I'm gonna say that nursing school can be challenging but only if physical science isn't easy for you. Everyone is different but the challenge is well worth it. Having gone the route of LPN to RN and lived the changes that have occurred over the past 35+ years, I'm gonna highly encourage you to enroll in a BSN program. Those were very uncommon when I attended a hospital school of nursing but now, most hospitals have closed their nursing programs. It's much more difficult to return and obtain that high of a degree, while raising a family and working, unless you live near an university that offers nursing degrees.

I am currentl an LPN. I went to a tech school in Tallahassee that only lasted 11 months, so I was in and out in less than a year, it was awesome! Now I'm working on my RN at a slower pace which is fine because I'm already a nurse making pretty good wages and I can work at my own pace. It all depends on your situation and goals for yourself. If I wanted to end up in a management position I'd get my BSN but if I just wanted to stay out on the front lines in the hospital, I'd settle for an associates degree. I often hear the RN's that I know say, "An RN is an RN"

My daughter finished LPN/LVN last year, it was quite difficult for her....however, she also worked full time while she was going. It is an extremely aggressive program, packed into 12 months. She has just been accepted to the bridge over program for RN. She starts in July. I've heard that part isn't as bad.

I am also interested in going to RN school, but at my age I wonder if I have what it takes.

I am currently in an accelerated BSN program at Creighton University. Let me just say that it is hell! An accelerated BSN program packs 2 years of nursing school (Jr and Sr years) and mooshes it into 3 semesters. Rethinking my options in the middle of this, I would have opted for a more traditional program. Especially if you are coming out of a non-medical field like I am.

That said. I clearly know that I made the right career choice by returning to school and I would continue to do this. Just at a slower pace.

Ask me in Jan 2009 if it was all worth it. I'm sure I will say YES!

I've read all the responses. I'm just gonna tell why I never finished my MSN, obtaining the BSN in the process. I attended a vocational school while in high school. SO, my LPN was obtained as credit for my high school diploma, while also taking college prep classes. I gave up summers for 2 years, for intensive clinical experience. So, I was only 18 when I took my LPN boards. I immediately went into the hospital school of nursing program so I never ever worked as an LPN. My RN program ran for 33 months straight. When I graduated in 1974, I had more clinical hours than the ADN students. It wasn't until years later, when I decided to return for my BSN that I began to understand the classes I took. When my transcripts were converted, the Dean of Nursing recommended I enter the RN to MSN program and get the BSN as a benefit. It seems that many of the classes I had during my 33 months of study was now Sr Level nursing classes. I needed the actual credit hours at the university, not the classes and there was no testing out. Also, they were appaulled at the class load we carried back in those days. The classes per semester were very intense that even med students don't carry those combinations at once. No wonder we didn't have much of a life for 33 months and the nuns often held study groups in the evenings. Nursing has changed over the years. Everyone puts a value behind a degree. I will not be able to advance within the company I'm employeed at just because I don't have a BSN or MSN. I'm not gonna say I don't have the experience, because I do. There is only about $1000 a year difference between an ADN prepared RN and a BSN prepared RN. However, if you want to advance into management in the future, entry level starts at the BSN level in most job markets of healthcare. For me, I would never recoup the costs of finishing that degree. I have only 5 more years of working before I have the choice of an early retirement. Now, the down trends. Society places high value on education. It's there in nursing. It's the only profession that calls itself a profession but doesn't have a Bachelor degree as entry level requirement. That is slowly changing. Oh, all those RNs who don't have a BSN will be carried over with a grandfather claus but the state license boards are placing more and more value on continuing education. Job duties are changing, based on education. Experience will not hold that much value. If you are young and just starting out, go for the BSN and prepare for the future. It will be well worth it in the end.

Hello and GOD bless. I ask this question too and I should not have. You get so many different responses, negative and positive. Here is my advice. Decide what you want to do and go after it. Whether it takes you 2 years or ten years, you will make it happen. i have been a LPN now for 12 years and am going for my RN. I started out as a CNA and have enjoyed my job ever since. Taking care of people who can't do for themselves is very fulfilling. I know GOD has a plan for me and I am giving back. Go after your dream and make it happen. Once you start, you will determine how hard and how easy it is, but never give up and never let another influence your decision about making it. Just remember that you do have to apply yourself and you will succeed. GOB bless.