I'm thinking of going to school for LPN-anything I should know before I take the plunge? Good and bad?
486335
there is a huge need for nursing right now, and will be for years and years as the baby boomers begin to get older and require more healthcare.\n\nvisiting nurses make quite a lot of money and are usually able to set their own hours.\n\nhowever... you really may want to consider going straight for the RN... LPNs are treated really bad by doctors and RNs, and are a lot of times regarded as simply CNA's who can pass medicine. They are not allowed to make important decisions (i.e. sending a nursing home patient to the hospital) without consulting an RN or doctor) plus the pay is a lot better and isn't too much more schooling... you still have to take your written boards and clinical exams. you should really go all the way if your thinking of starting out. i know lots of LPN's who are trying to get their RN but it makes it difficult for them to go back to school while working, and the subject content is harder when they have experience that is working against what the teachers want to hear.\n\nif you are young and have the time and money to invest into it, go for the RN.\n\nnursing is very rewarding and honest work. and it is a field that is currently in deficit and is only going to grow. a lot of places (especially nursing homes) will pay for your education if you agree to work for them for i think three years after you graduate. you can work as an aide while you are in school (you have to do the aidework before you can become a nurse anyway)\n\n\n\nammendment: i think LPN starting pay is around $15 an hour... a friend of mine was an LPN at a private nursing home, and since hospice is a non-profit place they probably pay people a little less, but since most of it is traveling it may be more.. plan between 15-20 an hour\n\nRNs are around $25 an hour\n\ngood luck!
829154
The only thing I can say is keep your eyes on the prize!  You want that second degree for some rational reason, or you wouldn't be putting yourself through the stressful (yet gratifying) pursuit of higher education.  I got through nursing school (my 2nd degree and 5th and 6th years of consecutive college) by knowing that I was getting married as soon as it was over, and I was going to work in a pretty cool field.  I was so sick of school when I was done, but so glad it was over with.  I had a nice 3 year break to work full time before I became a full time student again for my masters degree.  It's daunting and stressful, but I really want it, so I work for it.  You have to do what you have to do.  If you really do feel burned out, you probably aren't learning the material well, and the whole point of school is to learn, not just go through the motions.  Just be sure that it is ok to miss a semester with your program.  I know some programs have a pretty strict schedule from semester to semester and it can set you back pretty far if you take one off (like a spring class is a prerequisite to a fall class, etc).  I liked the advice someone else gave about working in a field related to what you're studying.  Not only will it help you realize if you still really want to pursue it, but it gives you real world views on the field and something to put on your resume.  Then again, if you feel the only way to spend your time off is something fun and crazy like backpacking through Europe for a few months, more power to ya!  You're only young once.  Good luck with your decision!
182294
Yes\n\nOne reason is their program is accredited, a process which requires high standards. They also have a transition program from LPN to RN that can come in handy later/\n\nLooking over their program, I can see it is challenging and will equip you with the skills needed to succeed.
902946
Your local library should have the book "Occupational Outlook". In it it will tell you everything that is required to become a nurse, what the different types are, what the working conditions are like, what salaries they make, and job opening prospects for the next few years.\nExcellent job choice by the way. Good for you.
310848
I'm an x-ray technologist and I know what you mean about liking the medical field. You can get an LVN certificate in 1 year but the money isn't that great. My advice is go to a junior college and get a 2 year degree in nursing and become an RN. The job description is good and the money is great!! Look into it!! You won't be sorry! And don't care about what people say. It's your life right?! Good luck!!
955987
I am currently in nursing school. I chose it over medical school because I wanted to earn my degree and get to work as soon as possible. So, I'm working on my BSN. It's a four year degree as opposed to medical school being twice as long. Once I graduate, I plan on trying to specialize in ICU and then, at some point, I plan on becoming a nurse anesthetist. Nurses are in high demand right now, pay is good, and you won't have as much to pay back in loans after you finish school. Plus, if you decide you want to go back to school, there are plenty of options for specializing - you can even be a Nurse Practitioner, where you'll be able to prescribe medications and treat patients.\n\nNursing school is challenging, for sure. I wouldn't recommend trying to do too much else while you're in school, because between course work and clinical rotations, there really isn't much time for a personal life. I'm sure that it will be well worth it in the end, though.\n\nGood luck to you, whatever you decide.
