Published Jul 16, 2008
thinkinboutit
8 Posts
I have a question that more than likely has been asked, but let me ask here. I am planning on doing my pre reqs. this fall and spring for cnms programs. I have read it is a 3 yearwaiting list for the adn program. Is it possible to take the lpn cert. program while you are on the waiting list? I really want to switch careers but 4 years before starting the program is quite a long time, and i want to start working asap. Any help would be great thx.:nuke:
jjnRN
51 Posts
Sorry for the late response but I heard the LPN program has a waiting list as well. You may want to call and find out. I agree the wait is ridiculous and I will be looking at all options when I get my prereqs done.
You want to look into Santa Fe CC they started and ADN program recently but long drive. The only other choices for the area are Apollo and PIMA both very expensive but no waitlist.
yea my understanding no wait list at sfcc but its a drive. not to mention the clinicals are supposed to be hospitals up north. and i cant afford 36k for pima or apollo. thx for the reply i am looking at all options as well.
blackdragonfly
7 Posts
I just got on the waiting list for the RN program this past January and my start date for clinicals is January 2010. I'm hoping to get bumped up on the list which is possible because some students transferred over to UNM,Pima, Apollo, etc. And I've talked to other students who were bumped up a semester or two. I have talked to a few people who went the LPN route and then will go on to RN. But I do think that's a wait too! There's a gal there, Jen Cooke? I believe that's how it's spelled but she might be helpful, she's the one that does the whole petition/wait list process at CNM.
penelopelp
130 Posts
I hope you get bumped up earlier! I think you will. I have a good year before I'll be ready to petition for CNM.
Good luck! Probably have at least your A&P and Micro classes? Stick to it!
NM nurse to be
172 Posts
CNM is where I'm going also. I am done with the pre req's at the end of this semester!! I'm going to do the LPN program first, for a couple reasons. I wasn't sure when I started how much school I wanted or could do :) But I've been pleasantly surprised by that and now have a 3.8 GPA and really like it (a few interesting professors not withstanding). I quit the first time around, 20 years ago without ever graduating in anything. Also you can get the LPN, work 6 months, then go right into the RN classes without the 3 year wait. THe current wait for the LPN program is about a year.
So in the meantime, I got my CNA cert and start a new job with that tomorrow :) And during the wait period, I will finish the pre req's for the RN, it's a difference of 4 or so classes for me. Then I will be able to get right in the RN bridge program at that point.
brella
25 Posts
CNM is where I'm going also. I am done with the pre req's at the end of this semester!! I'm going to do the LPN program first, for a couple reasons. I wasn't sure when I started how much school I wanted or could do :) But I've been pleasantly surprised by that and now have a 3.8 GPA and really like it (a few interesting professors not withstanding). I quit the first time around, 20 years ago without ever graduating in anything. Also you can get the LPN, work 6 months, then go right into the RN classes without the 3 year wait. THe current wait for the LPN program is about a year.So in the meantime, I got my CNA cert and start a new job with that tomorrow :) And during the wait period, I will finish the pre req's for the RN, it's a difference of 4 or so classes for me. Then I will be able to get right in the RN bridge program at that point.
I have 2 questions:
One, I was wondering what the wait list is like for the LPN program at CNM. How long do you have to wait before you can start the actual nursing classes? Two, where are you working as a CNA? I might take the CNA class next fall and I'm curious if there are jobs in Albuquerque. (Where did you look for CNA jobs here?)
Thanks! :wink2:
Medic09, BSN, RN, EMT-P
441 Posts
Hey, you all, if you have to do it - the drive between Albuquerque and SF isn't so bad. I commuted from SF to ABQ everyday while going to UNM. So did one of my classmates, who now works down at UNMH. A bit of a drag, but definately doable.
If the drive is the only problem, don't let it deter you. As Larry the Cable Guy says, 'git'er done!'
Good luck!
brella, the current wait for the LPN program is about a year. That's if you're done with the pre req's and ready to petition now. It could be longer or shorter later one, hard to say.
Answer to your other question is that there always seems to be nursing homes hiring. What I find where I am now is that most people have worked all over town. Girls in my class got hired right out of clinicals at Laurel Skies, or Laurel something or other (there are a few Laurels). Paloma Blanco is usually hiring, most are it seems. The trouble I had was getting my foot in the door with zero experience. Once I got people to talk to me, it went better.
One of my instructors at CNM said Presbyterian is good about hiring new CNA's from CNM but what I did wrong there was go through their online ap instead of going in person to speak with HR. I may try for a hospital position in the summer, after I have more time in LTC.
Good luck finding something :)