Published Aug 1, 2017
Liz P valadez
3 Posts
I am a student at Riverside City College in California and I am having a very difficult time figuring out what to do next. I just graduated with my AA in math and science and need help deciding if I should get my LVN or go straight into RN. I was looking into applying at the san bernardino adult school for my LVN then bridge to RN school after I'm finished and work as a LVN while going to nursing school. My other plan was to apply at all my local cal states with RN programs in October and take as many easy classes at RCC to raise my gpa from a 3.3 to a 3.5 because it is required to have a 3.5 at all cal states. Any advice would be greatly appreciated on which route to take. I know my gpa isn't as competitive as most but nursing is something I have always felt very passionate about and something I wish to pursue.
Nurse SMS, MSN, RN
6,843 Posts
I don't know how to help you make this decision. How badly do you need to earn wages that an LVN would be able to earn? How hard is it to get an LVN job where you live?
Also...if your screen name is your real name, you probably want to change that. :)
Good luck with your decision. In my opinion it is six one, half doze the other.
Cat365
570 Posts
I really wish people wouldn't use abbreviations. I looked at this and my first thought was you somehow graduated from Alchoholics Anonymous.
I live in California and its not to bad here. I think i am going to go with the lvn route:)
thats not my full name I have 2 first names and 2 last names:)
what would alcoholic anonymous be doing on this website?? lol
NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN
2,690 Posts
There is a category on this website called Nurses in Recovery.
xxstarrynitesxx
365 Posts
I'm not sure exactly what your situation may be, but why not consider RCC and their LVN or RN programs? If you have not taken the TEAS yet, you may consider repeating some of the prerequisite or general education courses to raise your GPA. They accept the highest grade, but only the first attempt at the TEAS. It honestly just depends on the applicant pool. I had heard last semester in particular that they reopened the LVN applications to get more people to apply.
In a perfect world, I would say to go straight to an RN program whether that be an ADN or BSN program. In reality, you are going to be the best judge of whether you can afford to do this, if you can handle the courses if/when you are accepted into nursing school, etc. Take a hard look at your GPA as well. Did you struggle with prerequisites, general education, both? What will you do to change it future or what can you do now? Reach out to the counseling department and make an appointment with the nursing counselor to see how it is all looking for you. The change to the points system is going to affect everyone applying so do not let that discourage you if that is a factor. You may need to pay for the TEAS test yourself, but remember that not everyone invited to take or who takes it in general scores in the 80s or 90s. These are things that I have to remind myself in fact.
Apply to as many places as you can. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Also, consider getting your CNA for the LVN program at RCC. This will help to maximize your chances. Every person's journey is unique. If you want it, make it happen.
Side Note: Congrats on graduating with your AA!!
BAY AREA RN, BSN
184 Posts
i say apply to the RN programs also and just incase you don't get in apply to the LVN. Im also in CA and its very competitive for the state schools. If your done with your nursing prereqs take your teas exam and you will be able to see where you stand