I am currently in a GREAT LVN program.. I really love it and am doing really well. Before I started this, I was set on going to ADN but of course the wait lists made me look into LVN and I started this program in Oct 2010 and will graduate in December 2011! My question is that I just received a letter from an RN community college program that I have been on the wait list for 2 years and they said there is a possibility that I could be accepted for Fall 2011 or for sure at the latest Spring 2012.... SO I'm wondering if I get in for Fall 2011 should I drop the LVN program and go for the RN????
OR if I get into Spring 2012 should I graduate from the LVN and go straight into the Generic RN program so that way I don't have to go through settling down with an LVN job and THEN trying to get into a LVN to RN bridge program which could take at least a year just to get on a waiting list for bridge or am I CRAZY for even thinking of starting over at the beginning of an RN program when I will already have a lot of background and have put a TON of effort into the LVN program (because it is really hard and consumes my life right now)????
Please help I don't know what I should do!! I just know I'm getting a ton of experience in the LVN program but am really scared about the job opportunities for LVNs because in my area they are only in LTC and some doctors offices but even those jobs are hard to get... so should I not let the opportunity pass me by to get into an RN program even if it's AFTER I graduate from LVN and start totally over!! (It's crazy I'm even considering having to LEARN to give bed baths again!!)
Thank you to anyone who offers their advice!!:heartbeat By the way I'm in southern California it that helps!
mariatere I go to North Orange County ROP in Anaheim...it's a really tough program and you have to stay on top of everything and cannot slack at all but I'm really learning a lot!
You have to pass a prerequisite test (it was pretty easy) and then you get selected to attend the prerequisite course which is Fundamentals 1 then you interview for a spot in the program and they accept 60 students plus some alternates for fall (October) and summer (June). Let me know if you have any other questions!
I have a similar situation. I am currently an LPN student set to start my 2nd year in September. I'm thinking of applying to RN programs now b/c I'm afraid that at the end of the LPN program I'll have a tough time bridging over into an ADN program.
My school requires near-perfect grades on the Accuplacer test (based on Reading Comprehension, Sentence Skills, and Math), a GPA of 3.5 plus, and a B average in the Fundamentals class to even be considered for admission into the advanced placement ADN program. I've taken the Accuplacer before and did really well, but I guess not good enough to get accepted into the RN program. Currently my GPA is a 3.5. Unfortunately, due to my heavy course load and a full-time job my GPA dropped this semester from a 3.7. Additionally, I got a B- this last semester in the Fundamentals class. I'm extremely worried that these factors will keep me from getting into the advanced placement ADN program, not to mention I'll have to pass the NCLEX-PN in order to even apply for the program.
I'm thinking that I should start applying for ADN programs now at other schools (while my GPA is still decent). I've already completed all my prerequisites, including Eng Comp 1&2, A&P 1&2, Chem, Math, and Psych. I'm also aware that science courses are only good for 3-5 years at the schools in my area. Unfortunately I have a couple that are close to 3 years old. If I continue on in the LPN program, I won't be done until next summer and who knows if and when I'll pass the NCLEX and get accepted into an advanced placement program!
Honestly, I'm so confused right now and don't know what to do! I think I should just bite the bullet and start applying to RN programs now and not worry about the money that I've invested into the LPN program. LPN is not the career path that I want to take, so for me I think this makes the most sense.
I really hope I didn't confuse you more...I just wanted to get this off my chest.
BTW, sorry this is all over the place. I'm just writing whatever comes to mind. Good luck in whatever you chose to do!
Specializes in Addiction, Psych, Geri, Hospice, MedSurg.
Hi Bejuled,
I have a similar situation. I am currently an LPN student set to start my 2nd year in September.
Where are you located? Your program is 2 years for LPN? Do you end up with an associate degree, but only LPN? My program was 11 months, and that is what most programs are around everywhere I've lived... about 1 year.
The bridge program is pretty competitive, but surprisingly I didn't have any issue getting in. Luckily it was due to my having a 4.0 GPA (right now) because I've only taken my pre-reqs... My LPN courses don't transfer, and are over 10 years old anyhow. The TEAS V test was a killah, but I scored well (much better than I anticipated!!). I got the official on Friday.
I've heard some programs get an associate degree, but your still only an LPN, not an RN... I'm lost with that as I've never encountered a nurse that did that.
I think you aren't giving yourself enough credit. I've noticed we nurse breeds do that a LOT!!! LOL Since you have a year in it, I'd stick with it. If nothing else, you could do the LPN to BSN with ISU, which I've heard is a great program (one of the best online programs I've researched).
