Career Change!!!

Nursing Students General Students

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Hello All! I am a total newbie, as presented by my post count...haha! I am currently going through a career change from Systems Engineering (7 years) to Registered Nursing. I am very excited to jump into this career field!

I am currently a pre-nursing student taking a fundumentals class in an ROP program. This is an LVN program in the orange county area. I have taken no pre-requisites as of yet.

I cannot believe that there are so many roadblocks and competition for nurse training programs in california, or in general.

For my academic route, I chose the LVN to RN. Is there any advice you can give to me as an aspiring RN? My plan is to get my LVN license, and work part-time while I attend my pre-requisite courses. then apply for an RN program when I complete all of my pre-requisites.

Final goal for me is to delve in the career of nursing infomatics. This seems natural to me due to my IT experience.

Any advice would be great! This is a great forum and I look forward to visiting this site regularly!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Welcome! :welcome:

I am currently doing something strikingly similar to what you have described. I completed a Southern California LVN program in late 2005, then moved out of the state to an area that has an abundance of LVN-to-RN bridge programs. I work full time weekends, which involves a 16 hour shift on Saturday and another 16 hour shift on Sunday. This schedule enables me to have 5 days off in a row to attend classes at my local community college full time.

I started taking prerequisite classes in August 2006, and have since completed 28 credit hours with a 3.8 grade point average. My only hurdle will be math, as I need to demonstrate competency in college algebra. Otherwise, I hope to apply to several RN programs in a few months.

Good luck with what you are planning to do, and remain persistent. :)

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Welcome to allnurses. One of the students in my class was an ex engineer, but I don't know what kind. At the end he said he was going to throw all of his textbooks into the dumpster and another friend had to convince him that he should keep them for references. That was the most adventurous thing I remember him doing or saying. The best advice I can give you is to not get discouraged over the admissions process. They like to blame a lot of the nursing school dilemma on lack of teachers, but many think that is too simplistic an answer. When it is time, you will either get accepted right away or you will have to wait. Being open to relocation to other areas of the country sometimes is the best option. You have added to your options by taking the LVN first option. Good luck.

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Welcome! :welcome:

I am currently doing something strikingly similar to what you have described. I completed a Southern California LVN program in late 2005, then moved out of the state to an area that has an abundance of LVN-to-RN bridge programs. I work full time weekends, which involves a 16 hour shift on Saturday and another 16 hour shift on Sunday. This schedule enables me to have 5 days off in a row to attend classes at my local community college full time.

I started taking prerequisite classes in August 2006, and have since completed 28 credit hours with a 3.8 grade point average. My only hurdle will be math, as I need to demonstrate competency in college algebra. Otherwise, I hope to apply to several RN programs in a few months.

Good luck with what you are planning to do, and remain persistent. :)

thanks for the greetings!

but wow! 32 hours a weekend...and with a GPA of 3.8. that deserves an applause! good luck with that.

Stories like yours make my career change decision more feasible then i thought. All it takes is disicpline and determination as exemplified by your story.

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When it is time, you will either get accepted right away or you will have to wait. Being open to relocation to other areas of the country sometimes is the best option. You have added to your options by taking the LVN first option. Good luck.

Yes, I have to be flexible with my academic path. I know some people that have waited for an ADN program for 2 years

Currently, i am researching grants and scholarships to help me pay my bills and school tuition. this site is really helping me out! I do appreciate it guys and gals!

I am open to relocation. I have never been a person to stay in one place for too long!

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

I was a Systems Analyst for the last 6 years during which I completed prereqs to attend nursing school. I had a previous BS in MIS. I doubt you'll run across me in any form of infomatics, but heck, you just never know. At least in this field, I've got options...

In August, I officially started a nursing program and just completed my 2nd semester. Oh, and I am 51 as of last December.

You can do this if it's truly a change you are interested in making. My best to you in your academic travels!!

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Go for it!!!!... LVN or Rn!!

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Welcome! Yes, this is a great forum. I've been lurking for months.

Anyway, I took the same path as you . . . AS/400 programmer for 10+ years; finished my LPN last summer and currently in an RN program. I love nursing! Very challenging on multiple levels and extremely rewarding.

I also needed to work quickly, hence the LPN route. One suggestion - if you want to work in a hospital, apply for a job as an aide during school. Many hospitals will accept you after the first semester of clinicals (fundamentals).

I found it hard to get into a hospital as a new LPN, even with a non-nursing BA and all my other work experience. (Now that I'm working in a hospital, I can see why. No other experiences can prepare you for nursing!) The transition does seem to be smoother if you already work as an aide.

Best of luck!

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new_nurse_2006,

thanks for the advice! As it stands right now, i have to go through an application process with my school. basically I need 60 or more points pertaining to my experience, prior degrees and post secondary schools. As of right now, I do have the 60 points.

15 points for the fundumentals class

25 points for the interview after the fund class

20 points for my B.S. in CIS degree

^^ this is my points right now.

other points can be attained for:

5 points for CNA licensure

5-10 points for CNA work experience

5-10 points for medical related experience

5 points for each post secondary school pre-reqs for the ADN. Anatomy, bio, chem...etc

Although i have attained the points required, there are alot more applicants that have medical assisting and/or CNA certifications + experience that equal up to 60 or more points. It really depends on my peers in my class. If they are subpar applicants, then I am a shoe in for the course. but if they are experienced, then I have to take the CNA course or pre-requisites for the ADN to be on the same level with them.

Most likely, i will take the ADN pre-reqs to get most of the points. I figure that this will be more beneficial towards my goal towards my RN licensure.

Thanks!

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Go for it!!!!... LVN or Rn!!

thanks mai! LVN to RN...FTW!

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Noticed you're in SoCal. Better for job opportunities, but very difficult to get into an RN program. There are just so many applicants. Good luck.

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^^tell me about it....i am seriously thinking about taking an ADN course in the central coast where my parents live.

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