I am stuck between and rock and hard place. First of all I live in Los Angeles. Im either trying to go to los angeles city college or los angeles trade tech or any community colleges(IN MY AREA) that offer lvn-rn bridges. Little about myself(not to make it long) I am 20 years old still in high school yes i no(cant pass the cahsee and only 5 classes left teacher and advisor is no help). Its a home studies course i got low credits but anyway im thinking ged BUT MY MAIN QUESTION(s) are Did any of you got to a community college?
What are the routes to becoming a lvn then eventually becoming a rn?
I want to know everything from the moment where I get my ged whats the next step to?
what are the pros and cons for a ged person trying to become a nurse?
Are there jobs out there?
Is there a waiting list for the nursing program if so how long and least!!!!!
What would be the best career cma? cna? medical assistant? lvn? rn? rn-bs?
IM NOT A MATH EXPERT do I need to give up on my dream of being a nurse or doctor when I dont understand math that much I HATE FRACTIONS AND I HATE DIVISONS. ANY RESPONSE WILL BE GLADLY EXCEPTED!!!!
I don't mean to be rude or anything, you really need to get to the bottom of why you cannot pass the CAHSEE. If it's not due to pure laziness, you should be tested for conditions that impair your ability to learn. Nursing is tough.. if you can't pass the Cahsee there is no way you could pass the TEAS nursing entrance exam, which is the pre-requisite for most legit nursing programs. Here in CA, some programs require you to be CNA certified in order to get into a LVN or RN program. CNA's work with the geriatric population the majority of the time. If you would like to work in the hospital, many require you to have at least 1 year of CNA experience.
In general here is my advice: Forget the GED. Pursue your high school diploma. Volunteer at a hospital and become a CNA. Being a CNA is not a glamorous job by all means but you will be able to work side by side LVN's and RN's and get first hand experience.
There are no more waiting lists in California for nursing schools. It's all strictly grades and points. Oh, I forgot to mention. Don't get suckered into a private school if you want to become a CNA. It may seem faster and shorter but paying upwards of 6 grand is not worth it. (To me anyways). Most private schools are not nationally accredited anyhow.
If you can do well in your studies, go to college, finish your nursing pre-requisites and go straight for your BSN in nursing. RN's make the most money out of the jobs you have listed. Having a Bachelor's in nursing will give you an edge over someone who does not have one in the long run. However, if you are in a time constraint and just want to get out into the work force right away, I would suggest becoming an LVN and then bridging. Hope this helps. Definitely get a math tutor.. the TEAS nursing entrance exam is full of fractions and divisions.
Thank you so much for info!!! The thing here with the cashee is not actually laziness but they only offer it certain times throughout the school year and your right I should go through and get an exam and see why I cannot pass the cashee. I have extra training even prep for it by taking a extra class in HS but no luck just was 2 points away from passing that set me back all whole lot. I'm Starting to think Nursing might be hard for me and maybe not for me(well still could suggest tutoring for myself. When I was attending Southwest college I tested math 105....in the placement I just wish I wasnt soo dumb in math.....
No problem. To be honest, math is not my strongest subject as well. I remember spending nights at Barnes and Nobles studying for it my sophomore year. A private tutor may help brush up your math skills. You were only 2 points away from passing the test, I'm sure with more practice, you can do it.
If nursing is what you really want to do, fight for it! You're still very young. Don't give up on the dream because you feel like it's too hard. There will be challenged along the way but at the end it'll be worth it if you love what you do. I'm taking a CNA class right now and the majority of my classmates are in their late 30's or 40's. The college classes should be able to help you out with math. Youtube can help you out with math if you're more of a visual learner. Anyhow, best of luck and hang on !