235019
Where I live, it is difficult for some students to go directly into a regular nursing program at the local community college because approximately 250+ students apply for 30 open spots in the Fall and 30 open spots in the Spring. There is still a tremendous need for nurses, however, and since quite a few students drop out in the first year the school has worked out a program that will allow nursing assistants and LPN's to come in later on in the program to fill up any now vacant spaces. Many students that don't make it into the direct program now go to the technical school to become a nursing assistant or LPN and begin working until they can get into the transfer program. The community college is finding that those students often do better and are more dedicated than the ones that came in directly because they have more direct experience and know that it is what they want to do.\n\nIf it is something you want to do and it is a good jumping off point in your area then do it. Don't expect a lot of praise or money as a nursing assistant, though.
1117887
A lot of good answers here. I'll add my opinion anyway. \nThere have been ups and downs in the nursing field for years. There will be a shortage and then there will be so many that there are no jobs for them without relocating. \n\nThe first problem that comes to mind is that there are waiting lists to get into nursing school. That is a key problem. Nurses are needed but people can't get into school to become one. RN,LPN,MA,CNA or whatever...there is a lack of opportunity.\n\nSecond thing is the cost of the education. I think this is a problem for many people who wish to attend school in any field. There are some places that will put you through nursing school and help with the cost,but then you are obligated to work for them for X amount of years as a condition for their help. \nYes,there is financing available,but I agree with another person here that it is geared toward the younger people and nothing is readily available for the 30 something people who have decided to change careers or continue their education.\n\nThird thing...If you are fortunate enough to finally get through school and get your degree and get a job...then there is that little thing called MONEY!  The incentive! The goal! The reason that we went through all of this to get to the point of having an interview and getting hired. \nThen...they offer you a starting range of ,oh let's just say,17-20.00/hr. Yeah right ! Like that is going to help you pay back all those student loans and financial aid!\n\nThere is no consistency in the amount of pay in nursing facilities. Depends on where you live,how needed nurses are in that area,what the usual going rate is among a lot of other factors. \nNurses with experience that try to get jobs in a higher paying area are turned down because they are expecting to get paid more than the facility is willing to pay them. They would rather save themselves the money and hire someone fresh out of school. \n\nIn some areas ICU nurses are really needed. Hospitals that aren't willing to pay these nurses more money,aren't able to keep them for an extended period of time,if they're lucky enough to get them to take the job at all. When a nurse can travel 20 miles in any direction and be offered $5-10.00 more an hour performing the same job duties,they are going to take the one that they are getting paid more.\n\nInsurance and benefits are another factor. Nurses are putting their lives at risk every day. They take care of patients from all walks of life,no matter what department they specialize in. Better insurance and better benefits should be offered to them. Some facilities offer great benefits,but some don't. This is another determining factor as to what job these nurses take.\n\nWell,I think I'll stop now,although I could continue writing about the problems in the entire health care system. But I think you understand some of the main problems associated with the nursing field.\n\nI think it has to be a nationwide effort to get more good nurses and keep them happy and working for a facility that cares about them. The first step though is  being able to attend college and then determining if you want or need to get your bachelors or masters. That goes back to the affordability factor. How long do you want to be paying for your education?
352152
I believe that you can become a nurse in two years. It may only be a LPN rather than a RN, but you can then help people and receive good pay while you continue on to becoming a RN or even attaining a degree. All the while you are dealing with people that that need help! Good luck!
237481
absolutely. I retired from my job as an educator after  32 years. I am only 58 and feel like I could take on the challenge of another career.As long as the mind is still functioning,go for it. As a matter of fact,studying will keep the mind moving. LPN is a rewarding job,helping people in need. YOU MUST BE A PEOPLE PERSON WITH PATIENCE AND GOOD LEGS.LOTS OF STANDING AND WALKING.HEALTH CARE  JOBS ARE ALWAYS IN DEMAND. GOOD LUCK.
369738
Only you can decide what you want to do, but i can tell you that i am going to be attending drexel university in the fall, to study nursing (B.S.N/M.S.N Dual Degree). From what i have seen, nursing is an extrememly rewarding field, with so many opportunities.  Hospitals are hurting for them, and it is not difficult at all to find a job.  You can do everything from becoming an LPN, RN, and then going back to school to become an advanced practice nurse. I hope i dont get bashed from someone for saying this, but from what i have seen, there are so many more opportunities for a career in nursing as opposed to social work.  Get job descriptions and such off of www.salary.com. Nursing also offeres great flexibility with regards to scheduling. Good luck with whatever you choose!
