HELP!!! LVN-BSN worth it? LVN pay scale in SF? A&P retake?

icesk8ie · Feb 22, 2004

I really can't give tell you much about the starting pay and whatnot, but I can tell you that I know of at least one hospital in the Bay Area that does do student loan forgiveness in the Bay Area, the East Bay in particular. I am in the process of doing my research as I am moving up there come June or July after I graduate from my ADN program. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

--icesk8ie

gij1 · Feb 22, 2004

Any experience as a nurse is helpful once you graduate with BSN and start applying for nursing positions. My BSN instructors did not encourage getting our LPN while in school. I went ahead and got it and am now having an easier type job hunting than my fellow BSN graduates without nursing experience. You will be that farther along than the new graduates without an LPN degree. LPN pay in SF is very good. Check with an admission counselor so you do not take unnecessary credits. Plus i found studying for LPN NCLEX prepared me for taking the RN NCLEX when it came time. I knew what to expect & how to study for the RN b/c of already taking the LPN.

I took A&P together, that is quite common. Good luck on your nursing path.

cookie78 · Feb 28, 2004

I would go for your RN at a 2 year program and then upgrade to BSN, because after the first semester you can work as a CNA and at the hospital I work at LVN's only make 1.50/hour more than CNA while RN's make like 10.00/hour more. I currently work as a unit secretary and can only really handle working 2 days a week because I also have clinicals 2 days a week. This makes it feel like working 4 days a week plus going to school 3 days a week. Just my suggestion. At most of the hospitals in the East bay(Berkeley/Oakland) CNA's make about 17-25/hour. I imaginge SF is competitive. The other thing is this area is a hot bed for nursing schools. There are like 5-7 major university BSN programs and 15-20 ADN programs in like a 45 mile radius. Good luck with whatever you choose! And pre-welcome to the Bay Area

aac96 · Feb 29, 2004

Hi Taylor,

I am familiar with the SFSU program. I looked up the website, and they have an APO for RNs, but not for LPNs. The LPN to RN option is just to get a certificate, and NO degree. And at SFSU, they only take A&P separately.

Here is the link, although you probably saw it already:

http://www.nursing.sfsu.edu/

This is what some of it says:

Applicants to the Advanced Placement Option for RN's

RN's who are licensed to practice in California and are graduates of Associate Degree programs may transfer credits from previous course work toward the BSN. Diploma RNs may earn credit for previous nursing education through several mechanisms, such as credit for challenge exams and transfer of college credit.

Applicants should address inquiries to the School of Nursing at (415) 338-1801; ask for the APO Coordinator. The APO Coordinator will advise the applicant about course equivalents, challenging exams and provide the appropriate curriculum plan. In addition to the University application, a separate application from the School of Nursing is necessary. RNs must be graduates of a Nursing program with at least a grade of "C" in all nursing courses and an overall college GPA of 2.50. RN's must complete the "prerequisite" courses of the transfer students. General Education and other electives can be concurrent with Nursing Courses. Working nurses may opt for part-time study and complete the program at their own pace. It is important that RNs identify themselves as RNs on all communication to the University and the School of Nursing.

30 Unit Non-degree LVN Option:

The option is made available for LVN's on a space available basis. Application and class registration must be made through the College of Extended Learning. Students must contact the School of Nursing prior to registration for advising about course placement and space availability. Upon completion of the program, the LVN will have no degree, but will be eligible to take the California state licensure examination for Registered Nurses. Contact the School of Nursing Advanced Placement Option Advisor about course requirements.

aac96 · Feb 29, 2004

One more thing, I checked for what APO you might be referring to. LPNs who apply for the BSN need to meet all of the requirements as a transfer student. Those who are accepted to the program may be able to earn credit for previous experience through credit for challenge exams. I don't think it would save you that much time.

I hope this info helps you make a decision on what you need to do.

taylor1623 · Feb 29, 2004

One more thing, I checked for what APO you might be referring to. LPNs who apply for the BSN need to meet all of the requirements as a transfer student. Those who are accepted to the program may be able to earn credit for previous experience through credit for challenge exams. I don't think it would save you that much time.
I hope this info helps you make a decision on what you need to do.

Hey thanks for looking that up for me. I've actually been emailing SFSU for the past week and fortunately I would only need to retake physiology my A&P would count for Anatomy. However, the admissions rep did emphasize that California residents take priority and advised me to complete my LPN, work in Cali for a year then apply for the APO. He said all qualified applicants were accepted last year for the APO-BSN.

I think I'm just going to have to stay here in Kansas and finish my BSN here. In the time it would take to get the LPN, then bridge to ASN I could already be halfway through my junior year at KU Med.

I just hope I can afford it...and that my long distance relationship doesn't suffer. We shall see.

Thanks again =)