Orange County CA LVN schools- which is best?

October 6, 2009

I am currently enrolled at Hacienda La Puente Vocational Nursing Program. I highly recommend this school even though it's an adult school. It offers a lot of support from staff and students. My teachers are awesome! They are knowledgable in a lot of nursing theories and practices. I already completed 3 1/2 months in the program and I am grateful that I chose this school. My clinical site is on a med/surg floor at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Baldwin Park. I live in Garden Grove and travel more than majority of my classmates...it's worth the sacrifice! For those who are curious about this school...the monthly fee is $300.00 for 12 months. Hacienda La Puente Adult School is a branch out from Hacienda La Puente School District. This program is actually funded by the government. For those considering LVN option...consider this school before thinking of going to a private school.

To "confused0101" - I'm finished with school and received my license last year. I've kept in touch with many of the staff at CNI and some of the other colleges I listed, because I was able to build a friendship with a lot of them. They've all given me sound advice on what to do to get past the NCLEX and to get myself out of that "mine field"! R.O.P. programs here in Orange County are a mixed bag - the one thing that cannot be argued is this..."What you put into it, you will get back." Anyone who enrolls in both public and private programs will find that they are surrounded by people of different maturity levels. They have both the capability of making an outstanding class -or- a class that stands out. "So what?" you may ask. The problem with the class that stands out - is for it's notorious offenders, like my class had. There were cheaters, people who were consistent flunk outs because all they would do is complain about their failures being everyone's fault except their own. Of course, there is always the "overachiever" when it came to causing our class to be held back - our favorite class dip $#!t who would get drunk in the back, because she said she couldn't understand our Jordanian instructor. The funny thing, is that 80% of the class did well in that instructor's class. The other 20% including the "lush" were the idiots who slept in the back of the classroom from term 1 through 4. For anyone thinking about an LVN program...re-think the ASN. It's more time...yes, but you can still challenge the board in pretty much all states - if you meet the requirements for an LVN license, while you are in the ASN program. That's advice I wish I had, before I went through the hassles.

Delta18
Were you able to get a job as an LVN after you graduated CNI? I'm currently a 4th term ACC student and hoping I can find a job after all of this while continuing on at a community college with the LNV to RN bridge program.

No...and you'd think within a couple of months you could secure something here in the Orange County area. But the truth is - the bad economy has sucked all the openings dry. One thing that the schools won't tell you because that is not their concern, is that LVNs are not as in demand as RNs - in ANY clinical area Military, V.A. hospitals/clinics, hospitals, and even SNFs. The reason why is primarily focused on the scope of practice. The facilities need people who are able to do EVERYTHING short of being doctors. The belief that an RN in a crisis SHOULD be able to problem solve with less restrictions than an LVN. Furthermore, the issue of facilities phasing out LVN positions is on the rise...your schools - especially ACC and CNI will not tell you this. Placentia Linda Hospital and Fountain Valley (both Tenet owned) have phased out their LVN hiring....those LVNs on staff are either being systematically replaced or made aware that they need to get into an RN program somewhere to retain their jobs. Places like Hoag and Mission Hospital (St. Joe's) are closed to the idea of LVNs - the attitude at the H/R offices are "Don't even bother". Kaiser for awhile toyed with the idea of phasing out CNA's/UAP's and replacing them with LVNs. But that led to a feeding frenzy, and I think they shut their doors to "new grads". Which brings me to the next and most devastating reality check for any students that are in any LVN schools here in California - it is the #1 reason why places are not hiring new graduates; and this is listed on the application forms you will be filling out -----------> "Do you have any experience as an LVN?" And the majority of the time the answer will be "Duh! I'm a NEW GRAD =====> Of course NOT!" That right there is the deal killer. Most places, including Long Beach V.A. Hospital will state that they require you to have 1-2-3 years of experience. Kinda make you wonder why the folks at admissions or your "1st day of orientation" didn't give you this information, huh?
Now, there are those students who will find it a lot easier to wedge themselves into a "women's clinic" - guess what sex you have to be to get lucky to fill those positions .... mind you an LVN with a p3nis need not apply because they wouldn't get hired unless they were tri-lingual (English, Spanish, and Vietnamese) living on the border of Garden Grove and Santa Ana! (Racist and Sexist? You'd think that wouldn't be the case with nursing - for guys and the English only speakers....that's reality). There is also another trend that I've noticed, and that deals with "student nurses" who transfer over from being EMTs or Med. Assistants....they actually can claim "experience" - so they have it a little easier "greasing" the H/R departments into hiring them. There was a guy who I knew who worked at Fountain Valley Regional as an LVN in the DOU...he always said that because he had experience as and EMT and is an American Heart/American Red Cross Instructor; plus he belonged to a bunch of disaster programs...were the reasons how he got hired. I mean the guy was one of those guys who was on top of everything...he was very competent and knowledgeable. Plus, he is a nurse that I would trust in any situation. This brings me to the last point of interest for "new nurses" out there. You will hit a wall looking (for whatever time it takes for you to actually land a job ) - that first job. This is economics. The phrase "there is a nursing shortage" is true....but it's also bull $#!T. Not everything can be blamed on the bad economy, yet that has contributed to what I call "over retention". Nurses (supposedly retiring nursing as well as those younger nurses would normally "slack" at their jobs) are staying on. They are not taking retirement; they are not calling in sick; and they are taking shifts wherever they can. "So what?" you ask. Well, think about it. This fact added to the fact that facilities cannot "afford" to hire - especially after Gov. "Nazi Kennedy" Swartzenheimer and the California legislature failed in passing a budget on time, and all that $$$ that was supposed to fund programs were severely delayed....do the math. You'd think that the stupid politicians would have been thinking about the actual better good of the people....the patients, the facilities, the medical/psych programs, and of course (personnel who's livelihood depends upon that funding) - the nurses. So, this is what I call "new grads" getting screwed - the school's lie to you (both intentionally and unintentionally); then you get openly screwed by the economy! I know that this is a very dismal look at job hunting...but this is a reality check for those that are in it and those that are thinking about joining this club of "bastards" - because as an LVN...we really are a bunch of "red-headed step children" in the eyes of the medical community....no one knows how to utilize us...and to many of our RN brother and sisters - we (LVNs) don't deserve a place at the table! As I stated before...this is waiting to happen...just as the mortgage industry was. Places like CNI, ACC, Concorde, and Stanbridge will have to answer for predatory business practices. And of course they will all use the "benevolence" of Nurse Education as a shield. However, for those that are thinking about coming into this field...there is NOTHING sacred or holy about nursing...when it comes to THIS (LVN-private school) type of education!

