California vs Oklahoma 2 year RN

Published

I posted this on another thread, but I had an additional question and this board is so darn busy I thought I better ask now, or forever hold my peace..lol...I forgot to mention that I plan to get my education here in Oklahoma, but might be moving back to California in the next 5 years, so I would like to know if there is anyone with experience in moving to different states and holding your current RN title? In CA, I don't know of any 2 year RN programs. Does this mean my education will be less credible there?

I am starting to think that if I can't understand the difference between these degrees and decide what college to go to...maybe I'm not smart enough to be an RN! ouch.

I live in Oklahoma and am considering becoming an RN. There is a college here (Platt) that offers a 1 year LPN and a 1 year LPN to RN course. How many hospitals are likely to hire an RN without a BSN? I am SO CONFUSED! Thanks for your help!

ALSO, WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF AN RN EDUCATION??? I read about a federal program that pays the cost of college if I work in an area that is short of nurses for 2 years. Have any of you had any luck with this? Why is there such a huge difference in cost at different colleges? Do I get what I pay for?

Renee

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

http://www.allnursingschools.com

go there, search out some schools and find out tuition costs. Know from the start, there is a HUGE difference in cost of living in California versus Oklahoma and make your decisions in an informed manner.

I have experience as a military wife, moving and obtaining licensure in a different state than the one I first began to practice. It's not a big deal, and some states have compact agreements, whereby if you are licensed in one, you are good to go in others. I don't think OK and Cali are in that compact, but it will be up to you to check that out and be sure. But usually, obtaining licensure is as simple as making applicated, paying the money and getting your new license. Not a huge deal, really. Like I said, be aware of cost of living versus wages, before you make any big moves, or you may be in trouble......

Know, also, most hospitals will have no problem whatsoever hiring RNs who have Associate or Diploma educations, for bedside, staff nursing positions. If you have aspirations of ascending "up the food chain", you will want to get your BSN or higher. You can approach this a couple ways:

You can get your associates' degree first, then go to work for a hospital that has tuition assistance programs and get THEM to pay for an RN-BSN education ...or

You can go straight for a BSN and be done with it and not have to sweat balancing job and school.

Your decision will have to be based on your personal situation, family lifestyle and finances. So yes, in the end it is up to you. But do not fear not getting a job, if you do not hold a BSN. You will, at least in hospital nursing.

Good luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

For your convenience, here are the compact states listed as I found them at this site:

http://www.dhp.state.va.us/nursing/nursing_compact.htm

The states currently participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact are: Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks, but now I am more confused...I thought the national test was the national test...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

CA is CRAWLING with 2-year programs! As I said in my reply to your first thread, there are two in my county alone. I know of two in the neighboring county as well.

If you graduate in OK, you just have to provide proof of education and of licensure there and CA will issue a license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

NCLEX is NCLEX. one national test....you LICENSE in the STATE of your choice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

OK, thank you so much for clarifying that! It's been too long since I have been in school. I am 32, so this will be a huge deal for me to go back to school. I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing. Is it better to get a 2 year from a community college or a vocational school? does it really matter as long as I pass the test?

And most importantly, how much Algebra is involved? I am good at everything else except math. I love helping people and I can write a good paper, but math is not my strong suit.

Thanks again for answering all these questions!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment