Confused about next steps. HELP!!!

[yehe9912]

I am currently going through a lot of anxiety. I just graduated from an LVN program in California, got a job at a local hospital as a CNA (working NOC shift), and haven't taken my NCLEX-PN exam yet (but I am studying for it). I have had so much stress and change since graduation in Dec. 2010 and have no clue who to talk to because my family doesn't understand my stress and concerns ... I'm writing this in hopes to receive some feedback on some of the ideas I have.

First off I am looking into LVN to ADN programs close to my new job. My plan is to work at least 3 shifts a week if and when I do get accepted to a program. Also, all along I had my mind set on applying to the LVN-RN program at the community college where I did my LVN and CNA, but I just found out that they don't have a preceptorship for the RN's, would this hinder my chances at finding a job as an RN? Would I be better off finding a school that does offer a preceptorship?

Next... Do I wait to apply until I have my LVN license at hand? some programs will accept me conditionally (which means I would have to take the TEAS, and pass my LVN during my very first try), all this is really adding to the stress and I don't know if I should just wait a year, or at least until June when I'll be likely to have my license at hand? If anyone has some advice please help. Maybe I'm just making myself stress by giving myself a time limit... or maybe I'm just rushing it all... either way PLEASE HELP!

[caliotter3]

I would concentrate on getting the LVN license first. Take it one step at a time.

[Inlandnurse]

I,m sorry but I don't understand you when you say that they don't have a preceptor? Are you saying that they have no clinical RN instructors? I am a California LVN. I am a Indiana State Pre-nursing student. Have you looked into their program( ISU LVN to BSN). I just started a new thread, If your interested and have questions go to the ISU thread and let me know. California is a very difficult state for working LVns' to get there RN. You are right about family not understanding what you are going through. Your focus right now is to take and pass your boards. You can not move forward until you get your LVN. Good Luck to you.

[LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN]

The Calif BON requires the last semester in a ADN or BSN be a preceptorship. You could call it an internship or a capstone course. However, there are a certain amount of hours--I believe it is 135-165 (not exactly sure about the #'s). All Calif nursing schools must adhere to this requirement. The fear that there is no preceptorship is unfounded if you go to a Calif BSN authorized nursing school.