Yes I eventually would like to become a RN but the I'm taking isnt getting me anywhere. I am juggling too many things at once (work, school FT , mom, family) and this will be my 5th year in school. I had to repeat classes due to problems in my personaly life, took a few semesters off and just have had an active life. So here I stand still trying to fulfill my dream. Been going in many different directions and now I am on the straight and narrow. So now I think the LPN route will work for me. I hate my job as CNA (coworkers) and desperately want a change while still supporting my son in the processs. But it seems like everyone is just saying, "why not go straight for RN" ...
I have the majority of my pre req's done for the RN and then some....
I tried that route and it seems like the LPN to RN route will wotk for me. I am 27 years old and I dont have time to waste. I have a 3 year old son and he is attending pre k in the fall, so I need to be there for him through his school years. SO why am I getting criticism on my decision. There are many ways to grandma's house, RIGHT???
The economy sucks for everyone, no matter what career you pursue at this time.
Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.
I know...
I start nursing school on May 31. The CNA's are supportive.
All of the RN's and LVN's at my job are telling me that it's 'a waste of time' and that I should 'just get my RN' and blah, blah, blah....
I mean - they're just trying to help. I understand...but - it's not a waste of time to ME.
I'll do LVN -> RN (finish pre-reqs) -> RN to BSN (excelsior)...and finally, my Masters. I dont' have kids, or a mtg. I own my car so...no car pymts. This is my investment. This is my 'house'.
I just have to get on with a hospital that offers tuition reimbursment and it will all have been worth it...
Besides...I'm going the diploma route because I can see the 'light' at the end of the tunnel. I need OJT. Let us not remake the wheel, here.
Just teach me a trade and put me to work.
*laugh*
I have a friend who is working on her speciality right now. She's a doctor.
I am proud of her, but, she's been in school for 2 decades!
Now, there's no way in hell that I'd go to school for 10-12 more years AFTER I just finished up the initial 12!
*laugh*
If I could, I would. I'd go to med school and what have you. But, I have to attend traditional school in increments. I'm not built for school. I don't love 'learning' everything and, while I am doing it, I hardly have the stamina for a 4 year degree.
In my opinion, a lot of people have negative things to say because they have had negative experiences. I think if you have the drive and motivation, you can make anything happen. I read on here all the time about there being no jobs in California for LVN's etc etc, doom and gloom, doom and gloom. I have a handful of friends I can speak of off the top of my head who are recent (within the last few years) LVN graduates. A friend, LVN, new graduate, working full time at Rady Children's Hospital CCU. How in the heck did that happen? I have two other friends, LVN's graduated a year ago, one working in assisted living doing VERY well, one working for a drug rehab center, ALSO doing very well. Wow..but I thought NO ONE was working? Each of my friends has encouraged me and have told me they are not having trouble finding jobs...and are VERY happy with their decisions. I understand this is a rough economy, but where there is a will there is a way. I know it's probably competitive out there...But personally I don't like hearing people discouraging others from an education because "in their experience", there are no jobs. I just can't believe that each of my friends are lying to me.
People are always going to judge the choices you make. Do what's right for YOU. There is nothing wrong with going for your LPN, whether you plan on going on for your RN after or not.
I'm an LPN student and I get the same thing all the time.. the funny thing is, everyone always asks, "Why would you want to go for your LPN? You can only work in nursing homes.." And they have nothing else to say when I tell them I WANT to work in geriatrics. :)
I do plan on going back for my RN eventually, but this was the best decision for me at this time.
Everyone wants to put their 2 cents in but what the dont understand is that it doesnt matter. If the route you are going is good for you then run with it and forget everyone else. Do what works for you and your son. COngratulations on your acceptance be all that you can be and then you can move on later if you want. GOOD LUCK! Either tell them to mind their business or tell them thank you for you opinion but it works for me.
I know how you feel. It sucks having to feel like you have to justify your decisions to friends and family! I am going through the same thing right now. I originally thought I was going to get accepted into an Accelerated BSN program and HA that didn't happen! I got refused to ADN programs and put on several waiting lists. I think people just don't realize how difficult it is to get into an ADN program. My family saw what I went through and luckily I gained their support on my decision to get my LPN first. Recently, I have met several nurses, some of which who are my teachers who said that getting their LPN first was the best decision they ever made. Don't let anyone bring you down! In my experience so far, I LOVE my LPN program! I am learning so much and so fast. It excites me about my nursing future! Hang in there and know that you are making a GREAT decision!
As I tell my children, there is usually more than one way to do something/achieve a goal. Others do not live our lives, we do. Do what your heart and soul desires and requires.
