thinking about being a nurse

[spring1978uk]

This is my first post. I am 27 years old and I currently work in a foundry (a potentially dangerous job and not particularly rewarding job financially or career-wise ) and I am strongly considering starting a career in nursing. My wife has worked in the medical field and is currently studying to be a DoN and I am considering studying to be a nurse because it pays well, there are good career opportunities and it is work that I could enjoy and be proud of myself for.

I have learned that there are several ways to become an RN;

1. take the LPN course, then bridge courses.

2. take the 2 year RN course

3. take the 4 year RN course (BSN?)

I understand that I would have to take clinicals while I am studying but I am working in a full time job, so I would ask how much time to the clinicals take?

Is it possible to take a LPN > 2 yr RN > 4 yr RN (BSN)?

Is it possible to take a 2 yr RN to a 4 yr RN (BSN)?

Which way would take the least time?

I appreciate the help of anyone that can spare the time to answer my questions, thanks!

[ggnurse]

I had to go to LPN school first, becasue it would get me into the medical field and working faster. It took 10 and 1/2 months and cost $6000. It was at a vo tech for the high school, so check the prices before you sign up for anything. If you can at all--get your RN first and done. I do the same work as the RN's on my floor but they get paid a third more than me.Still, they have completed the work to get that honor. Currently I am working as a pediatric care nuse for an inhome health agency and working on my RN in a Long distance college. I still have to take clinicals. Its Excelsior College. But first you have to get your LPN before you can study at home. Again, if you can get your RN do it. Warm Regards, From Missouri GG

[lynnmarie]

Hi! I am new here too and am currently in my last semester of a 2 year nursing program (yay!). I saw your post and thought I'd tell you what I think of your situation.
Like you said, there are many options when it comes to enrolling in a nursing program. There's LPN to RN. My school accepts LPNs into the 2nd year of the program. It is very competitive, I think 30 or 40 got accepted out of 300. Also, I have asked some of the LPNs at school what they thought of the program and many of them said they wish they had started from the beginning, that they kind of felt lost coming into a program where everyone knew everyone, and they kind of felt unprepared coming in.
I am in a community college 2 year associates degree program, mainly because of the costs (it's a lot less expensive than a 4 year program). However, it takes longer than the 2 years. I had to take a bunch of pre-reqs like english and psych. They say you can take it concurrently with the nursing stuff, but I find that next to impossible, especially if you have to work like I do.
I find the scheduling in my nursing program very conducive for those who have to work. I go to school Mondays from 8-12 and Thursdays 8-9am, and clinicals Tuesday and Wednesday 7-1pm. Keep in mind this is only the nursing courses.
There are many people in my program who have decided to change careers to nursing. One woman works 3-11pm shift full time and goes to school.
Also, there are so many grants and scholarships available.
So, my point to you is to research nursing schools in your area so you can get their schedules and see if they fit your schedule. I know it seems in the beginning like such a huge step, but believe me, the time flies by so quickly. I went through 3 semesters of not being able to sleep past 6am 24/7 between work and school, and If I can do it, so can anyone else.
I hope I have been at least a little bit of a help to you. Good luck! Nursing Rocks!