[funnibone13]

I am in an RN-AS program, I completed my first level of nursing and started my second level of nursing last semester. I took off this semester due to an addition to my family, I had a little boy. I want to be home with my son, so I was looking into evening nursing programs. Where I am they only have one school that offers an evening RN program. I sent out my application for the Fall but they were telling me that I needed to take over some classes I took a while back in college. So I wouldn't be considered for the Fall of 08 their telling me sometime in Spring 09 or Fall 09. I definitely dont want to wait that long. I was also looking into just finding something where I could be at home. My husband can just come home and watch the baby. I found an LPN program near me, they are offering an evening program that is feasible for me. But would it be silly of me to stop going to RN school and go straight to LPN? I called up today for some information on the program. I told some friends about doing that and they thought that was silly because i am already in nursing.

[TheCommuter]

Continue to pursue your RN. I'm an LVN/LPN and, believe me, it would be silly to stop pursuing your RN licensure. While the LPN program might be more flexible now, the RN designation will enable you to have more flexible opportunities later on down the line.

[unitek1963]

Take The Commuter's advice. She knows from whence she speaks of.

Good Luck.

Michael

Originally Posted by TheCommuter

Continue to pursue your RN. I'm an LVN/LPN and, believe me, it would be silly to stop pursuing your RN licensure. While the LPN program might be more flexible now, the RN designation will enable you to have more flexible opportunities later on down the line.

[CaliforniaLVN]

Hello everyone!
I'm new to this website and I look forward to interacting with you. I'm 56 years old and going for my RN after being an LVN in California for 35 years. I got into Excelsior College while it was still Regents. Because I've remained enrolled, I can still become eligable to sit for the state boards if I finish before Sept of 2010.
I want to have the right things to study from. I have all of Excelsiors current study guides and the books I need to study Concepts 1 and 2. I just ordered some study CD's from EBay from a seller. Have any of you used these? She said they are her notes and ways she used to help her study. She isn't affiliated with the college and she said it does not have any cheating elements about it. I don't have it yet but I want to have the best study materials all on the up and up.
I don't understand what CLEP tests are or if there are easier ways to study then I know of? I also have some Rue Study Guides.
Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks from this CaliforniaLVN

[CaliforniaLVN]

As an LVN (for 35) years, I would advise you NEVER to even consider becoming an LVN.....even if the line's shorter, it's more convenient for your family life or anything else! I am trying to get my RN after all these years because there is no good job market for LVN's anymore. There are only 2 left in our acute care hospital. I'm one of them. For job security, you need your RN. We get called off a lot and can't be the only nurse on, or be a charge nurse or give IV meds...OR do admissions. It would only have taken me six more months to get an RN. I chose the shorter line, the quicker way.....and I'm sorry now!
Best wishes. We can all do this together!
An older (and wiser than I used to be ) LVN

[BBFRN]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaLVN

Hello everyone!
I'm new to this website and I look forward to interacting with you. I'm 56 years old and going for my RN after being an LVN in California for 35 years. I got into Excelsior College while it was still Regents. Because I've remained enrolled, I can still become eligable to sit for the state boards if I finish before Sept of 2010.
I want to have the right things to study from. I have all of Excelsiors current study guides and the books I need to study Concepts 1 and 2. I just ordered some study CD's from EBay from a seller. Have any of you used these? She said they are her notes and ways she used to help her study. She isn't affiliated with the college and she said it does not have any cheating elements about it. I don't have it yet but I want to have the best study materials all on the up and up.
I don't understand what CLEP tests are or if there are easier ways to study then I know of? I also have some Rue Study Guides.
Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks from this CaliforniaLVN

Hi- are you planning on working in CA as a RN? If so, you don't want to do the Excelsior program, because they're not accepted in your state. I believe ISU is the only distance ed program that CA accepts at this time.

As for the notes: if they're Lisa Arend's notes, then you're fine getting those.

Regarding CLEP exams: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/...lep/about.html
Here's the official CLEP website- it'll tell you all about CLEP tests.

Good luck in getting your RN, but again I caution you- if you're planning on working in CA, then you shouldn't do the Excelsior program.

[CaliforniaLVN]

Hi and thanks for your reply. I am "grandfathered" in with Excelsior as I started way back when they were still "Regents." If I finish I will be able to sit for the California Boards. Since Excelsior is an accredited school, I will be able to work in California. I work with three other nurses who have graduated from Excelsior. I know now that California will not allow Excelsior granduates to sit for their boards.
I will call the Board of Registered Nurses to double check and will also check with my hospital but I've heard there is no problem because of my particular situation. I sure hope that's true because I'm all set to start.....everything all ready to call. Wouldn't that just be my luck?????
If anyone else has heard this, please write. Thanks ahead of time.

[BBFRN]

Yes- call the board, just in case. You should be grandfathered in, but I don't know the exact terms & limits they set on that. If you ask them directly, at least you'll know for sure. Good luck to you!

[General E. Speaking, RN]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaLVN

As an LVN (for 35) years, I would advise you NEVER to even consider becoming an LVN.....even if the line's shorter, it's more convenient for your family life or anything else! I am trying to get my RN after all these years because there is no good job market for LVN's anymore. There are only 2 left in our acute care hospital. I'm one of them. For job security, you need your RN. We get called off a lot and can't be the only nurse on, or be a charge nurse or give IV meds...OR do admissions. It would only have taken me six more months to get an RN. I chose the shorter line, the quicker way.....and I'm sorry now!
Best wishes. We can all do this together!
An older (and wiser than I used to be ) LVN

I just would like to commend you on your decision to go back to school. I have been an LVN for 18 yrs and recently graduated from a transitional RN program. I do have some regret for not doing it sooner but am so happy that I finally finished. I cannot see LVNs being phased out completely, however, they are definitely getting phased out of acute care nsg in Texas. I value my LVN experience but it severely limited my options. Plus, I was cheap labor for the hospital! After I get my RN, I am getting an $11/hr pay raise

Good luck w/ school!

[CaliforniaLVN]

Thank you for your replies. I will check with the boards tomorrow to make sure. I hope I'm ok to do it....now that I have all my ducks in a row, all my books and guides ready to go. If it's not okay, well then I guess I'll give a career ladder program a try if I can find one.
I'm thankful for each and every reply and advice I can get. This is a great site, loving it!
Thanks for the CLEP information as well.