This is typicaly my situation, I am getting ready for the pax-pn on june 11 instead of the pax-rn on November. I have been in college since fall 2007, I just want to graduate and know when and have a plan and know where Ia m going. My plan is all set now JUNE 11 pax-pn exam then lpn program and then finally graduation on fall 2012.
After your first year of a ADN program, you are typically eligible to sit for the LPN boards, so I'm not sure why anyone is bashing LPN.
I have a graduate degree, and a biology undergrad... I am doing my LPN right now (part time). It is the only way I can be a nurse in my area b/c the ADN/accelerated BSN programs would require that I move 3+ hours away from my family (kids and husband). Some people can do that, I just can't-for logistical reasons. So, LPN it is, and there's an LPN-RN bridge program an hour away after that. Same thing, in the end, only I get to work as a CNA/LPN while pursuing my RN.
The program I'm in is a BSN program, but after the 1st year we can take the NCLEX-PN. And I'm going to take the test and work as a LPN. Some people say "Oh don't do that, you'll get content & never finish". But I know what I want, and I think working as an LPN is a great way to get experience while finishing my degree. I'll make a heck of a lot more money as well :) So I say go for it! Good luck !
people tell me the same thing I'm starting my LVN program in August and I am so excited! who cares what people think and most likely the people that tell you that dont even know your situation! good luck!! :)
i would like to add my opinion to this as i had to make a decision as to what would work for me...i am 47 years old...i am going the lpn route first as it was a quicker way to get into the field of my dreams...after im done i am going for RN...i dont have a day of college under my belt so the RN route for me would have been forever..i would have to do all my general studies and then be on a waiting list for years...by doing lpn first, i will get into the field of nursing quickly ( 10 months) then at that point i will take my time getting rn...so i wont mind the wait at that point..because i will be in the nursing field...alot of my rn friends of course discouraged my decision...but i have to do what works for my life...i can swing the full time school for ten months financially (not working or bring in income)...but anything longer would not be feasable at this time...so once im working as an lpn i can go for my rn on a slow part time scedule...but this is what works for me...you have to do what works for no because no one else walks in your shoes...make your choice and stand by it ...FOR YOU...its your life, your future...go for it in a way you can manage...it will be a better life for you and your son in the end...GOOD LUCK TO YOU IN WHATEVER PATH YOU CHOOSE
I feel your pain. I started my pre-reqs 2 years ago...going for my RN. I finished and applied for both programs. I had heard you never make it into RN first try, and as a current CNA I wanted to get into the field ASAP. Due to diligence and a very good GPA, wouldn't you know it ..I was accepted in BOTH the LPN and RN. HARDEST 2 weeks of my life...making the decision. But I finally opted for LPN ..then going to a bridge program or a local university offers LPN-to BSN. Not everyone can do this job, not everyone understands what it REALLY takes....YOU are the only person whose opinion REALLY matters. For myself it was decided on the basis of financial and RN would require a move also. LPN will allow me to make a decent wage will I finish it on out. I think this experience is good for you as a future nurse...you have to do what you are comfortable with..sometimes that is a popular decision ..sometimes it is not. GOOD LUCK and hang in there!
I'm starting my LVN program in August and I am so excited! who cares what people think and most likely the people that tell you that dont even know your situation! good luck!! :)
MedChica
562 Posts
I know...
I start nursing school on May 31. The CNA's are supportive.
All of the RN's and LVN's at my job are telling me that it's 'a waste of time' and that I should 'just get my RN' and blah, blah, blah....
I mean - they're just trying to help. I understand...but - it's not a waste of time to ME.
I'll do LVN -> RN (finish pre-reqs) -> RN to BSN (excelsior)...and finally, my Masters. I dont' have kids, or a mtg. I own my car so...no car pymts. This is my investment. This is my 'house'.
I just have to get on with a hospital that offers tuition reimbursment and it will all have been worth it...
Besides...I'm going the diploma route because I can see the 'light' at the end of the tunnel. I need OJT. Let us not remake the wheel, here.
Just teach me a trade and put me to work.
*laugh*
I have a friend who is working on her speciality right now. She's a doctor.
I am proud of her, but, she's been in school for 2 decades!
Now, there's no way in hell that I'd go to school for 10-12 more years AFTER I just finished up the initial 12!
*laugh*
If I could, I would. I'd go to med school and what have you. But, I have to attend traditional school in increments. I'm not built for school. I don't love 'learning' everything and, while I am doing it, I hardly have the stamina for a 4 year degree.