How hard was it to go back to school to transition to an RN? I am looking at possibly going to LPN school here next fall (classes are booked this year and I don't have the money this year), and I was curious at how hard it is to go back to school for an RN? I want to get into labor & delivery eventually, but I have 3 small kids under the age of 4 and I would hate to miss them grow up. I know that when/if I get a job in labor/delivery, I will be put on a horrible shift (2nd or 3rds). So I figured if I could get into a doctor's office, I could work as an LPN a few years before finishing RN school.
Also, any LPN's if you could please let me know your experience in school I would appreciate it. Our school program here is a 10 month course and I know it is fast paced but if you have the determination, you can do it. I know RN school is very hard but I was just curious how hard the LPN schooling was too.
Thanks.
I have no idea about how the transition would be, but I would seriously look into just getting your RN right off the bat. It just isn't that much more time and there aren't the limitations on where you can work - especially if you think you may know where you want to go needs an RN. I looked at both thinking I could work as an LPN while I finished my RN, but the total amount of time wasn't worth the little extra money I could have made.
My local hospital won't hire an lpn at all. It really is easier to go rn in the first place.
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I did the LPN class 7 years ago because there was a wait for the RN class.. figured I could work with my LPN while waiting for RN... well, that was before kids.. 7 years later I finally have my RN ... It was a backwards way to do it, lots of extra $$... honestly just wait for a spot to open in the RN class, but do your pre-req's and additional classes needed while waiting so all you have to do it the core RN classes while in the program. GL
Victoria
Good for you for deciding to do this! This is the perfect timeline for getting started for next fall. I have returned to school a couple times for my BSN and MSN. I have taught in a LPN program. I will give you the same advice that someone gave me: SHOP. You are a highly motivated adult learner. You are a desirable student in any school of nursing. They should show you what they can do for you. Check out the Ohio State Board of Nursing - they should have a list of nursing programs - look for program choices. Look for NCLEX pass rates, you want a program that is >90%. Research the internet for what you can find out but all schools, but then make an appointment with your top 3 choices. You want them to give you a program list of the classes you will need to take, the time it will take, suggested schedule (how many days a week) and cost. Then compare the program for the best fit for you. So many programs offer on-line courses which give a lot of flexibility, but that may not be comfortable for you if you aren't computer savy. (You posted this question, so I am guessing you are pretty good).
Financial aide: Do you work in a hospital now? Check with your employer re tuition reimbursement and scholarships. That's free money with a work commitment after graduation. Typically, 2 years. The school's financial aide office can also help. Do not rule out private colleges - they typically have a lot of money to give. I would suggest you to avoid for-profit schools like Kaplan and University of Phoenix. They are very expensive with high pressure recruiting and at least in Indiana, they have a hard time getting clinical time at hospitals.
I work with a couple LPN's that went back to school at that Regents College of NY, which is now called Excelsior: http://www.excelsior.edu/school-of-nursing. They both found it user friendly.
I am an OB nurse for almost 30 years. Typically, you do have to be a RN to work in L/D. Why not consider "going for it" and finding a RN associate degree program? You will be done in 2 years and you only have to pay tuition once. Many hospitals offer flex staffing options, so don't worry about your kids just yet. You are setting an excellent example for them in returning to school.
Good luck with your search!
Being an LPN doesn't mean you have better earning potential really. My neighbor got hers two years ago and it has been a struggle to find jobs. She ended up being a caretaker for an elderly lady and was almost driven crazy by her family. (Everybody wants to work in a doctor's office so those are very hard jobs to get. Usually people with experience get those.) She now works at a hospital in record keeping, but really didn't need the LPN for that. I have two friends in nursing school. It's a long tough road as it is without adding another year onto it for an LPN degree.
First you should look at job ads in your area. Nursing is finicky. some areas hire alot of nurses with certain degrees and others won't high them at all. That being said I plan on going back to be get my RN degree in a couple of years. I know that at Ivy Tech they have a program were you can become an LPN and then latter if you decide to become an RN they will count the classes you already took as an LPN. Some hospitals also will be more likely to hire you as an LPN if they know you are working to become an RN. And don't set your heart on working in any specific enviorment. Alot of private practioners pay more then at hospitals or nursing homes, so the competition is tighter. I really want to work in a psych ward, but am willing to take almost anything. I am also lucky that I live 1/2 hr away from 4 hospitals countless doctors offices, 5 nursing homes, and several home care places.
