Help on my path of future nursing?

Lilium · Dec 21, 2009

anyone?

LilyGirlie · Dec 21, 2009

Hello, My motto is if you stick you mind to it you can do anything. But nursing is a very competitive and difficult program. I'm not sure about LA area, I'm in Washington. But up here the application process for a RN program is intense, grades especially in math and science are very important. There are usually 1-2 years pre-reqs and then the RN program is about 2 years. My suggestion would to start with getting you GED and going to a technical program for your LPN. These programs usually have less pre-reqs and the program is about a year. You can always go back later and go into a RN program if you want.

Andrew12 · Dec 21, 2009

I would start by saying, you should definitely try. Your 20 and it will take some time to get where you want. I'm in the L.A area and I've applied to multiple schools int he area (all community colleges and one private school) I'm banking on one school in particular. It's very, very competitive, especially private schools.

You've got many options, but you should narrow them down and always take into consideration that you are still very young. Whatever you do, get your GED. My older brother waited a long time before getting his and he told me it was cake. Secondly, you are going to want to decide whether you want to go to a community college (CC), or a vocational school that might offer a LVN-RN program or whatever you might want (these are easier to get into, but cost more money, and some aren't completely accredited). You could also check out CNA program (@ a CC), those aren't as competitive and you can always continue on to RN.

Weigh you options and take you time deciding. RN's make a good living and good money. I'm sure anyone in this forum would recommend this job and stand behind it's stability during hard economic times.

good luck with your decision!

tango.in.paris · Dec 21, 2009

anyone?

Hi Lilium,

Your little sentence with a sad face made me sad :sniff: that you hadnt heard from anyone yet, but you gotta give people a chance to respond!

Im in Australia so I cant talk to US grades, standards, requirements, but I can tell you something else: you said that you didnt have good grades in maths and science and were concerned that this would impact on your nursing studies ..... well I think that if you are really serious about nursing, you will work through the learning hurdles because we all have them.... so if there are some pre-course studies you can take to improve your maths and science, or whatever, then take them - set yourself up to suceed.

I remember a nursing teacher of mine saying once that you can have all the nursing skills/knowledge in the world, but without empathy/dedication and a love for helping people, all the smarts in the world dont count for a whole lot when it comes right down to it. Ive never forgotten that, so all Im saying is, dont stress the maths and science - dedicated study will take care of that; just make sure you do nursing for the right reasons and that it will make you and your patients happy! :specs:

jennylouwho · Dec 21, 2009

Have you checked out the websites of any of the places that you might be interested in studying at? First, I'd concentrate on getting your GED. After that, you should work on getting the pre-reqs out of the way. No matter if you want to get your ADN or BSN, you can start at community college for those. Before you do, you should set up an appointment to talk with someone at your community college - they should be able to tell you which classes that you'd need.

MarcyP67 · Dec 21, 2009

I think you can do whatever you put your mind to. Your past is done...if you want it then study hard and you will get it. You should go online and research what a nurse does and see if you can see yourself doing it as a career.

You can at least take one class such as A&P 1 and see what you think.

Good Luck!

Lilium · Dec 21, 2009

Hi Lilium,
Your little sentence with a sad face made me sad that you hadnt heard from anyone yet, but you gotta give people a chance to respond!
Im in Australia so I cant talk to US grades, standards, requirements, but I can tell you something else: you said that you didnt have good grades in maths and science and were concerned that this would impact on your nursing studies ..... well I think that if you are really serious about nursing, you will work through the learning hurdles because we all have them.... so if there are some pre-course studies you can take to improve your maths and science, or whatever, then take them - set yourself up to suceed.
I remember a nursing teacher of mine saying once that you can have all the nursing skills/knowledge in the world, but without empathy/dedication and a love for helping people, all the smarts in the world dont count for a whole lot when it comes right down to it. Ive never forgotten that, so all Im saying is, dont stress the maths and science - dedicated study will take care of that; just make sure you do nursing for the right reasons and that it will make you and your patients happy!

"LVN program (takes a year to complete) or an ADN (Associate's, 2-yr degree) program. The LVN gets you out on the workforce faster, but you are very limited when it comes to moving up the latter and your pay. An ADN is probably one of the most popular ways to become an RN. It's also affordable, because you can get your ADN at almost any community college. However, you would have to stay for the extra year."

Is this true?

Which should i pursue? ADN? there is so much information im so confused already! thanks for replying though!! and thanks for sharing what your teacher said, very inspiring, i love to take care of people reason why i want to do this

tango.in.paris · Dec 21, 2009

Hello again,

I didnt write the info about US programmes (LVNs or ADNs etc) because Im not from the US. You will need to check back to see who wrote about that and ask them. But Im glad my teacher's words gave you a bit of inspiration ... you wont fail if you are doing nursing for the right reasons and mix in some dedicated studies .... it just might take a bit of time, is all!

Cheers!