I Need Help/Advice Please

[valliloves]

OK. I've been racking my brain a lot and I need to stop. I've researched a lot and I need advice.

I just got my CNA certificate in January. I'm currently trying my best to find a job in a facility. When I do that, it is my plan to enroll in a nursing program as soon as the dates come up.

I live in Los Angeles. My long term plan is to get a BSN degree, but I cannot just go straight for it, period. I want to do it the most cost effective way, the fastest, and without killing myself.

Can I afford to work part-time? Yes, because fortunately, my husband has a good career. I've checked out Los Angeles City College, which has a 2 year ADN program with a roadmap to transfer to Cal State LA and get BSN, all in 5 years including pre-requisites. That obviously sounds like a long time, but I will do it if it's the best way.

Next, I see that Pasadena City College and Long Beach City College both have a 1 year LVN program which only require literally a few pre-requisites. Does it make more sense to go straight for LVN, work part-time as a LVN and do a LVN/ADN/BSN bridges up the ladder, or go straight from CNA to ADN and then do a BSN bridge program?

One thing that I do know is that Los Angeles City College says that current LVNs with 6 months of clinical experience, if they have met pre-requisites, can enter in the ADN program as a second year student. I believe the pre-requisites are 26 units. I don't have any generals under my belt except for maybe 6 units.

Anyway, as you can see, there are a lot of options. I need a little guidance. I'm getting overwhelmed. Not only do I see there are lots of options, but I also know that there is competition with getting accepted into some of these programs so . . . I also want to make sure, for example, by the time an application date comes up, if I don't get accepted, I don't want to waste time and sit around waiting for another application date when I could be doing something to count toward education. So, I want to have a plan B . . .

For example, "If CNA to ADN is the best first choice given the above, if I don't get accepted right away, I will apply to LVN program simultaneously to increase odds and not waste time" lol See where I'm going with this?

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

Someone posted on this forum that the unemployment rate for nurses is 47% in California.

Please give serious thought to the fact that earning a BSN will be a long, mountainous and expensive road that may not result in a career in nursing unless you relocate.

[valliloves]

Unemployment rate in Los Angeles county decreased to 7% over the last couple of years. Between Dec 2013 and Dec 2014, Healthcare and Education employment growth took place; adding 26,500 jobs--22,000 just for healthcare alone due to more people getting health insurance, etc.

Long, mountainous roads are what I'm good at :) I have a lot of life experience. Things don't have to be that expensive if I plan things properly.

I know recessions and I'm not oblivious to it. I think it's tough finding work starting any new career, however, I will just have to do what I can to make myself extremely competitive--even if that means taking a job as a RN in home health, a long term care facility further from home, etc. Or, even hospice. Anywhere I can be of service.

Does anyone have any advice on a college plan? I really need advice on how to best order things. Thanks :)

[mrsboots87]

I say work on pre reqs for the ADN program. Apply to both the ADN and LVN programs at the same time. Increase the odds of acceptance and all. Apply at more than one school as well. While you are waiting for acceptance/decline, work of the remaining pre reqs for direct entry BSN programs. If you get declined at the schools, then apply again the next application period and keep working on your BSN pre reqs. This way you are still working toward the long term goal of getting a BSN while trying to get into your ADN or LVN program. If you get in to one of the programs first time around, you can finish the BSN pre reqs after graduation. No matter what, you will be spending your time and money of credits towards your degree.

If everyone saw the almost 50% new grad unemployment rate and ran from nursing, California would eventually stop pumping out any new nurses. Obviously thats drastic, but to just not try at all is not the best advice. OP just be very open to move if you cant find a job when you need it. Start networking on the first day. You clinical instructors can make great references if you get on their good side. See about maybe volunteering once a week at a hospital and meet some people there. Keep looking for a CNA job. At ANY place initially. Even home care. CNA experience anywhere is better than no experience anywhere. After working maybe home care or long term care (if you cant get into a hospital) then you may have a better chance of getting a hospital job. This will help a lot in your new grad nurse job hunt. And if you dont, LTC is a good place to start. Heck, you might even like LTC and decide to stay in it. I work in a LTC and love it there. My heart is with L&D and that is my long term goal, but I have a good chance of getting an RN job upon graduation at my current facility and I would actually like the job. I could get some experience to try and use towards getting a hospital job later, and keep the LTC as PRN because I truly do like it there. Basically just keep your options open. GL!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

It's gonna take you five years no matter which one you do, realistically. Do the BSN all at once and be done with it. You'll need it anyway; no half-measures.

[valliloves]

Thank you for everyone's input. After reading these and speaking with the nurses at the hospital I just got hired at, I'm leaning more towards going straight for BSN.

[la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN]

You're going to want to get your BSN. Just do it. It's good stuff. It opens a lot of doors. I'll tell you this: if they were hiring ADNs like they used to, I would not be in a BSN program (I just would have gone back later -- much later) but they are not in the best demand anymore and a BSN is more likely to get me where I need to be.