Accepted to LVN program...

caliotter3 · Apr 20, 2017

You could spend the same amount of time continuing trying to get into RN programs without any luck. At least you are doing something constructive with your time. And yes, you could be earning your ticket into an RN school slot. Go for it unless you get accepted elsewhere in the meantime.

Todd94, ADN · Apr 20, 2017

You could spend the same amount of time continuing trying to get into RN programs without any luck. At least you are doing something constructive with your time. And yes, you could be earning your ticket into an RN school slot. Go for it unless you get accepted elsewhere in the meantime.

thats exactly what I was thinking on the other hand. I was still planning on applying to the two other CCs in September, because I don't start the LVN program till Spring 18. I was hoping to get into Fall 17, but I really can't complain because I got in.

Also, do you know if the LVN programs are Similar to RN programs... stressful/hard wise? I'm asking because I would like to still work, but if it's similar, I will most likely only do the program. I still live with my parents, so that's really no big deal, but I would like to do both.

IEDave, ASN, CNA, LVN · Apr 22, 2017

First, congrats on being accepted into a CC VN program! Getting that far is a pretty substantial accomplishment by itself. Since I'm doing this off of my phone, I'll try and address your issues from memory. A bit about me - finished my VN at a CC in SoCal back in December, 2 prior degrees (both in Computer Science) and just waiting for the BVNPT to issue me a lice nse # so I can work as an LVN.

Is it worth it to go for a VN when you've got the prereqs for an RN? I'd say so...considering that's more or less what I'm doing right now. Firstly, don't assume it's "just a VN" - rest assured you'll get beat up just as bad as the RN students will. If anything, there's a good chance you'll get beat up worse in some ways, because the VN program is more focused on bedside nursing than the RN program. Make no mistake - you will be challenged by the VN program.

Some of the advantages - I'll assume that you'd be getting LVN licensure and working as an LVN while applying to area LVN to RN/BSN programs. First, when you do clinical rotations for the RN, there's an excellent chance you'll be running rings around your classmates - because you already work as a nurse. Hence, you'll be used to doing things at real-world speeds, which will get you noticed by the staff, which translates to you having a much better chance of getting an acute care job right out of school at your clinical sites.

Also, you'll have another advantage - the NCLEX. You'll step into the NCLEX-RN with much less concern, because you've already taken an NCLEX and will know what to expect. The questions will be a bit different, but having that prior experience certainly won't hurt.

Another point - everyone I've spoken with that did an LVN to RN bridge said the same thing; quite a bit of what you'll be covering in the bridge is going to be review, and the hard part's going to be surviving the VN program itself.

Last point - if you were shooting for an RN by age 26, most likely you'd have it by age 28, plus you'll have a leg up that your classmates won't; you'll already be a nurse.

----- Dave

MikeMSN-RN, MSN, LVN, RN · Apr 30, 2017

I did both LVN @SF City college and RN-MSN @ USF. First of all, both programs are sort of similar: while an LVN program has a lot more clinical hours, an RN program offers once a week. I had Mon-Thu from 8 to 3-4 pm classes, x3 semesters @SFCC. I worked Noc shift 9pm- 6 am as a CNA 4 days a week throughout the LVN program. I slept for 2 hours in my car before classes when I had classes.

I'm not sure about your LVN program but assume you have all day class for 3-4 days a week. It's hard to work and go to any nursing school at the same time. I worked as an LVN once or twice a week throughout my RN/MSN program, but it was tough. Just like you're thinking, many IF my LVN classmates went straight to an RN program after they finished LVN. I had to work to pay bills so it took me 7 years to become an RN.

You're young so I think you could first go to LVN school while applying for RN programs if you are financially OK not to work. But my classmate told me that the SFCC RN program wouldnt take LVN students at SFCC. In fact, none of then were accepted during their LVN course. So you might want to consider that if you are planning to apply within the same school.

Just like someone here said, there are good and bad RNs. Many LVN are as good as RNs (or even better than RNs). But I have also encountered bad LVNs, too. So it really depends on a nurse. I hope you will be a good nurse in the future no matter what license you have.

I hated the most about being an LVN was that some RNs or even patients looked down on me. Some patients even said they wanted RNs. But you're planning to be an RN, so you won't probably have that experience much.

Then within RNs, there is hierarchy too. The trend in CA is BSN, so ADNs are limited to where you can work. Acute hospitals usually prefer BSNs (especially for their new grad programs). So try getting BSN if you can and you will have better opportunities.

One thing is for sure; you'll have an easier time throughout your RN program once you're an LVN.

my two cents.

Todd94, ADN · Apr 30, 2017

Thank you both for your responses! I definitely read it all, and was hoping to add that to my list of reasons to be excited about the LVN. When I say that, I mean I was just bummed that I had all my Pre-Reqs for an RN Program, and doing an LVN program would take a good two years out of my way mainly because of the 6 months needed of work experience to apply to the LVN to RN.

However, I received some amazing news on Friday! I actually got accepted to the Sierra College Nursing Program (RN) for Fall 2017! I'm so happy!

MikeMSN-RN, MSN, LVN, RN · Apr 30, 2017

Great news! I'm happy for you, Todd. I also finished all of my pre-reqs done while in the LVN program, yet they all expired when i actually appiled for the RN program. That was painful.

As I mentioned earlier, try to get your BSN at some point (I assume Sierra college is a community college).

