Tips for a soon to be LVN?

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Apr 18, 2014

Congratulations for getting into northwest program. Is it one year? I also reside in California and applied at hacienda la puente adult school lvn program. I will find out today or Monday if I made it to round two.

I have heard that lvn one year programs are intense and a few had quit their jobs to focus on studying and passing. Many would say they had no life for that year, but every minute was worth it. It seems like you are passionate about nursing and your drive will keep you motivated. Anything in life, the road isn't easy, but you made it this far, so everything will work itself out. :) I wish you the best!

pnkgirl25 · Apr 19, 2014

I just completed an LVN program and passed the NCLEX also in CA. I attended a 10 month accelerated program... yeah... that was beyond brutal lol. It was doable but brutal.

I ended up doing this program because the waiting lists for the RN programs in my area were years long. It was not the cheapest route, total cost of school was about $28k, BUT I was able to complete the school, pass the nclex and am now job hunting in less then a year while many people I know are still on waiting lists, so in my mind it was money well spent.

I worked part time and full time off and on through my program so I was able to pay off allot of the loan as I went so I'm not in too much debt.

I do plan on continuing my education however with the bridge programs now being harder to get into I'm starting to look at other options. I have decided to apply to PA school and skip the RN route all together. PA program is 2-3 years,pre reqs are the same usually and as of now it's not was competitive and the pay can reach the 100k range.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Apr 19, 2014

@pinky

Wish you the best! Please keep me posted on your journey :)

Btw have you thought about bridge programs outside of CA?

pnkgirl25 · Apr 20, 2014

@pinky
Wish you the best! Please keep me posted on your journey :)
Btw have you thought about bridge programs outside of CA?

I unfortunately can't move out of state

juliastasio · Apr 21, 2014

Thank you! And the program is a little over a year long, 15 months to be precise. And yeah, it's an accelerated program like most, if not all, LVN programs. This school assured me (and I was shown statistics) that they had a 90% success rate with their students passing the NCLEX. You also begin clinicals after the first month of studies.

I wish you you all the best as well, I hope you get in! May your journey be wonderful :)

juliastasio · Apr 21, 2014

That's very assuring to hear! It sounds like you are doing what I want to do as well... The program I am in is about $30k as well but I was able to get some FAFSA aid as well as using money I saved up so I believe it will be worth it. It's also nice to not be on a waiting list for sure.

I wish you luck with your future endeavors! And I hope you get into your PA program as well!

juliastasio · Apr 21, 2014

I have thought about programs outside of CA, but I believe I will be staying here for the time being. Are there better programs outside of the state? I know the job situation is probably a lot better. And I will keep you posted! :)