Young and Dont Know What to Pursue!!

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Im in college now and have been for 2 years. Im unsure if I want to go into the LPN program in June or the Surg Tech program. I know you have more options as an LPN. If I decide to do LPN I would eventually go back to school and become an RN. But I dont know which I would like better and if I decide to do Surg Tech what can I advance to? Nothing? Do LPN's or Surg Techs get paid better? And im in the panhandle of Florida so the pay for anything isnt that great. To be honest the money situation is what im most concerned about. I need to pick something quick and start making a comfortable/stable living for myself. What do I do?? :confused:

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

If you already have some college credit ... why not go for your RN right away. Have you investigated the entry requirements at your local community college RN programs? Getting an RN right away might take you only slightly longer than an LPN -- and you would have many more options and might make a lot more money as an RN.

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Specializes in (Hopefully one day..) neuro/urology ^.^.

I would say go the LPN route. Then you can always advance to get your RN.

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I have already got some college credits. The RN program starts in August 2009 and I need College Algebra to get in. In January im taking intermediate alg. then when that class ends in May, then I can take College Algebra. I dont have enough time to take that class before Aug 2009. At my college there are 3 different campuses and each year they accept 23 students into the RN program. By the time I get done taking Int.Alg and Col Alg it will be August. You have to have these completed before August. So basically I dont want to wait until Aug 2010 to get into RN. But LPN starts in June and ive completed all of the requirements for that. Thats why I was going to go ahead and do LPN, then in a few years get my RN. No one knows how much they make???

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Specializes in LTC.

I started my prereqs for nursing school at age 17,I became a CNA at age 18. I will be an LPN at age 20 ( hopefully if I don't fail), and will be an RN by time I'm by age 22. I've decided to put myself on what I call a nursing career ladder. I'm young and I found out what works best for me. You can go straight through, or take steps to get there. I'm concerned about money as well, which is why I've decided to become a CNA to make money while in school for my LPN, and I want to be an LPN, while making money while in school for my RN. I'll always have a job no matter what, and I get paid very well for my age now( if you think makin over 16 dollars an hour as a CNA good !) As for me, this path has kept me going in a steady direction towards my goal to be an RN !!! Good luck to you

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Thanks nursing student 19, kayleeray, and llg. When I was in high school I took classes and became a CNA. But i only worked doing that for a couple of months. Im just unsure if I want to go into LPN in June or Surg Tech in Aug.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.
No one knows how much they make???
Unless we know what specific area of the United States you're talking about; it's next to impossible to state what nurses earn in the area.

Nursing salaries and wages vary greatly by geographical and legal statutes.

cheers,

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Unless we know what specific area of the United States you're talking about; it's next to impossible to state what nurses earn in the area.

Nursing salaries and wages vary greatly by geographical and legal statutes.

cheers,

She said Florida panhandle

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Specializes in LTC.

You just have to follow your heart. We can't tell you which career is better, or which route is best for you.... I know nothing about the surg. tech. position. I was just able to tell you more about my path as a cna going for the LPN and RN. Best of luck to you. I can truly identify with you. At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to become a nurse or make-up artist. I've decided to go with nursing because I can't imagine myself doing any other career. ( I can always be a make up artist on the side though. hehe) But we are young so we can try different routes and careers. We have our whole life ahead of us. I just wouldn't wait too long to decide. Some of my classmates who are 50 and up says its so good I've decided to do what I'm doing at my age.

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Well thank you guys. An yes I stated that I live in the panhandle of Florida. Decisions decisions... The best option in sure is LPN to RN but I dont know if its for me..

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Here is my take on your situation, if you go for the surgical tech program, I am pretty sure that there is no advancement in that career choice. If you go the LPN to RN route there are many oppurtunites for advancement, so I guess it just depends on if that is important to you or not. If you think you would like surgery, why not be an RN in the OR?

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Specializes in Pulmonary med/surg/telemetry.

If you're interested in nursing I think you should go for your LPN or even right to your RN. I'm not sure about the pay difference betwen surg tech and LPN but I know there's not much room for advancement for a surg tech. I have a girl in my nursing class who is currently a surg tech and she loves her job but she said there's no further room for advancement so she's pursuing her RN degree. There's also not as much diversity as in nursing. In nursing if you don't like a particular unit or speciality there are tons of others to try, but as a surg tech, if you realize you don't like the OR you're pretty much stuck.

Good luck!

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