I've Decided To Take A Different Approach

[NurseKayeBSNtoMSN, BSN, LVN, RN]

So, here's the deal: I am a LVN in California. I've been working towards my RN and started applying to programs last year only to be on wait list after wait list. I have an Associates of Science (AS), but my GPA is not competitive at all (less than a 3.0). I found a school that MAY help me get into their program by retaking some courses with them, but it is out of state (Concordia, Oregon). I'm willing to take it, however, in the off chance I don't get in, I decided to get my Bachelors in Health & Wellness through Ashford University to give me a bit of a competitive edge (also, my manager said we could try to fit in lifestyle coaching with pts for me after I complete this program). If I excel in this program (earn a GPA 3.0 or higher), I'm hoping that I can get into a second Bachelor's program for a BSN or even a MSN pre-licensure and they can count my overall GPA as my Bachelor's program - my sciences look good (2.75), but not stellar.

My question, has any one done this route? What was your experience? Do you feel like this kinda round-a-bout way is worth it? Northern California is crap for LVNs to RNs. It's virtually impossible. Thanks for your time and opinions.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Ask your counselor if it would help to re-take your science classes. Many nursing schools look at your GPA, and also your pre-req scores.

[NurseKayeBSNtoMSN, BSN, LVN, RN]

10 hours ago, Nurse Beth said:

Ask your counselor if it would help to re-take your science classes. Many nursing schools look at your GPA, and also your pre-req scores.

Many schools only take your first attempt and if you take it more than once, it may reflect poorly. I've been advised by my counselor to do this Bachelor's route d/t my not so great grades.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

I went into an absn program. My first degree was from years prior, before I decided on nursing, but there were many students in a similar situation to you, with a BS in healthcare administration or something similar. We also had a couple of LPNs. I think its a good idea.

[Rionoir, ADN, RN]

If you're willing to move, there are lots of places around the country that are way easier to get into nursing classes than California. You don't need to jump at the first one to say they'll take you.

[TriciaJ, RN]

I had a friend years ago who was a California LVN-to-RN nurse. When applying for jobs out of state, she found there were places that specifically would NOT take California nurses who had bridged from LVN. I think at the time there were fast-track bridging programs that skimped on some requirements.

For this reason, it may be worth your while to go out of state so there are no issues with your program being recognized. Good luck.

[NurseKayeBSNtoMSN, BSN, LVN, RN]

1 hour ago, TriciaJ said:

I had a friend years ago who was a California LVN-to-RN nurse. When applying for jobs out of state, she found there were places that specifically would NOT take California nurses who had bridged from LVN. I think at the time there were fast-track bridging programs that skimped on some requirements.

For this reason, it may be worth your while to go out of state so there are no issues with your program being recognized. Good luck.

I have a feeling your friend may have done the 30 unit program which is only honored in CA. Out of state is not off the drawing board, that’s for sure!

[NurseKayeBSNtoMSN, BSN, LVN, RN]

6 hours ago, Rionoir said:

If you're willing to move, there are lots of places around the country that are way easier to get into nursing classes than California. You don't need to jump at the first one to say they'll take you.

Thank you! I’ve looked at a couple programs in Texas, Oregon and Washington. I’ll also look into that option too for a masters.