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How many of the LVNs/LPNs plan to enroll in an LVN-to-RN bridge program if they are not already enrolled in one?
I completed a one-year long LVN program in October and my NCLEX-PN exam is scheduled for the end of December. I am not the type of person who likes to make too many elaborate future plans because it might 'blind' me in the present. However, I definitely plan to enroll in an LVN-to-RN bridge program once I know with certainty that I've passed the NCLEX. First and foremost, I need to concentrate on passing the NCLEX because that will determine whether I'll ever work as a nurse.
I'm in the process of applying for a bridge program for Fall 2006. When I picked up the application I was told there were only two seats open in the class (it's dependant on the number of RN students that drop out). I'm terrified and not really counting on getting in. I'm still applying but not really expecting it.
I've only been an LVN for 7 months so even though I'm in a hurry to move on to my RN I'll be ok as an LVN for a while.
I'll be taking Pharmacology and Fine Art this Fall. I will be ready for Summer '07 admission for a transitional program. It has been a slooooow process. I work fulltime and take classes partime. I have been in school since Fall 2003! Had to take remedial Algebra's. I use the term "remedial" lightly- I never learned that stuff 20+ yrs ago in high school
anbreen
69 Posts
No, I don't think you are crazy. A problem is...There are SO many obstacles to entering RN programs... despite the much-lamented nurse shortages. One would think that if it's THAT bad, money could be made available to expand training programs, or establish more of them. And, maybe a few superfluous "hoops" could be removed from the applications process. It REALLY shouldn't take five years to get through an AA program.
Give you an example. I have an MA degree in an allied health profession, and am a CCM. I have been doing medical case management and UR for a long time, and have managed a unit of UR nurses. I decided to become an RN.
The local JC has the two-year waiting list. So, I approached Meric. I was told I would have to take a year of "fluff" GE classes, BEFORE I could take the prerequisites. This includes Speech 101 (though I was a college debater,and have been speaking before professional groups for a long time), English Comp. (c'mon... parsing sentences never changes... and I got a high score on that part of the entrance exam), and Psych 101 (which I am credentialled to TEACH at a JC level). They wanted to waste a year of my time, in short.
They also had some other, I felt, unecessesary tasks to complete, before acceptance. When I asked them why, they said, "We make it difficult, so we can get only the very BEST." No...... that way you get the most PERSISTENT, who may not be the best. Getting into grad school was a lot easier and more straight-forward.
So........I went to another voc school, took the entrance exam, and submitted my records. Boom! I'm in. They only have the LVN program, but they expect to have the bridge w/i a year or so. I will also apply to the JC.. and go with whichever program takes me first. In the meantime, I can work as an LVN. I will make a lot less money, but I was bored silly with my previous profession. When I become an RN, I will go back up to my previous income.
So.. I think your are doing JUST fine! :-)