How I wish I could afford the BSN! Kind of wishing I was 18 and still living at my mom's house. Anyway, I will take all of the advice given and contact my local schools. If this is meant to be, then it certainly will be.

I will keep everyone posted!!

Have a great day :redpinkhe

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