Considering becoming a LVN before RN

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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I live in central California, the Jr college I attend has a RN program. Problem is seems like more than half of my classmates in Physiology are wanting to get into the RN program as well. This was the case with my classmates in Anatomy class. I am 30-something ;-)and need to start working ASAP. My long term goal is to earn a BSN. I would like to know your opinions on becoming a LVN first a smart move? Then move on to apply for RN bridge, then online course for BSN? Thanks for any input

@nightCrow

How did you get the job at kaiser? Is it really about who you know? The funny thing when I see anyone wearing scrubs at the store,etc, I ask if they work at kaiser. Lol

The pay for LVNs isn't great its $15-22 unless you have a lot of experience or you just find one of those places that pay well (like Kaiser-if you can get it because their pay is amazing). IME I made the most money working in hospice, corrections, and Kaiser, the least work SNF and homecare.
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@nightCrow

How did you get the job at kaiser? Is it really about who you know? The funny thing when I see anyone wearing scrubs at the store,etc, I ask if they work at kaiser. Lol

I got lucky, I applied while one maternity leave and they just happened to call when I was ready to go back to work. But its HARD, knowing people is very helpful. It also depends on where you live, in some areas its easier than others from what I hear.

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I see. For instance, if you live in a rural area vs city. Is that what you're referring to?

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Personally, I'm going for my LVN license first. Its only a one year program so why not ! At the same time I am planning on taking my "easy" prerequisites for the RN program over this year of LVN schooling. When I say easy I mean P.E. classes and such. I think that's the best approach because you could be working as a nurse while waiting to get into the RN program. Goodluck to you, myself, and all others who are trying to achieve their career goals!

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Cocoluv06

will you be taking prereqs while in the lvn school?

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Specializes in hospice.
Personally, I'm going for my LVN license first. Its only a one year program so why not!

Me too, BUT I'm already sure I'll have a job when I finish, and that's a huge part of why I feel comfortable going that route.

I have an unrelated BA from 17 years ago, and plan to take prereqs slowly over a couple years while working as a LPN, then bridge to RN, and BSN in time.

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Kaiser pays mid 20s. for a LVN level 1. Getting in is the hardest part, and ideally you want to have some connection to employee's so they can put in the good word for you.

I've looked at their employees job listing for LVNs. There are tons of openings, but they hire internally before external. The openings are listed internally for 2-3 weeks if not claimed it moves to external hires, but they are mostly claimed by people who already work there.

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@sr20alex

really? I guess it's thinking outside of the box and Kaiser's job listings.

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Yes, I would not recommend it to anyone though. I'm only doing a few throughout the course of the LVN program. The few that I will be dabbling into are merely P.E., which at my school it's a open program, meaning I can come and go as I please as long as the exercise gym is open. I have 5 days out of the week to complete 3 hours max/week. I'm ALSO going to LVN school part time so this gives me that flexibility to knock out one prerequisite while I'm in nursing school. PLUS my job is super flexible hours so it works for me. ALSO, I'm taking a sociology class but that's only 4 hours total out of my week. AND its a late start class that last for 6 weeks. So I can definitely do that. Easy easy class and teacher too! But again I do not suggest anyone do what I'm doing. Due to my super flexible schedule I can do this. Not many can. By no means will LVN school be a walk in the park! But anything is doable !

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@sr20alex

really? I guess it's thinking outside of the box and Kaiser's job listings.

^^^^ forgot to "quote" you but I responded. :)

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Thanks for sharing @cocluv06

I was thinking of doing the same thing such as taking an easy GE class. I also have flexible work hours and no priority far as being a wife or having a child.

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Thanks for sharing @cocluv06

I was thinking of doing the same thing such as taking an easy GE class. I also have flexible work hours and no priority far as being a wife or having a child.

Yeah, if you can do it then go for it. But again I do not recommend anyone do that unless they absolutely can do so. The nursing program will not be a walk in the park! I know plenty of people who have taken the program and think I'm crazy for even considering doing this. Also, I am a mother of two. But they will be in school while I'm partaking in any of my endevours so again, its not a problem for me. But goodluck to you!!! We got this! Lol

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