Congrats! Nursing school is REALLY tough, but you will feel good when you are done.

Good luck!

-- mike

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · May 1, 2017

If you have completed the RN program prereqs then I think you should consider the LVN program.

My reasons for saying this:

1) you can get out in 12-18 mos and work making a decent wage.

2) you can later apply to VN-RN programs, which have shorter wait lists. I got in the 1st time. (I had peers waiting 3 yrs to get into the ADN program)

Todd94, ADN · May 2, 2017

Great news! I'm happy for you, Todd. I also finished all of my pre-reqs done while in the LVN program, yet they all expired when i actually appiled for the RN program. That was painful.
As I mentioned earlier, try to get your BSN at some point (I assume Sierra college is a community college).
Congrats! Nursing school is REALLY tough, but you will feel good when you are done.
Good luck!
-- mike

Thank you so much! I already got in contact with the LVN program and asked them to decline my acceptance (I had already accepted my spot a couple days before I found out I got into the RN program).

Yes, Sierra College is a CC here in Northern California (Placer County). I'm just so happy because its a much shorter distance than the LVN program location. I also still live at home, so I will quit my job right before I start the RN program in the Fall. I would like to work, but I need to devote all my studying to this for the next 2 years.

And I plan on going for my BSN once I graduate with my ADN. I currently volunteer at Kaiser in the ED, so I would love to work in that environment... but would most likely need a BSN for that.

Thanks again Mike!

Cactus Nurse · Jun 11, 2017

You don't need to quit right away. Fundamentals is not hard, ask the school when they recommend you cut down on your work hours. I'm a LPN (I went lvn school in socal), I worked no s 3-4 days a week. I would work then go do my clinical. Never had an issue. I devoted my year to work and school.

I think working and school in the beginning is a good way to learn balance, if you ever go for your msn one day you won't be able to afford to quit school. A lot of nurses work and do school, so wait on quitting till you start. The beginning is always easier. Plus you might not be starting clinical till a few weeks into the program. We didn't start til 9 weeks in. That's where a work schedule gets tricky.

You will miss out on a lot of things, but it will be worth it. Congrats on getting in and starting your nursing path!

Hello_Pretty, RN · Jun 17, 2017

First, congrats on being accepted into a CC VN program! Getting that far is a pretty substantial accomplishment by itself. Since I'm doing this off of my phone, I'll try and address your issues from memory. A bit about me - finished my VN at a CC in SoCal back in December, 2 prior degrees (both in Computer Science) and just waiting for the BVNPT to issue me a lice nse # so I can work as an LVN.
Is it worth it to go for a VN when you've got the prereqs for an RN? I'd say so...considering that's more or less what I'm doing right now. Firstly, don't assume it's "just a VN" - rest assured you'll get beat up just as bad as the RN students will. If anything, there's a good chance you'll get beat up worse in some ways, because the VN program is more focused on bedside nursing than the RN program. Make no mistake - you will be challenged by the VN program.
Some of the advantages - I'll assume that you'd be getting LVN licensure and working as an LVN while applying to area LVN to RN/BSN programs. First, when you do clinical rotations for the RN, there's an excellent chance you'll be running rings around your classmates - because you already work as a nurse. Hence, you'll be used to doing things at real-world speeds, which will get you noticed by the staff, which translates to you having a much better chance of getting an acute care job right out of school at your clinical sites.
Also, you'll have another advantage - the NCLEX. You'll step into the NCLEX-RN with much less concern, because you've already taken an NCLEX and will know what to expect. The questions will be a bit different, but having that prior experience certainly won't hurt.
Another point - everyone I've spoken with that did an LVN to RN bridge said the same thing; quite a bit of what you'll be covering in the bridge is going to be review, and the hard part's going to be surviving the VN program itself.
Last point - if you were shooting for an RN by age 26, most likely you'd have it by age 28, plus you'll have a leg up that your classmates won't; you'll already be a nurse.
----- Dave

Couldn't have said it better. You will do better clinically and it'll ahow5. The RN program is more in depth; you'll get your fundamentals down easy and might already know some of your pharm.

Here's my background. I got into an LVN program as a backup too at age 27 (had to get my CNA immediately before the program since it was a prereq for LVN. Surprisingly i wasn't rhe oldest person in class). My program was 3 semesters but we didn't get summer off (Jan-Dec) so it was accelerated and we only got 1 week off between semesters. We had homework everyday and 2 tests a week. And care plans due each week. It was rough and time consuming but doable. I was able to work 2 days a week while attending school 4 days a week and commuting 2-4 hours a day round trip.

I got into an RN bridge in 2016 at age 30. I just graduated last night at age 31. The RN program is more in-depth and harder to grasp. I didn't have homework every night and went to school 3 days a week. I almost failed because I didn't know how to make use of my time studying since we weren't given care plans of patho maps or any type of homework. You were just expected to go home and "study" for 60 hours a week. I even gave up working. In my LVN program I learned things because we were handed so much busy work. But in the RN program, not so much.

I did have advantages like knowing how to delegate, medications, and hands on skills like catheter insertion, tube feedings. Although I'm IV certified I still suck at that lol.

You won't regret doing the LVN program. The only warning- it'll screw you up on nclex because youll relate your real-life nursing experience to try and answer questions and they'll be wrong because nclex-world is not real world.