My school dilemma... - UGH

Kristigirl wrote: I dropped out of nursing school to have my dd and ever since I've been trying to go back...but first, I couldn't get in because we were in CA and the waiting lists were too long, now that we're here in GA I'm trying yet again to go back and have hit a brick wall...the closest college is about an hour away and they do have a nights and weekends program I could take but still, I'd have to find someone to be with the kids for the 3 hours after I leave and before dh gets home...going all day everyday wouldn't work very well since the school is so far away and I'd have to put both kids in daycare by like 5am whenever I have clinicals. It's just a freaking hassle, I should've just stuck with it when I had the chance.

Another option is to get my LPN degree for now (one step down from RN, which is what I want) since more schools offer that program and it's not as long. Then someday down the road, I could finish the one year it takes to get my RN instead of trying to do all 2-3 years now...am I making sense? Does this sound like a good option? I'm sure it'll cost a couple thousand dollars to get my LPN but at least I'll have *something* and be that much closer to getting my RN...any opinions?

JessC replied: Could you possibly move? Or maybe move 30 mins from it so that your a little closer to the classes. ?

mammag replied: If it were me I'd probably go for the lesser degree. What does dh think?

amymom replied: I worked with a few RNs who got their LPN's first. I think that is a great idea. I also have a friend who got her LPN and worked in a hospital and found she really liked Respiratory (sp?) Therapy and went back to school to become a Resp. Therapist now she runs 3 departments in that same hospital.

Good lUck

Kristigirl replied: Wow, thank you all!!
Jess- I don't think at this point we could move, I wish we'd thought of this *before* we bought our house but oh well.

Jeanie- my dh doesn't really care. Typical guy. Lol.

Amy- thanks for the encouragement, it always helps to know other people successfully did something before I go do it.

PascosGirl replied: Get your LPN and then do an LPN to RN quick program. LPN's make good money too!

JAYMESMOM replied: I would get the LPH and then go for the RN. It is easier that way sometimes too.

mom21kid2dogs replied: I think it would be a great plan. I know the shortage of nurses in our area is so significant that many hospitals will give an incentive to LPN's to advance their degrees by paying partial or full tuition! My brother did that and is going back to school to get his Bachelopr's in Nursing. His hospital is footing the whole bill!

Kristigirl replied: Wow that's awesome, I'm sooo excited now!! Thank you all!!

Jamison'smama replied: My 2 cents--I think you should go for the RN degree right away---only because it sounds like you have the motivation now and sometimes we can get "stuck" in a job because it pays fairly well and it is hard to get that drive to move forward. If you get your LPN degree will you be happy working with it /doing the work LPNs do or will you wish you had continued?

Kristigirl replied: Well I wish I could get my RN degree straight-away but I have no idea HOW. The hours are horrendous as far as my kids go, I'd have to wait another 18 months to get in anyway, then it would take 2-3 straight through, full time years to complete, plus I want more kids and don't really want to have to wait another 5 years until I can get in and get done before having another baby. I'm really feeling this LPN prospect though!!

PascosGirl replied:
No, just get your LPN now. I have many friends that did it. Good luck!