How I did it: I chose to go to a one year LPN program.  There was a nursing program in my area that consisted of about five schools.  I applied to all of those schools and I went to the one that called me first.  Don't let that fool you: it took a year to get in.  All nursing schools have at least a one year waiting list, which is part of the reason that the world is expected to be short 1 Million nurses by 2010.  I recommend working as a certified nurse's aid while waiting to get in.  This boosts your chances of getting in nursing school, gives you nursing experience, and looks good on your entry level nursing resume. Plus you will appreciate your CNA's more when you become a nurse!

I decided on a one year LVN school to save time and money.  I was a medic in the Air Force and just needed the civilian license to do what I did in the Air Force.  I wanted my license as fast as possible.  If money is an issue for you, I'd suggest this route, even if you want to eventually be an RN with a four year degree and here's why:

Almost all schools have special programs known as bridge programs.  You can get your bachelor's degree (RN) in as little as two years or your associates degree in a year if you first get your LVN and work as an LVN for a specified amount of time.  You get your degree faster and cheaper than if you go straight in to a two or four year program.  Plus, you can work as a nurse making a nurses salary the entire time you are in school.  Trust me, you'll need that extra money.

Lessons & tips:

• How to decide between being a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).  This decision is affected by what kind of nursing you want to do and how long you want to go to school.  In most places, you have to be an RN to work in the Intensive Care Unit, the Emergency Room, or Labor and Delivery.  You usually have to be an RN for management positions such as case managers or DONs (Director of Nursing).  Be aware that RNs make more money and the same job title can be vastly different depending on if you are an RN or LPN.
• Nursing School Length.  How long you go to school depends first on if you want to be an LPN or RN.  LPN school is usually about one year but I have heard of two year LPN programs.  These programs are called diploma programs because you do not get a college degree upon completion.  RN school is two years (associate degree program) or four years (bachelor's degree program).  Then of course you have bridge programs.
• Finding a school. There are many resources on the internet for finding a school, but I suggest that you visit your state's board of nursing website.  This site will list all of the accredited nursing schools in your state.  To find your state's BON site, just go to your favorite search engine and type in 'Texas (suppliment your state name )Board of Nursing'.
• The nursing school application.  Your application for a nursing program is more detailed than applications to most other programs of study.  Along with a generic application, expect to be asked for at least two letters of reference.  Many applications also have special forms that rate your professional qualities on a number scale.  These forms must be filled out by previous employers or teachers.  These forms and letters of reference are required to be sent from the person completing them.  They can not be hand delivered by you.  This ensures authenticity.  You may also be required to write an essay.
• Other entry requirements.  After you submit your application and all required documentation, the next thing you will most likely do is take a Nursing Entrance Test (NET).  It covers basic math and reading skills.  Don't let the test freak you out.  It is pretty basic and there are numerous books and websites to help you prepare for it.  You will also be required to sit for an interview that will most likely be conducted by your prospective teachers and a panel of nurses.  You can also expect to be drug tested and have a background check completed on you.  Requirements are strict to protect patients!
• Where to get the money.  Do not let money stand in the way of your nursing career.  There are numerous scholarships and other programs to help you!  There are hospitals and other places that will pay your tuition in full!   There is a major shortage so there are lots of resources in place to ensure good nurses can go to school despite their current financial situation.  Look for it.  It is there.
• A note on family.  Nursing school is hectic.  All programs require you to make certain grades to stay in the program.  Your family needs to understand that you will need hours of study time daily.  This means that hubby and children will have to start taking on responsibilities to help you out.  Set aside study time when you are not to be disturbed.  I say again: nursing school is hard and hectic.  Make sure your family understands that you will need their help to make it through.

A note on being a nurse: Before you put all of this work and effort it, be aware that nursing is HARD WORK.  If you are thinking it is glamorous in any way, you will be in for a surprise.  Be prepared to be pinched, hit, kicked, and have every body fluid known to man spilled on you at one time or another.  Be prepared to have doctors yell at you because you had the nerve to call them at two in the morning because your patient is turning blue and can't breathe.  Be prepared to have family members that are never satisfied no matter how much care you give to their loved one.  It is rewarding but it is hard.  Remember that "nurses eat their young" too.  You better have or develop thick skin and you better be prepared for the fact that you may have to get in to confrontations with doctors, nurses, and even the patients themselves to ensure your patient is getting proper care.  Nursing is a great career with many benefits but it isn't for everyone.

Resources:

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Apr 07, 09:52AM PDT | 1 comment | 4 cheers