[marie2000]

Hello everyone,
I am a 26 year old student in California, who graduated from a state university a couple of years ago with a Bachelor's degree in Child Development. It wasn't until I was halfway through that program I decided I really wanted to work in Pediatrics as a nurse. I started taking my prereq's for RN programs in the area and slowly but surely I am almost done. There is one catch-the wait lists are around 3 years for the RN programs around here. I was delighted to find info about LVN/LPN programs in the area-I could be done next year and that sounds wonderful to me. I just wanted some feedback from anyone who reads this about their experience as a nurse, LVN programs, if it's a good idea to do this instead of waiting on an RN list for years..(an obvious decision, I know) but I just wanted to hear what people had to say-any info is helpful. Thanks!!

[Tracylvn]

I personally did the aLVN route 1st. There were multiple determining factors in this decision, a few that I did not have a choice in. I do not regret my decision. I get to work with a population I LOVE, I make a decent paycheck while I am doing my pre recs for ISU's LVN to BSN online program. Yes it will take me longer but I think in the end it will all be worth it.
Good luck with your decision.

[BeccaznRN]

Marie-

Have you looked into accelerated BSN programs? Not sure what area you are in, but many universities with nursing programs offer an accelerated version of the BSN program for students with a bachelor degree already. Most will only take 1 year to complete and it may be a way for you to bypass the extremely long waitlists at the community colleges and universities. There's nothing wrong with going for LVN, but you may find your options limited if you want to work in pediatrics with the LVN. Again, this all depends on where you live in CA and your local job market. LVNs are more utilized in areas such as geriatrics, nursing homes, and home health.

Good luck!