Hey Nurses!!!

I'm calling all nurses/health professionals to stop by and fill me in on some info. I know several of you in my personal life, and I know there are some of you who read my blog. In the end, I don't care how you contact me, but please.... CONTACT ME WITH INFORMATION I'm desperately seeking.

For several years I have been interested in going back to school to become a nurse. Of course I'd love to be out on the floor the first day with my BSN under my belt, but with four kids, one on the way, a house, and a part-time job....yeah, it's not gonna happen like that. Eventually, I'd love to get this done, but it's not in my immediate future.

Anyway, I'm thinking about going the LPN/ADN route. Oddly enough, there is no ADN program closer than 45 miles away. There is an LPN program available just down the street, but I think I want more than an LPN to start with.

Or do I?

This is where you all come in with your great advice. If you can answer any of my questions or offer any advice that may have not even crossed my mind yet, I would greatly appreciate it!

And now for the questions:

Is there much difference (in terms of real-life) between an ADN and an LPN?

I don't want to work in a nursing home or in mental health. Should I for sure go the ADN route (I hear that LPN's get lots of nursing home offers)?

I do want to work in a hospital (think babies, L&D, postpartum, possibly ICU--probably not the ER). Same questions, is this LPN friendly?

I'd also be okay working in a doc's office--just filling you in on that one!

That should do it for now. I'm sure there are many more questions, but anything you have to offer will help! If you'd rather email me, please feel free to (or leave me a comment with your email address and I'll email you). Thanks a bunch!

Lara