HEY.. SO you graduated from CNI in what year and you still haven't found a job???

It doesn't matter what year or month I graduated from CNI, truth be told all of that is as relevant as how many "awards" Ms. VJ gives you. The reason I say this, is because every term that graduates always has a "valedictorian" (whoo hoo) - many of them don't deserve it...a great many of them are actually "given" the title through manipulation of grades. The sad fact is that our valedictorian after 1 year has still not found himself a job. Most impressive for a "straight A" student (who cheated most of the way up) and now cannot pass the NCLEX despite going through the "Lifesavers NCLEX review" TWICE! But this was supposed to be about "me"...I graduated in the middle of the pack with a gpa of 3.15, passed my NCLEX first shot. Then with a lot of slogging through "monster, career builder, job finder,etc. etc." it took me over 6 months to find the job that I am currently in. This is also something that they conveniently omit from your "learning" or the "advisement" period you go through before entering. So you are pretty much screwed even when you start the program. A drunk hobo would nave a better chance of falling into Paris Hilton's lap on a Saturday night, than a new grad LVN finding a job in the Orange County right now....circa 11/2009. So to those that doubt this statistic...see how many interviewers will give you the time of day with "New Grad/No actual experience other than my education" indicated or hinted on your resume. And if you are thinking of "creatively" fibbing about your experience...remember they check that stuff - and as a nurse...if you lie and get caught that's an instant

So once again...going with the ADN or RN program doesn't seem so bad after all.

I went to Pacific College. I graduated in Oct.2008 and passed the NCLEX in May 2009. I had a great experience there and made many good friends! I wish you the best.

Tammy makes a good point in her statement. Not implying anything about Tammy's background. But here's another thing that the schools do not tell you right off. In the event that you have an issue with your background....ie, criminal or any offense - the state board automatically flags your application...and it can take anywhere from a month to a few MORE months to clear you - still there is always the possibility (depending on the timing of the infraction, the severity of the infraction, and the issues surrounding how you are dealing with making amends for the infraction). Still even with that in your mind...now comes the even trickier part of trying to get your D.O.N., Dean of the college, Program Specialist, etc. (whoever is in charge of your getting your paper work to the board) - the school's standing with the board can also delay your applications packet being received/opened/processed. It is that simple. More time in between all the prep that you've done to get to the NCLEX. It sucks, but a lot of this essential stuff is never covered by your school during your admissions process.

Tammy indicated in the quote above that she graduated in Oct 2008 and then 6 months later she took her NCLEX. That's a long time to wait to take the NCLEX. Obviously, Tammy was studying and prepping...which was a good thing. But if the wait was whittled down to 1 to 2 months at the most (Tammy prepped before graduation and was ready to take the NCLEX right after graduation night....assuming that Pacific College got Tammy's packet to the board and things cleared in a 2 week period) then that would leave Tammy to hunt for a job no more than 2 months after she graduated, passed the NCLEX and moved on.

