Are you a
registered nurse, or a licensed practical nurse? Maybe you are content in your current
position, but have you ever considered furthering your career and
knowledge? If you are an LPN, perhaps
continuing education and becoming an RN would be something you would love to
do. Or an RN to a Nurse Practitioner. It may seem like the whole process is too
much, but it is certainly an attainable goal that with some planning can happen
for you.
Considering
Additional Education
If you
think that furthering your area of expertise is something you would like to do,
then perhaps it's time to evaluate the idea of returning to school. There are some things to consider prior to
actually checking into pursuing more education, and the first thing is, do you
really want this? Most often when
someone else has expressed a desire for you to return to school, you may feel
an obligation to move forward. The fact
is, there are great and valuable nurses at every level, including RN, and LPN. If you are happy with your current position, and only considering more
education to please someone else, take a step back. Pursing education and a different job is a
big undertaking, and unless it's something you truly desire, it could be quite difficult
to obtain.Your heart must be in it.
Regardless of your particular nursing title, you are already an
important part of the health care field, and you should not allow pressure from
outside sources effect your decision for you. That being said, if you want to further your education because it's
something you desire, then it's time to consider what all would be involved in
the process.
The First
Steps
The first
thing to do is find out if your employer offers tuition assistance or
reimbursement. Keep in mind, there are
different programs, and some have very strict guidelines. If your employer will pay directly for you to
attend school, it's ideal. There is
usually a stipulation that you must devote two years of work to them upon
completion of school. In the event, you
fail to do so, you may be liable to pay back the money they contributed toward
your education costs. Another way it's
often handled is tuition reimbursement; however, this program involves you
paying for school, and being reimbursed. The stipulations here are usually that, you must pass the course in
order to be reimbursed, so it's important to maintain all passing grades.
Moving
Forward
Once you
have established the financial aspect of continuing your education, there are
other considerations that should be covered as well.
- Will
you, work full time while attending school? Depending on the courses you will take, you may find that full time
working hours are too much. If finances
allow, is part time an option with your employer?
- Do
you have family support? If, you have a
family, and can get them on board with your plan, it should make things much
easier. Assign family, members' jobs and
tasks to help out while, you are busy and it should free up more time for your
studies.
- Designate
study time. That means no interruptions
or distractions. Turn off phones, and let everyone know you are unavailable
during study times. If necessary, go to
the library so that, you are not disturbed, this is your future and it should
be taken seriously.
- Ask
for help. Most people are willing to
lend a helping hand during busy times in our lives. Maybe a family member could bring over dinner
one night per week, and don't forget pizza night when you don't need to bring
out the pots and pans. Accept the idea
that it's ok to ask for help with a busy schedule, lean on friends and family
so that you can devote time to school.
Your
schedule may seem very hectic if you are working while attending school, but
look at what the end will bring, and it will make it worthwhile. Some planning, organizing, dedication, and
sharing responsibilities will get you through the long days and trying times,
and ultimately lead you to your goal of completing the chosen degree. Few things in life worth achieving are easy,
yet most are worth it in the end.
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