266667
I am a Respiratory Therapist student and i too was seeking advice.  A woman named Lee1946 helped me out tremedously.  I hope she wont mind but this is what she said to me.  She sounds incredibly wise and i would hate for you not to hear from her too. :)\n\nLee1946- Much of what is really good about being an RT can also be a negative. I wrote to another RT student and said that everyday as an RT you will be challenged physically, emotionally and intellectually....and this is true and it is wonderful. The down side? Often you go home exhausted....physically, emotionally and intellectually. I led a fairly sheltered life before I became an RT more than 35 years ago. Since then I have had to work under extraordinary circumstances that never had been a part of in my life. Code Calls....abused babies and children, suicide attemps....(some who made it, others who didn't), car accidents, drug over doses, debilitating illness, extraordinary burns. No matter how rich or how poor...or what life style a person lives, you need to care for them and care about them. You also need to care for the people who love them. One of the worse times was when a nurse I worked with came into our ER in full cardio-pulmonary arrest and another was when the grandbaby of a friend came into the ER in full CP arrest. You may feel your heart is being ripped out....but you keep doing what you need to do for as long as you need to do it...the real tears come later, at home...and/or the next day when all who participated in such a Code gather together and hang onto each other. \n\nYou learn to keep an open mind about people and let go of first judgements based on race, culture, religion, politics and financial status. Hospitals are great equalizers and you will be needed as much by one person as another. You will become a better person and richer emotionally if you allow them all to be a part of your life as you have become part of their life....even if its only for a few minutes in a life time of minutes.\n\nI have used RT to travel to many areas of the USA, working with people who have walked a different path than my own and I worked in Saudi Arabia because it was important to me to know about a culture as different from my own as possible. When we went through orientation before traveling to Saudi Arabia, we were taught that it wasn't our job to change people... people had the right to be themselves, to their own culture, their own religion, their own politics. This was a "light bulb" moment for me AND a LIFE lesson....and this belief has opened many doors and taught me to be a better listener.\n\nThe pay is good, better in some places than others....I am rarely bored and I am a valuable member of a team. This is wonderful also....but then again, I have wanted to drown my beeper (accidently in the toilet) on many occassions when it keeps going off. The hallways of the hospital can seem to get very long, very quickly on an especially busy night (I work nights)..or day. I have on occassion tried to think of something "different" to do and so far...nothing comes to mind, except maybe retirement in a couple of years.\n\nThe disadvantages....you work with sick people who may be contagious, you need to take care when lifting patients, working with needles, working with aggressive patients that might take a swing at you, working with patients covered in "poop", blood, urine etc. It rarely happenes anymore....but I will on occassion "gag" on something gross....but you still forge ahead with whatever your duties are. You wash your hands hundreds of times a shift it would seem (even after wearing gloves)and your hands can become raw...especially in winter months. I take advantage of my time off to get my hands in good shape, but sometimes my hands look older and feel older the the rest of me. You will deal with it and everything else that right now you cannot imagine dealing with, no matter how small, or how big or how easy
475247
Yes!  You will always be able to find a job. \n\nBut, please realize that you do hold other peoples lives in your hands as a nurse.  It is a big responsibility and very stressful at times. The failures are devastating, but the victories are wonderful!! Be prepared for a very emotional ride!  \n\nI was a LPN for 12 years, and have finally made my way back to school and became a RN!  I love being a nurse... the world needs more good nurses, so if it is something you think you would like, then go for it!!!!\n\n:)
1003752
Well I am not sure what you are looking for. I will tell you that an LPN is an important part of the nursing team. They help care for patients, give some medications, and in some cases may even start iv's.As far as telling you what has happened with that role the last 50 years I am afraid I don't have that information in front of me. Hope this was helpful.
5221
I would say nursing. You can do the lpn program or the rn.  The pay is good and there seems to be a big demand for nurses all the time.\n\nI should have went that route--dumb me--I became a teacher.  Cripes--talk about low pay.  I finally gave up teaching and now just do telemarketing (with a Master's Degree lol). I now make $10,000 more a year than I did teaching.  Sad, isn't it?\n\nBe a nurse.
245161
Nursing is very hard. You can take a one year course. Lpn. Or you can go for two years, Rn with Associate's degree, or three years bacclaurette, or four years bachelor's. It requires you taking sciences and math and English as well as nursing courses. It's tough because you are dealing with human lives and there is no room for error. It is the most rewarding thing you do, however. It's worth all the aches and pains you endure in your back to make a difference to someone. You don't do it for the money, though you are well compensated. You bust your butt, you give up holidays and weekends and sometimes a night sleep.
1032621
I'm not sure about Melbourne but James Cook University has an external pre-RN course.  This is funny because my best friend has just moved to NZ to do her RN's over there. I have put a link in the source section.  Good luck with it all welcome to nursing.  I am a registered nurse.