So the big question is why are all of these schools (for the majority of their students) having such a difficult time getting their students to the board? Why is it taking so long for the students to get to take the NCLEX? Is it the prep work they are doing? Is that prep work even remotely adequate to get a student ready to take the NCLEX right after graduation? Isn't that what $30K is supposed to get you? Why do students end up taking prep work outside of the confines of the school - paying MORE money for prep work they should be getting at the schools, I mean this with all the "OVER qualified" teachers and administrators at these schools. This is more food for thought for those that are considering the route of LVN schools in Orange County California.

As with all my other posts on this thread - RE-THINK a rushed decision into the quagmire of $#!T that these schools are, and DO NOT be fooled like so many of us who have come before you! Heed the warnings!!!

hi, fgamiao:
This is my first message =) hihi
I'm planing to attend the Hacienda La Puente Vocational Nursing Program as well, I just took the Entrance test they said they will give me a call to see if i get in or not. The class starts on June and they said they took about 100~200 students highest score in entance test to take the pre-LVN class and cut down to 50 to get in the LVN program.
So you passed all that to get in the LVN pregram? Is it hard to get pass for pre-LVN class? cause I do not have any experience on any kind of nusring class, what do I need to do to give me the better chance to get in LVN program?

Thank you.

It's amazing to me how much particular private information some of you have concerning the employment and reasons for the dismissal of some of the instructors at the various schools. This is information that is supposed to be priveleged, number one, and number two, concerning certain information which I will not address, you do NOT have the true, complete story as to why these instructors were either dismissed or changed schools, even though you may think you do. Because you are NEW Nurses, (if in fact you are at all), you will eventually learn that as a matter of protocol, integrity, privacy, and professionalism, we who have been Nurses for MANY years, do not generally engage in gossip. We go to our Superiors if there is a problem with another instructor or with a colleague and alert them to the fact that there may be a problem that they need to address. If a Nurse is committing an indiscretion, it MUST be reported, not blogged about by a disgruntled student who really has no concept of what Nursing is really about. I myself have reported problems concerning other Nurses in the various jobs I have held over the last 21 years, but I have addressed them through the PROPER channels, privately. It is NOONE elses business if a Nurse is having difficulties unless it compromises the safety of PATIENTS, staff and students. But it still must be handled discreetly, otherwise it holds no bearing. Concerning the Nurse who committed suicide. How dare you assume to know her reasons. You don't know what else was going on in her life. You can't assume to know, despite the fact that you may feel that you do, the events that led up to that terribly tragic act. Suicide is an incredibly convoluted and complicated ending to what can have been a person's idea that frankly, there absolutely was no other way. How dare you diminish this Nurse's life by gossiping about it and blaming it on people who actually may have had absolutely nothing to do with it. Suicide is usually a culmination of a person's inability to manage his/her life. As a Nurse, you may NEVER assume you know what's going on with a person until you have done a thorough assessment of a person's emotional, physical and spiritual status. Obviously you were daydreaming during that lecture, or worrying too much about the fact that you needed to wear white shoes. Your lack of experience and your dispassionate nature show. You had the choice to leave the school you weren't happy going to AT ANY TIME. You picked the school. Your choice. You make it what it is. You get out of it what you put into it. True, a lot of hospitals are not hiring LVN's. But there are alternatives. Be creative. Noone can take your education away from you. You hopefully, have matured as a result of your education. But after reading some of these blogs, I wonder. Take what you have learned, lose your bitterness, because it has no place in Nursing, and move on from here. I wouldn't trade my career as an LVN for anything in the world. I remain an LVN, studying for my RN, but I am a CHPLN. (Certified Hospice & Palliative Licensed Nurse). I have worked everything from Peds to Home Care to Clinics to Registry to Hospitals to Management. I am also a Nursing Instructor at one of the above named schools which shall remain nameless. That is not your business. What is your business is that if you are going to be a good, compassionate, loving Nurse, the main ingredient you need is HOPE. If you run around with a sour attitude, that is what you will be. A Nurse I wouldn't allow touching me. I see them everyday. A simple smile, a loving touch, a kind word, and the arrangement of a warm blanket go a long way. So get off it. Lose the attitude. Lose the gossip. Be professional and act in a way that is worthy of the world's MOST noble profession. I do. And it has been a journey at times filled with sorrow, but mostly filled with joy, integrity, professionalism, and yes most of all, Compassion. If you don't have compassion, you will have nothing. I have a lifetimetime of memories of patients I have loved, many I have lost, and colleagues I trust, respect, learned from, cried with, been comforted by, and comforted. Start your careers with the other most important ingredient: LOVE. If you didn't have the capacity for love and compassion you wouldn't have chosen Nursing in the first place. Finally, I wish you luck in your careers, and hope you heed what I have said and take it in the spirit in which it was meant. I will defend my profession unto my death and beyond. Take the best and leave the rest. May you find the satisfaction in your careers that I have found, and continue to find, in mine. May you continue to learn and love. Find your self-respect and share it. Your patients and your colleagues will love you and thank you for it. I do. The best of luck to you.