I'm a Newbie

LuxAeternaRN · Jul 13, 2011

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you just want to get your RN degree and not necessarily a BSN (Bach in Nursing). If so, your best bet might be to look at local community colleges. I would go scope a few close by, speak to counselors and see what classes you would still need to pursue a RN degree. I would also search for information on nursing programs on this very site. If the program you're interested in isn't on here, try to found out their reputation and NCLEX pass rates. You can usually find this info just by googling. That's where I would start. You don't need to do the LVN program in order to get into the RN program. I'm sure you have many of the classes required. You'll also need Anatomy&Physiology, maybe Chemistry, Microbiology, etc. Different programs have different requirements but a guidance counselor could show you where you stand. Good luck to you! :)

RI Nurse · Jul 13, 2011

I have a bachelor degree in english studies, and when I decided to go to nursing, I had to start all over, the only course that was transferred was english, so I had to take all pre-requisite then started the actual nursing classes, I just graduated in December with associate degree in nursing. you don't have to do LVN/LPN to be an RN, you can go straight to RN program. Good luck and keep us posted.

RI Nurse:nurse:

kbagby · Jul 13, 2011

Do a google search for Accelerated Bachelor's of Nursing degrees in your area, or wherever you would like to study. You graduate with your BSN. Usually, the programs are about a year long and don't require too many pre-reqs, but they all require different things, so definitely look at a few different ones. Good luck!

boxermom_RN · Jul 13, 2011

Just as kbagby said, there are Accelerated Bachelor programs for people who have Bachelor degrees in other fields. That may be your best bet, depending what classes you already have, you may have to take some other prereqs, but that may be your best shot. You'll finish with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and become an RN.

MissPinkrnbsn · Jul 13, 2011

I have a bachelor of fine arts and researched many different programs offered both ADN and BSN. I ended up going through an accelerated BSN program. Basically comes down to figuring out what you'll need to take before you can start applying to any programs. Call and find out or look up on their website(they usual outline the steps needed).

Good luck!

Armygirl7 · Jul 13, 2011

I agree - look up accelerated BSN programs in your area, the one's I looked at take about 15 months.

You could go Community College route - it is inexpensive - but ultimately your employers will want you to get the BSN within 5 - 10 years so since you have a bachelor's already you should try and go for an accelerated program.

Whether you choose an Asscoiate's (Community College) or BSN degree as long as it is an RN-Nursing program - we all have to pass the same tough licensure exam: the NCLEX-RN - to become RNs.

An LVN program is a whole different deal - you will become an LVN or LPN - not an RN - and no you do not need to become an LPN before becoming an RN. To become an RN you need to pass an accredited RN program and pass the NCLEX!

Good luck!

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · Jul 13, 2011

1. Determine what degree you want.

2. Good news: because you have a bachelors, you will be not need to take gen ed courses.

3. Bad news: if you have taken nursing prerequisites with labs that are older than 5 years, some programs will not accept them and you have to retake them; if you have not taken any nursing prerequisites, you will need to take them before you apply to a nursing program.

4. Once you know what degree you want--ADN (AA degree from Calif Comm College), BSN (another bachelor's for you but this time bachelors of science in nursing), or a nursing degree for those with a bachelors but not in nursing (often this is a masters degree--you get your BSN first and the continue on with your masters in nursing), go to the Calif Board of Registered nursing to see what schools are authorized by the State.

5. Decide if you want to go community college, state university, or private university.

6. Again, DO NOT decide on a educational institution before you go to the California Board of RN and see what schools are authorized in Calif. If you go to an unauthorized institution, you cannot work in Calif. Fortunately, the board has the schools categorized by degree.

7. Do a search on AllNurses to see the opinion of the school(s) you are considering.

8. If you decide to go the LVN route, be aware that LVNs in Calif do not work in acute care (hospitals). They work long term care (nursing homes, rehab), doctor's offices, clinics, home health, or private duty.)

Gently.me · Jul 13, 2011

I am an LPN working on my RN. The LPN school is 1 year and usually the prerequisites consist of taking fewer classes.

Pros:You can get into the working field quicker and gain experience while working on your other schooling.

Cons: It might take awhile to get into an RN program (check around for a bridge program close by). You also will have to take the nCLEX twice and that is just not fun for anyone.

A lot of the nurses in my class were in the same boat as you, changing careers. Unfortunately they didnt have the means to go to school full time to do the RN/BSN prerequisites and then take 3-4 years off to get that schooling done, so they went LPN to RN first.

My opinion: If y ou can get your schooling done right away (any RN program, then do it!! It is such a pain to have to go back to school....... You will love being a nurse. By far, the BEST job ever!! Good luck with school!

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · Jul 13, 2011

]i am an lpn working on my rn. the lpn school is 1 year and usually the prerequisites consist of taking fewer classes. [/size]
pros:you can get into the working field quicker and gain experience while working on your other schooling.
cons: it might take awhile to get into an rn program (check around for a bridge program close by). you also will have to take the nclex twice and that is just not fun for anyone.
a lot of the nurses in my class were in the same boat as you, changing careers. unfortunately they didnt have the means to go to school full time to do the rn/bsn prerequisites and then take 3-4 years off to get that schooling done, so they went lpn to rn first.
my opinion: if y ou can get your schooling done right away (any rn program, then do it!! it is such a pain to have to go back to school....... you will love being a nurse. by far, the best job ever!! good luck with school![/quote]
obtaining your lvn license from an approved calif school is an option. some community colleges offer an lvn program and many private schools offer the program (private = $$'s). however, should you wish to obtain your adn or bsn one you obtain your lvn license, you must take the prerequisite courses before your can enter into an adn bridge course--that is if you can find a bridge course in calif. there are a few, however, many adn programs admit lvns into the last year or 6 months of their program on a space available basis (meaning someone in the regular program failed out and the next semester there is an opening).