I am located in MA. I'm doing the part-time LPN certificate program which is two years. The full-time LPN program at my school is one year. Unfortunately I work full-time during the day (not in the nursing field) and I'm unable to attend school full-time. I have a feeling that if I complete the LPN program it will be extremely difficult for me to bridge over based on my GPA and the fact that I'll have to take the NCLEX-LPN exam. A few schools in my area require that one be employed as an LPN in order to be admitted. I am afraid that based on these circumstances I will either have a difficult time finding a job as an LPN, my GPA won't be high enough anyways, or I will not pass the NCLEX-PN the first time around.
Honestly, there are so many factors involved, which is why I think that it would be in my best interest to bypass the second year of the LPN program and apply directly into the RN program. I don't think the LPN to BSN program is an option, as I don't know of any evening programs in my area. I'd rather think I'm gonna go down to the school tomorrow and talk w/an academic advisor who can steer me in the right direction. It doesn't hurt to try, right?
I am just so discouraged that I didn't put as much effort into the program as I should have; consequently my grades and GPA suffered. LPN is not the route that I want to take and I think if I continue on in the program I won't do my optimal best and the outlook for the bridge program will look dire when all is said and done.
I'm sorry I'm just blabbing, but I've been ruminating over this thought all day, actually for several days.
Anyways, that is fantastic that you maintained a 4.0 GPA and did well on the TEAS. Congratulations!!! I believe you are right, we sometimes don't give ourselves enough credit, at least I know I don't; however, I'm fully aware I have to put more effort into the course next time around!
Specializes in Addiction, Psych, Geri, Hospice, MedSurg.
I think you are going to do just fine no matter what you decide to do. It is great they offer a part time nursing program. Every single one we have here has to be full time. And if you have your pre-reqs done, then you better have another class in mind to make sure you keep your full time hours...
The ISU LPN to BSN program is actually online do at your own pace. It is a fantastic program that is recognized in every state and has all the proper accreditations.
Regardless, don't make any hasty decisions. Find out all your options. You will do just fine whatever you decide. Good luck!
Hi Demylenated, Where are you located that they don't have any part-time programs? That must be terrible for those that work full-time but want to enroll in nursing school. I know I wouldn't be able to do it.
As for the online LPN-BSN program, I'm not sure I would be willing to do that. I took one online course last semester and although I did well in the class, I didn't like it. I much prefer a structured, class environment, but I will keep it in mind. As you said, I will keep all of my options open and I definitely won't make any hasty decisions!
Hi Passredskins, I realize that I might be throwing away a year of the LPN program but I'm looking at it in a different way. I feel that it will be worth going the RN route now b/c I'll have that year of experience behind me to help me succeed in the RN program. I just feel like the sooner I get into an RN program the better. I don't want to finish the LPN program next year, only to find out that I've missed the deadlines to get into the advanced placement RDN programs. I really do not want to retake any science courses that are a few years old either. I'm gonna go to a couple community colleges this week and speak w/advisors. I'm hoping they'll steer me in the right direction.
Specializes in Addiction, Psych, Geri, Hospice, MedSurg.
I currently reside in Mississippi... But, when I lived in Va it was the same thing. Every program required full time hours, whether it was LPN, RN, or the bridge program.
I understand what you mean about online classes. I am very undisciplined with my online classes. Like you, I maintained a good grade, but overall, I just didn't feel like I got everything out of it that I could. That is why I am in classes for the nursing part. I am still taking classes to get my degrees in psychology and sociology - and getting them through an online school. I've put them on hold for the next year. I will graduate with them by the end of mext year as well, though.
Yeah, I don't think I'd ever be able to complete a degree on-line; I get too distracted. I wish I was more disciplined in my studies. Next semester, I promised myself that I'm gonna try my best no matter what I decide to do, even if that does mean I don't sleep for the year due to studies. I let this last semester of three courses and a clinical and full-time work get the better or me. I definitely didn't study as much as I should have, but now I am determined to do my best.
You must be very driven. You should be very proud of yourself for what you've accomplished thus far. Good luck to you in your nursing classes and in your pursuit for your psychology and sociology degrees!
on Friday.
BeJuled
78 Posts
mariatere I go to North Orange County ROP in Anaheim...it's a really tough program and you have to stay on top of everything and cannot slack at all but I'm really learning a lot!
You have to pass a prerequisite test (it was pretty easy) and then you get selected to attend the prerequisite course which is Fundamentals 1 then you interview for a spot in the program and they accept 60 students plus some alternates for fall (October) and summer (June). Let me know if you have any other questions!