Future LPN in Florida

mchanrice · Jul 10, 2005

You must be on the waiting list for Erwin VoTech? I am right behind you on the back up list. I am number 26. It sounds like we might be in the same class.

land64shark · Jul 10, 2005

I'm on the waiting list for P-tech in Pinellas. I don't know what number I am, but the counselor recently told me that I should be invited into the October class. The first 6 weeks or so are a CNA training class. I'm considering getting my CNA certification over the summer and opting out of the first six weeks of classes in order to free up my fall semester. I'm taking microbiology and ethics this fall at St. Pete College. I'm absolutely planning on jumping right into the LPN to RN bridge program and these are the last two classes of co-req's left for me to take. (I'm finishing up the last pre-req next week.) I'd have gone right for the RN, but the waiting list is 2-3 years from point of application, which would be after next week.

I'm 41 years old and am a wee bit nervous about starting actual nursing classes too.

land64shark · Jul 10, 2005

As for job prospects, I really can't see myself working LTC, of which there are plenty of jobs. I do know there are area hospitals that hire LPN's...St. Pete General and Northside just off the top of my head. I don't have real answers for you about pay.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2005

Good luck to you. As was stated above, LTC jobs for LPNs are plentiful. I have a friend who is a new grad LPN and is having a hard time finding a hospital position, those that hire LPNs want experience. (part of it is she just now finished the IV and pharm post-graduate courses). Hospitals aren't paying well, but can't give the rate, somewhere around $12.00 to $14.00 I believe.

Good luck to you.

flwannaB · Jul 10, 2005

You must be on the waiting list for Erwin VoTech? I am right behind you on the back up list. I am number 26. It sounds like we might be in the same class.

Yes I am waiting for Erwin. I was told by the counselor that 10-15 drop out of each classes and if I didnt get in the October class, I should definetly get in the January class. I am really hoping for October. It would work better for my family. Do you have any reservations about Erwin? Although I live in St. Pete, Erwin seemed the best choice. Lottery, transfer of credits and 50% clinicals.

flwannaB · Jul 10, 2005

I'm on the waiting list for P-tech in Pinellas. I don't know what number I am, but the counselor recently told me that I should be invited into the October class. The first 6 weeks or so are a CNA training class. I'm considering getting my CNA certification over the summer and opting out of the first six weeks of classes in order to free up my fall semester. I'm taking microbiology and ethics this fall at St. Pete College. I'm absolutely planning on jumping right into the LPN to RN bridge program and these are the last two classes of co-req's left for me to take. (I'm finishing up the last pre-req next week.) I'd have gone right for the RN, but the waiting list is 2-3 years from point of application, which would be after next week.
I'm 41 years old and am a wee bit nervous about starting actual nursing classes too.

When you say bridge program, are you referring to St.Petes LPN to RN or FMU's program? I defiently want to go into RN too but as you say, the waiting list is too long. I talked to a friend of mine that works at a LTC and she told me they would hire me as a CNA on weekends. I think I will go that route to get the experience. As far as the age, I feel I am more confident now then I have ever been. I wish you all the luck!

land64shark · Jul 10, 2005

I have a friend who is a new grad LPN and is having a hard time finding a hospital position, those that hire LPNs want experience.

Hmmm....this is disturbing. I know I've seen ads for St. Pete General advertising for RN's and LPN's saying "new grads welcome". Do they just mean RN new grads? If so, it's a rather deceiving advertisement. (I don't doubt you Tweety.)

Actually, the LPN route is my back-up plan. I'm still trying to wangle my way into an ADN program through a hospital sponsorship program. I think I'll be competitive, but won't know until October, with program entry in January. This is another reason for my wanting to get my CNA. First, it will look good on my application for the hospital sponsorship and two, I can postpone starting the program at P-tech until I find out if I am really going to need it.

Yes, I was talking about the LPN to RN bridge program at St. Pete College. From what they tell me, there is virtually no waiting to get in. (The classes fill up about 2 months before entry.)

flwannaB · Jul 10, 2005

I saw an ad today in the paper for LPN at St. Pete Hospital. There is hope. At this point, I may take what ever is available to get my foot in the door. I would like to stay away from peds though. I have 2 kids. I think that would be the only area I may not be able to handle.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jul 10, 2005

Welcome to the big family of allnurses. Looking forward to your posts :)

flwannaB · Jul 10, 2005

Welcome to the big family of allnurses. Looking forward to your posts :)

Thank you. Love your quote!

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Jul 10, 2005

Our hospital uses many LPNs, but most come from our Earn-As-You-Learn program, so you don't really see the jobs posted.

For those of you who don't mind waiting a little bit, get into a hospital job, get your feet wet, and then try one of these programs. I think it's a great way to get into nursing.