Specializes in pediatrics, geriatric, developmentally d.
go for your LVN after the first level you are able to test to be a CNA the first level in LVN was basic CNA skills at least thats what my program was and we were told if we wanted to after the first level we were able to sit for CNA skills test then WHEN you get your CNA (while still in LVN school) start working as a CNA (which will get your foot in the door) and start networking! let them know who you are, how you're in nursing school, how you cant wait to finish, etc. you get my drift... good luck!!
Thank you!!!!! guys I talked to a counsler today at lacc he tolded me do whats in my heart but to be honest I dont no whats in my heart but I think I have made up my mind Ima try to go to adult school and then off to nursing I go!!!!!.....but my counselor also told me to contact my high schools counselor and talk to him. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT AN ADULT HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA?
Specializes in LTC, Rehab, CCU, Alzheimers, Med-Surg.
To get into nursing school you have to pass an entrance exam of some kind, which will involve math.
Also, you need to get to be comfortable with basic math because you will need it for dosage calculations. Peoples lives are in your hands, and that is something you need to seriously consider.
People are confused about the GED sometimes. It's not a bad thing to get a GED instead of a high school diploma. Colleges accept both and they don't care. In fact, 40% of high schoolers couldn't pass the GED test. I got into nursing school with a GED and so did lots of other people I know. A GED doesn't mean you failed high school, half the time GED takers are too smart for high school so they just quit and get their GED and move on to college.
Don't go the MA route, most everyone who does ends up going back for their nursing degree.
In my opinion, the CNA is not a waste of time and can be very helpful when you go to get a LPN job. No one wants to hire new grads so if you've had experience already as a CNA, you are way more likely to get into a hospital or doctor's office as an LPN. Most hospitals do not hire CNA's without one year's experience. Most of my CNA classmates are in LTC. I held out because I knew I wouldn't be happy in a nursing home, and I just got a job in a rehab facility. To get into a hospital with no experience, you need to go there and volunteer, and make friends with other CNA's, LPN's, RN's, etc. Then once they have an opening they might let you in. I have heard that a lot of people get in that way.
Nursing will require LOTS of studying, but if you are really dedicated and willing to work hard, you can do whatever you want to do. Find a good tutor or if you are a self-learner, get some books to study.
Your Comment was really helpful!!! btw everyone's comment is very helpful Update: I went back to my high school I only need 25 credits to Grad this june and the math cahsee. I already finished one class within a weeks time 'I just ordered my cap and gown. I hope I make it this June and also I have decided to Join the Physician assistant (PA) career!!!......any good tips you guys might have for a future pa?
good luck!!
Freakquency
7 Posts
I don't mean to be rude or anything, you really need to get to the bottom of why you cannot pass the CAHSEE. If it's not due to pure laziness, you should be tested for conditions that impair your ability to learn. Nursing is tough.. if you can't pass the Cahsee there is no way you could pass the TEAS nursing entrance exam, which is the pre-requisite for most legit nursing programs. Here in CA, some programs require you to be CNA certified in order to get into a LVN or RN program. CNA's work with the geriatric population the majority of the time. If you would like to work in the hospital, many require you to have at least 1 year of CNA experience.
In general here is my advice: Forget the GED. Pursue your high school diploma. Volunteer at a hospital and become a CNA. Being a CNA is not a glamorous job by all means but you will be able to work side by side LVN's and RN's and get first hand experience.
There are no more waiting lists in California for nursing schools. It's all strictly grades and points. Oh, I forgot to mention. Don't get suckered into a private school if you want to become a CNA. It may seem faster and shorter but paying upwards of 6 grand is not worth it. (To me anyways). Most private schools are not nationally accredited anyhow.
If you can do well in your studies, go to college, finish your nursing pre-requisites and go straight for your BSN in nursing. RN's make the most money out of the jobs you have listed. Having a Bachelor's in nursing will give you an edge over someone who does not have one in the long run. However, if you are in a time constraint and just want to get out into the work force right away, I would suggest becoming an LVN and then bridging. Hope this helps. Definitely get a math tutor.. the TEAS nursing entrance exam is full of fractions and divisions.