Im Considering nursing...

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A short preface of me:

Ive been working at kaiser permenente for about 8 years but I am part of the clerical staff. The only medical background I have are the flashcards my emt buddy made for me to help me pass the medical terminology test i needed to get the job. A lot of the nurses I work with tell me I have the potential to be a great nurse. They constantly compliment me on my patience and thoroughness and wonder why I am only part of the clerical staff and haven't gone to nursing school. In the past 8 years Ive feel like ive learned a lot just by being around the talk and being able to talk with the nurses about their patients.

I have just recently been contomplating whether I should pursue a nursing career. I went to the ER because my wife was having stomach issues and saw a different side of the field i was working in. I think it was being in the clinical setting (as opposed to the office where i work). I thought to myself I could do this and couldnt stop thinking how interesting an infusion pump is.

I live in California and I am seriously thinking nursing is the way to go. Specifically some sort of RN. I hear LVNs are slowly being phased out of the clinical settings and hospitals so Im thinking of going to a community college to get an AA then I guess wait until a nursing school picks me.

After all that here is my question:

Do I have this process about right?

1. Go to community college to get Associates in Nursing - 2 Years

2. Apply for nursing school

3. Go to nursing school and take RN test - 2 Years

So at the least (because I have no prior schooling other than a hs diploma), am I looking at 4-5 years if schooling?

I havent spoken to anyone and am trying to get as much info as possible to make this career decision. Any responses would be appreciated!

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Good evening.

I am a Pre-Nursing student and just applied to a Nursing program this past week. Although I live in Virginia, I imagine the process may be somewhat similar, so I'll be happy to share the information I've learned.

In my area, several options exist for obtaining the education & training to be a RN. A few local hospitals plus two local community colleges offer an ADN. The hospital program costs two-three times as much as the local cc, but admission to the program may occur earlier. My experience lies with the community college route so I'll focus on that. My local cc requires students to have taken Bio, Chem, & Algebra in high school (or take them in college before applying), plus complete 14 credit hours of pre-requisite classes (English, Mathematics, Anatomy, Developmental Psychology) and pass the NET (Nurse Entrance Test) before applying to the Nursing program. Applicant must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 as well. This process can take 2-3 semesters or longer depending on your schedule. Once these requirements have been met, you become eligible to apply to the Nursing program. Applications are ranked solely according to Grade Point Average. There is no waiting list. An average of 60 students are accepted each semester ,and students not accepted are encouraged to reapply the following semester. It is possible to get accepted the first time around if you have a competitive GPA.

Once accepted into the program, the remaining coursework, including clinicals, takes an additional 4 semesters (no summer sessions). Upon graduation, you will have earned an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing, however you must take and pass the state licensing exam to actually be a Registered Nurse.

Before beginning, I researched every option available in my area and found that the community college offered a solid reputable program with the best value & the most flexibility. My best advice would be to be thorough in your research and then actively pursue your dream! Be sure to reach out as you've done here. Most of the nurses I've met have earned their licenses by going to school while carrying a tremendous load of responsibilities and working. Their stories have been a real inspiration to me and kept me going when I felt discouraged or frustrated.

Best wishes in following your dream!

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Hello,

I am a nursing student in California and I graduate in May. Here's the deal:

1. Take Nursing prerequisites at Community College-- 2+ years (this is not an Associates)

2. Apply to all schools in your area

3. Go to nursing school/graduate with Associates/take NCLEX --2 years

It can be done in 4 years through the community college if you get in right away. Many schools now admit based on your grades--get A's and get in! You may want to consider a BS from a university as it may take the same amount of time. You would then have the option of a Masters in the future.

It is a time consuming/life consuming process. I had no idea what I was getting into :wink2: I must say though that it is an amazing experience an am glad I jumped in. I wish you the best.

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ADo I have this process about right?

1. Go to community college to get Associates in Nursing - 2 Years

2. Apply for nursing school

3. Go to nursing school and take RN test - 2 Years

So at the least (because I have no prior schooling other than a hs diploma), am I looking at 4-5 years if schooling?

If you earn an Associates in Nursing, you have already finished nursing school and can take the RN licensing examination. However, to get accepted into an Associates program at a CC in California means taking 1-2 years of pre-requisite classes and possibly being waitlisted or put in a lottery pool because there are way more qualified applicants than spots in the nursing programs.

You can also qualify for an RN by earning a Bachelor's in Nursing which is offered by universities (UCs, Cal State schools, private uni's). Like other bachelor's degrees, it usually takes 4 years to earn this degree. However, many programs are two years of general ed and pre-reqs and then two years of nursing coursework, so one can often take the first two years of coursework at a CC and then apply to the university as a 3rd year student. If you don't have a strong or recent academic background, it would likely take longer than 2 years to complete the lower division requirements.

Either way you ARE looking at least 4-5 years of schooling.

1. 1-3 years of pre-reqs - probably take at a CC

2. Apply to nursing schools of your choice

3. 2 years of nursing school - earning either an associate's or bachelor's degree

4. take RN licensing exam and apply for nursing jobs!

(note: each nursing school has it's own pre-reqs so be sure to check with each school you are thinking of applying to).

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