LVN OR NOT

[futurenurse1978]

hi all

I need some advice, I am currently attending Riverside Community College in Moreno Valley, CA and I am tryin to get into the RN program I still have 4 more classes to take until I apply and I was wondering would it be a good choice to apply to the LVN program because there is no waiting list and for the RN program there is a 2 year wait once you have submited your application. And I am not sure if I should apply because I heard that they were phasing out lvn is this true. The reason I am planning on applying to the LVN program is to get the experience and I heard that your chances of getting into

the RN are program. So should I go for it, Yes or no

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I completed an LVN program in southern CA in 2005, worked as an LVN in Texas for four years, and finally earned my RN license last year,

While the LVN program might be less competitive for admissions, be aware that the nursing job market in southern CA is very bleak for new grad RNs, and it is even worse for new LVNs due to the economy. You will definitely get a head start if you complete the LVN program, but you might not have a job after graduation to accrue the experience that you are seeking. I'm not being a pessimist. I'm simply being a realist.

[DaniJeffries1]

If there is a wait list I would definitely start on your LPN. I finished my LPN in a 13 month accelerated program, and now Im starting to work on the RN portion, no regrets, since I have a friend who applied to an RN program a year before I started and still hasn't been accepted!

I work in AZ and the job market for LPN's here was also said to be not very good, but I found a job in 5 weeks, and started at 20/hr which is just fine for me! I felt like with the LPN program I learned a lot, I have a mom who has her BSN and we still bounce questions off each other all the time.

another benefit of the program is that if it takes you another 2 years to get your RN, by the time you do, you have 2 years experience as a nurse, which is a huge help. Good luck!

[futurenurse1978]

Hi there

Thanks for the response, I am actually going to take the CNA class next month even though I don't really want to but I want to get the experience. And as far as the LVN program I have one more class to take then I can apply. And no there isn't a waitlist it's a first come first serve. So I think more than likely I will apply because the experience will only help me and besides I will getting the patient care experience.

thanks for the advice

[tabatab923]

I just graduated from an LVN program in Coloton, Ca.. I think its a great idea to go to LVN school.. they have many bridge programs to RN.. and it helps with your skills as a nurse.. the RN wait lists are so long.. I think you should try LVN and keep working on your pre reqs for RN!!!