Anything I can do now to prepare?

msdobson · May 22, 2007

:welcome: Hi Bliss. Welcome to the Nuthouse!

WELL! That's the rub, isn't it? All that WAITING time. As your description does not tell me how old you are, I will tell you MY story!

I am 45 years old. Time, as you can imagine, is quite important to me. If I were, say, in my twenties...I'd buckle down and go for the RN. (BSN if I had the chance.)

However, I really don't have the time (nor patience) to play to the political game of long waiting lists and/or lottery draws to enter into an RN program (in my area, at least.)

As far as waiting lists go in my area, they can be YEARS long just to be CONSIDERED for one of the 30 slots available each year. And your grades had better be STRONG...no B's, and certainly no C's!

And you've as good a chance at hitting the lottery as you do getting struck by lightning.

I chose, for time's sake, to go through a private college (read $$$). I don't mind. Sure, going through a CC or University would save me bucketloads of cash, but at the very least, with a private school, I needn't have to jump through hoops to get in. I suppose, as more and more private schools get into the healthcare game, tuition prices will drop as competition for students increases, but for right now, plan on spending about $30K (and up) for the LPN program.

I chose the LPN program, simply because it iss an accelerated 11 month program, and will get me into the field of nursing sooner than any other option. I can got to RN from there (more $$$...but I can't take it with me!)

MANY people on this board will argue the various entry levels into nursing. All have vailid arguments, from those supporting the LPN pathway to those who believe that the BSN pathway is the ONLY way. Each pathway has its pros and cons, BUT NO ONE PATHWAY IS RIGHT FOR EVERYONE. :nono: At least remember that. Choose the path that feels right TO YOU.

By all means, weigh and evaluate what each person says, BUT take it all with a grain of salt, knowing that each person chose the pathway that was right FOR THEM.

I wish you luck in whichever path to nursing you choose.

HM2VikingRN, RN · May 22, 2007

well put Mike!

fultzymom · May 22, 2007

:welcome: Here is how my story goes:

I went to a LPN to RN school. I started the LPN evening/weekend course because I had a little one. The evening/weekend program took about two years because we only went part-time. So then I declined my spot in the RN program x2 quarters so that I could get all the RN generals done before starting clinicals. So in all it took about 3 1/2 years for me to get my ADN. Not too bad. I know that some schools have LONG waiting lists. It was easier et faster for me because I had already finished my LPN there. Each new quarter they called et asked if I was ready to start the RN program yet. And it worked out for us with the kids. Good luck in what you decide to do!! And WELCOME to the site! Hope you enjoy!!

makaylasmommy · May 22, 2007

You sound so much like me! Here is my story. I am 26 years old. A mother to a a 7 month old daughter and a almost 7 year old son. I have been in law enforcement for 5 years and have my Bachelor's degree in Human Services. Granted I loved my job as a deputy when I started. But since having my little girl (our son is adopted) things have changed. I no longer want the fast pace of the law enforcement field anymore. I have always been interested in nursing and labor and delivery for that matter. So I have been accepted to a local community college where I can take my A&P classes, Human Growth and Development, microbio and then apply for the nursing program its self. The community college where I will be going offers a LPN program. Then they have a transition emphasis that is based on going from an LPN to an RN. I plan to get my LPN first. Then determine after that where I will go for my RN. My endgoal is to become a nurse midwife. I had a great birth experience with using a midwife even though I have chronic hypertension and insulin resistance. She was awesome. I got the support that I needed from her and that made the experience even better over the 38 weeks that I carried my daughter. So I know where you are coming from over what your goals are. Ours seem to be the same.

I have recently hit some bumps in the road. Since making this career changing decision I have wanted to leave the Sheriff's office and go in to the hospital as a patient care tech, etc. just to get my feet wet and be able to be in the hospital setting. But I have had one interview and was turned down. However, she told me they would be posting additional positions and for me to re-apply. I am just depressed over that right now. I want to begin building my knowledge so that once I start my classes I can relate to what is being talked about and use it in my job. But no one at this point is willing to give me the chance to do so. Granted I understand I have no medical experience other than having my first responder license which I received in the police academy, but that is it. Apparently they are looking for someone who can bring more cards to the table so to speak.

MellowBoat · May 22, 2007

I am in a similar situation. It will be some time before I can actually begin nursing school. I am presently working in China and will be here for another two years.

My question: Are there any online journals or the like that I could be reading to acquaint myself with the field?

Thanks in advance

blissfulee · May 22, 2007

Thank you for your replies! It makes me feel better knowing that I'm not the only one in this position! I guess i forgot to put my age...I'll be 29 in a couple of months.

