Applying to ELMSN & ADN/ASN in California - Help!

[spiritbirdsie]

Hi! I am looking to become an RN and am unsure which way to go. I have a non-nursing Bachelor's in Sociology (graduated in 2014) with 4-5 years experience in mostly non-clinical Community Health Education, and Women/lgbt/reproductive justice advocacy and community organizing. My goal is to become a dual CNM/WHNP or one of the other and I feel strongly about it, but I understand that since I haven't had nursing experience, I can't be 100% sure, though it is a deep passion of mine.(There's one school in CA that I've seen so far that offers the program through ELMSN (UCSF) but at least 3 in CA that offer it as RN-MSN. Most ELMSN programs are for FNP)

I am looking at both Entry Level Nursing Programs and ADN/ASN Programs. I am 27 years old and turn 28 in two weeks. At first I wanted to take the fastest route to become and RN, but I'm just not sure. I want to do what makes sense, is manageable, and will be good in terms of creating a good school/work/life balance.

I am a currently taking prereqs at a Community College in Southern CA. Does anyone have experience applying for ADN/ASN programs in CA? I'm looking at both Northern Cali and Southern CA.

I wanted to fulfill all of my pre-reqs within a year (4 semester including shorter winter and summer) and work part time as a CNA/volunteer part time at a hospital at the same time.

There are about 7 - 10 schools I'm looking at for the ADN/ASN. If you've had experience getting accepted to the ADN/ASN, what was it like? Were you waitlisted? What made your application strong? Did you work while in school? After you became an RN, was it hard to find a job? What was your first job and was the salary what you expected?

For those who went the ELMSN route, was it hard to find a job? Did you do CNL/generalist or an NP speciality? Do you wish you had more nursing experience before?

Thanks so much!