QUESTION FOR NURSES! Share your experiences!?
Asked by Gloria H
Hi, I live in Florida and I would like some personal highlights about being an LPN, or RN. I am especially interested in stories posted by other Floridians. Please share where you work, how long, your wages, etc, if you do not mind. I have been trying to go back to school, but have been busy with children and my current employment. I recently got an offer of management at my current place of work and I am considering it. But this would leave no time for school. I am weighing my options and really want to be a nurse. Also, I just turned 29 and feel this new sense of urgency. I work behind the scenes in retail (warehouse) and it's just not something I can see myself doing forever, but the pay and benefits are excellent for management. I would greatly appreciate real opinions/stories by nurses themselves or people very close or living with someone who is a nurse. Thank you so much!

Best Answer:
In your situation, I would start LPN, work for a while, then bridge. Just in case you didn't understand that, LPN is usally a year, give or take. An Associates in Nursing is the next step. Many programs offer a "bridge" for LPN's for RN school. It means you are considered being halfway through with an Assoc. of Nursing. Now, Why drag it out? You say you are busy with your children, don't go straight RN then. THERE IS NO TIME... Don't short your kids, go LPN, work a year or two, get in good with a hospital, and go back to get an Associates. If you are already working with a hospital when you want to go back for the Associates, many will pay for your schooling while going back, as long as you keep working for them. It's really the best way to do it when you have time restrictions and other people depending on you... Stories... hmmm... I wish I would have done it the way I just said... That's about all I really give you that would benefit... pay for LPN's is not bad at all and when you finally do get towards RN, it gets even better... So go for it! Good Luck!