Hi CNA/LVN/RN, pls let me know your thoughts... Needs some advice

[aqua05]

Hi, I'm a licensed Nurse in Philippines, year 2011 and migrated here in San Diego, California. I've been reading and hearing some experiences of co Filipinos who filed for NCLEX-RN but were all denied by the Board to take the examination. All of my classmates too from the year 2011 who filed for NCLEX in Cali were all denied and were told to get additional classes. For this reason, I don't want to take a risk of filing for the exam, knowing that I am not financially stable in supporting myself to classes. Probably, when I start getting a job, then I can file for it and see what the Board has to say so I know what I should do to comply. As much as I want also to take NCLEX in other State, I can't because my family is here in San Diego and I have no plans of working far away from them.

I've been doing my research on what other options should I take but will eventually help me in setting a place in my nursing career. I understand that the job market is very competitive and so all I can do is to better myself in ways I can. It's demeaning to me, feeling that I'm actually starting from the very start but hey, nothing is easy. I just thought that it would be nice to know your thoughts on which you think is best way to do. Here are my ideas:

1. I'm planning to take CNA Class Training to challenge CNA State exam. They say I can just take the exam without undergoing with the training. Also, I understand that I'm done with all these things but I feel like it doesn't harm if I take the free training again as a refresher. I just don't want to go in a battle which I haven't been into for years after I graduated.

QUESTION: After you file for CNA state exam, how long will it take for them to process the whole thing and release the date as to when you'll take the exam? Where will be the test centers be? FYI: I'm located here in San Diego

2. Also, I'm thinking that while taking my CNA class training and preparing for my CNA STATE exam, I would start filing for an LVN exam. I went to check the requirements and that I'm 100% qualified to take the exam not unlike the requirements for NCLEX-RN. Also since they're saying that there would be a 3 month waiting before they will approve your application to take the exam, I think it would be smart to start filing ahead of time so there'd be no lots of time wasted. Right now, I have started reviewing at home since like I said, I'm money tight right now. Everyday, I'm answering free questions sent to my email and some online free sites.

Question: If you recommend some review centers for LVN exam which wouldn't cost that much along San Diego, pls let me know and I'll look into it.

BOTTOMLINE is: I'm taking CNA State exam as a fallback for LVN. Assuming I passed both, I think they will hire me easily with CNA job even if I don't have much experience however, I think they'll hire me better than others considering that I'm an RN in other country. (I'm not sure though, just a thought)

FOR LVN jobs, I think this position will somehow be tough to apply for. I've been looking on jobs posted and they require phlebotomy and I think I can't carry my license in thw Philippines as a Intravenous Therapist and accdg. to my research, I need to take classes/training and for IVT/Phlebotomy.... Any ideas about this?

Ok I think that's all of my current ideas. Let me know if how you think or if you have any suggestions. Oh by the way, If you were to ask what is my thought in taking NCLEX-RN, here's what I have right now....

Once I get experiences may it be from CNA job or LVN job and was somehow able to save a little or finance my schooling, that's when I'll file for NCLEX-RN. Target time would be in the next 2 yrs. I'm 23 right now and I'm giving my self a time to get a nursing job experience first because if granted that I pass RN exam, I don't think they will hire me without nursing experience, right? So what will I do is not minding much about how much CNA/LVN jobs in paying me right now but rather I would concentrate on doing my job well to get experience and which will soon help me prepare for RN jobs once I pass it.

Ok guys, we'll that all. Sorry for the long lists and mixed-crazy-illusional ideas (whatever you think it may be). I just really need to vent these thoughts out or else I would be insane thinking too much. If ever you have suggestions and other ideas, let me know. Please understand that it is not my intention of getting American's job. It's just that my family is here and hopefully America would consider us too and treat us fairly. Thanks everyone....

[anna0409]

Hello and I'm sorry I won't be very helpful with regards to your concerns since I myself have no experience yet with regards to application for the exams and I'm not from the US. Although I look forward to challenge the CNA certification when I'll be in there. Currently we are working on my fiance visa application.

I'm a BSN graduate and RN from the Philippines though I haven't had a clinical experience since graduating from college (2012). Taking the BSN is actually just my parents' decision. But since this is the degree I have, and my fiance's family are in healthcare, I hope to land a healthcare job as well when I'll be there. I don't like the pressures of an RN for now but I can see myself as a bedside care provider that's why I hope I'll qualify to challenge the CNA certification. Maybe someday, after God will grant me a nursing aide job and I will render some years on it, I would feel confident and will consider being an RN.

Anyway, sorry for blurting stuff about me. Like you, I find this forum an outlet for bottled up thoughts and apprehensions and many folks here have experiences and can help provide insights.

As an inexperienced nurse myself, I wish you will have a fast and smooth application and will land yourself a job the soonest. I don't know what to say except that you're not alone and I hope someone more qualified can provide his or her thoughts about your plans. I believe you will get what you want as long as you keep the faith and pray. Just hang in there and take your plans will be accomplished; one step at a time.

(I wanted to PM this but I can't figure out how)