I went through my local OVR office to check about returning to work.(see previous post of 11/07) He suggested that perhaps it would be beneficial to get my RN. I was shocked, and said I would love it, if they would pay for it. I still don't know, yet, if they will appprove or not. But, he assured me that he would see what he could do for me. He told me to get a letter from my dr. stating that an LPN position would be difficult due to my arthritis, etc., and that she agrees an RN would provide more opportunities for me. I didn't think that it would take me long to get my RN, since I had originally started out to be an RN. However, I had failed a course during my junior level. I was almost done with the program. But, I had to wait another year before I could get back in to repeat the course. So, meanwhile I transferred to LPN and received my LPN in 12 weeks. And, I actually didn't even go a full 12 weeks, as I became very ill towards the end of my program. I did not even graduate with others, but my grade was high enough that I was able to receive my diploma without taking the final.
My experience as an LPN has been mainly in behavioral health. As I mentioned in a previous post, jobs for an LPN in my area are mainly in nursing homes.
I was really broken hearted when I discovered that to get my RN that I would have to start from square one all over again. It has been too long since I had my classes. I would have to repeat all of my science course, again. At the age of 51, I don't know if I have it in me. Maybe, I can understand the clinical end of it. But, to have to repeat my A&P, Micro and other science classes gets to me. Why couldn't I take challenge exams! I understand that things change in nursing, but Anatomy is still the same! I thought college credits were with you, forever. I get CEU's, but to have to start all over again. And, in the past LPN's were at advanced placement. Of course, now, they no longer do that. And, my previous school that I attended told me that I would need my three reference letters for my interview to get into school. And, it looks like I would not even start until 2010. I definitely am not returning to my previous school.
I guess that I am not going to get my RN, now. I did renew my license in the state that I am living in. I have been checking out the monster board and answered one job, but received no reply. It was for an LPN in a jail and sounded like it would not be physically demanding. My resume is probably not that great, but perhaps I can find someone to help me with that through the OVR.
Hopefully, I may find something else to pursue. I know my long-term disability is about to run out. I told them that I was feeling better and ready to go back to work. Now, if I don't find a job, they will just cut me off, anyways.

I know this is a late response, but have you checked into other schools? Many of them still do advanced placement for LPNs, there are even online schools for LPNs to finish out their RN. I would look into it further before admitting defeat-even if it takes loans to finish it will be worth it financially because the difference in pay is huge as well as the difference in opportunities.

Please let me know if I can assist further.

Cary