Mike - The comm. colleges here sound a lot like yours...applicants are chosen by lottery...300+ apply and only 40 get in so the odds of getting chosen are slim...I'm considering going the private college route myself once I get all my RN preques..that's if I don't get into the LVN program first. I think it's more worth dishing out the extra money and getting my degree earlier versus waiting years to try to get in with the comm. colleges. The University here is another way I can try to go but again, there are a lot of applicants I have to compete with. But at least the University chooses applicants by GPA and you get extra points if you already work in the medical field, speak a foreign language, etc. I've managed to keep a 4.0 GPA and I speak a foreign language but I still don't know what my odds will be of getting in when the time comes.

makaylasmommy - I hear you about having a hard time getting hospitals to give you a chance when you have no experience. It's the same thing around here, unless you have tons of experience working in a hospital, have a degree or know someone that works there, chances of getting in as a "regular" person is really tough...I would just keep trying if I were you! You might get lucky!! Good luck!

msdobson · May 22, 2007

well put Mike!

:thankya:

Emery · May 22, 2007

Hey There!! It might not be as hard as you think. I worked really hard for several years and just completed all of my prereques this past semester. Last week I got my acceptance letter into the nursing program!!! I definitely wasn't expecting to get in. So just go ahead and apply and see what happens! It was a complete shock to me (I even have a few B's)! I am 21 and so incredibly excited about getting in! Don't give up!! There is still hope!! :kiss

msdobson · May 22, 2007

Thank you for your replies! It makes me feel better knowing that I'm not the only one in this position! I guess i forgot to put my age...I'll be 29 in a couple of months.
Mike - The comm. colleges here sound a lot like yours...applicants are chosen by lottery...300+ apply and only 40 get in so the odds of getting chosen are slim...I'm considering going the private college route myself once I get all my RN preques..that's if I don't get into the LVN program first. I think it's more worth dishing out the extra money and getting my degree earlier versus waiting years to try to get in with the comm. colleges. The University here is another way I can try to go but again, there are a lot of applicants I have to compete with. But at least the University chooses applicants by GPA and you get extra points if you already work in the medical field, speak a foreign language, etc. I've managed to keep a 4.0 GPA and I speak a foreign language but I still don't know what my odds will be of getting in when the time comes.
makaylasmommy - I hear you about having a hard time getting hospitals to give you a chance when you have no experience. It's the same thing around here, unless you have tons of experience working in a hospital, have a degree or know someone that works there, chances of getting in as a "regular" person is really tough...I would just keep trying if I were you! You might get lucky!! Good luck!

Check the private colleges BEFORE you dash off to get your pre-rex.

Getting your pre-rex finished at a CC can be time consuming - 1 year, plus. The private college I am going to uses an excelerated program (which INCLUDES the pre-rex!) I finished my pre-rex in 3 months. BUT, it was brutal (we were tested DAILY). However, on the whole, it was well worth it. Sure beat the hell out of the year and a bit it would have taken at my local CC!

Good luck!

msdobson · May 22, 2007

A (sad) side note.

I attended one of those orientations for applicants for the RN program at my local CC once. The auditorium was filled to capacity! (Note: capacity for that particular auditorium was 450+!)

I had the sinking feeling, listening to some of the conversations going on around me, that about HALF of the students attending wanted to go through the program because:

a) they heard there was "really good money" to be made,

b) they didn't get into the program they "wanted" (and doesn't THAT speak volumes!) or

c) they really weren't sure WHAT major they wanted to pursue, but nursing SOUNDED good.

I think if there was some magical device available that could weed out those listed above from those who were passionate about the profession, EVERY ONE OF US would find a slot!

msdobson · May 22, 2007

Hey There!! It might not be as hard as you think. I worked really hard for several years and just completed all of my prereques this past semester. Last week I got my acceptance letter into the nursing program!!! I definitely wasn't expecting to get in. So just go ahead and apply and see what happens! It was a complete shock to me (I even have a few B's)! I am 21 and so incredibly excited about getting in! Don't give up!! There is still hope!! :kiss

Congratulations, Emery!

However, I think you are one of the lucky minority.

You also pointed out that it took you "several years" to work through your pre-rex. I did mine in 3 months at at the private college I am going through. Granted, it is an accelerated course, but time is the most important aspect to me, rather than the pathway. At 21, you are beginning your professional career. I have already had a rather long one! lol. I am hoping to start a second career here!

Nevertheless, I wish to reiterate that each person finds their own path into the nursing profession. I wish you well. Study hard!