Confused? What should I do, RN, LPN, Surgical Tech, Phlebotomy?

An RN starts out around here at 23 regardless of BSN or associate degree. LPN is 14 at a nursing home and 16 at a hospital. Surgical tech is 19 something starting out at my hospital. Radiology tech is 20 starting out. Phlebotomy is 13.

Also, what do you mean in your pocket? Don't take extra school loans to tide yourself over.

If you're willing to study, I would go for surgical tech. I know hospitals are more likely to hire a surgical tech than an LPN, but you do have other options for LPN like Red Cross. My hospital system has started posting for LPNs again. However, you could also look at the different positions being offered by your hospitals over a period of time like two or three months to give you a better idea of the hiring requirements of your area. Some hospitals will even post the pay ranges.

If you do agree to take tuition payments from your work, usually you have to agree to work for so many years. Usually it's around five years and tuition is not always completely covered.

Also, what do you mean your RN classes will start in 2013? The pre-reqs or the actual clinical classes? If the clinical classes start then, I would consider applying to different hospitals as a nursing assistant. A lot will consider you for a nursing assistant after your first semester clinicals and then apply for nurse externs after a year of clinicals. Nurse externs make a lot more, like 16 an hour.

If you are going to take any classes for RN next semester, I would do the phlebo class or nursing assistant. Those are quicker than LPN or surgical tech. You don't want to overload yourself with classes or risk being unable to schedule your classes.

You are all over the place. Although you know what each job does, you don't sound like you really sure what you really want to do, at least for now.

If your main goal is to be a registered nurse, and beyond, you might as well just go there. Take out a loan like everyone else is doing - bite the bullet and do what you're supposed to.

Phlebotomist is not an easy job. Unless you are completely comfortable with drawing blood from babies, that is one function you will need to do.

At the end of the day when it is all said and done..............what do you see yourself doing 8 hours a day? Or 32-30 hours a week? As you know it isn't what we think, because you are the one who is going to be doing a particular career.

Your career choice should also match your personality. Sometimes people forget to consider their personality when looking at careers. For example, if someone doesn't like routine and to do the same thing day in and day out, then drawing blood all day may not be for that type of person. For someone who likes routine, then doing job tasks where the tasks are set out do well. Some people may gravitate to acute situations where they are always on the go. Again, it all depends on the type of person you are. Do you want to work independently? Do you want a job where you know what you will be doing 8-5? Do you want a job where your duties will be outlined? Do you, as my co-worker once said, "play well with others"? For example, do you work well in an interdisciplinary team? Do you work well being told what to do and how to do it?