Hello to all! I wanted to start this thread specifically for those who were planning on applying to the various Lone Star College transition programs starting in 2019. I have seen and posted in the thread for the traditional ADN applicants, but I think the LVN-RN warrants it's own thread.
So, my plans are to apply to both North Harris and Kingwood campuses. I wanted to apply to Montgomery as well, but won't be able to attend there due to their 5-day a week, heavily loaded Summer semester. Just won't work with my work schedule.
Also, I think it's worth mentioning that I have sort of a unique perspective as I was previously enrolled in Kingwood's transition program in 2016, but was forced to leave after the first semester due to an unexpected family emergency. So feel free to ask any questions!
I took the HESI on August 30th and my application score will be 7.71. When I was accepted to Kingwood's program, my app score was 7.74, for any who are wondering.
This is a great question that I feel like does not get the attention it deserves. So I graduated LVN school in 2012. My first job was with a (bs) company that did CC for hospice companies. They paid 20$/hr. I left there because the (bs) company went out of business, I took a job at a nursing home/skilled rehab making 18.25/hr. I did that for a year and transitioned to an MDS position at the same place and got bumped to 22/hr. When I left, I went to a memory care assisted living making the same. When I got my annual review a year later, I got bumped up to 25/hr. I worked there for two years and left in 2017 and went back to skilled. Got hired there making the same thing, although when I got hired, my DON had to get corporate permission to pay me that much. There were nurses who had been there 2-5 years who weren't making as much as I was, and they made it known. I think part of the reason they continued to pay me 25/hr was because I had MDS and managerial experience and was able to fill in for those roles when I was needed, which I did. I worked there for a year and left to go work at Methodist in the ER. They had just established a role for the LVN in the ER, somewhere above paramedics but below RNs. I was very lucky to do so, and actually took a pay cut to go there. I make 22.50/hr now. But, I work for a magnet hospital, gaining emergency room experience, with EXCELLENT benefits and a workplace structure and community that is beyond anything I've ever experienced. So that cut in pay was well worth it.
If you are looking for good pay as an LVN I would recommend getting in at a skilled nursing or a rehab like Kindred or Healthsouth first. Stick it out and transition to management. You are going to work your *** off as an LVN in management, as well as take on a lot of stress, but if you're after good pay, that's what it takes. Also, the work environment and atmosphere of skilled/nursing homes is not great. Very profit oriented, so turnover is high and support is often low. Avoid hospice, CC and home health. It's difficult to make big money there. Get you a full time gig with a PRN job on the side. Good money is doable as an LVN. I cleared 60k in 2015, 2016 and 2017 consecutively because I worked OT and was good at what I did. It's doable, but it will be stressful.
It is very difficult, bordering on impossible to get in at a major hospital as an LVN. With the Magnet accreditation, hospitals want RN, BSNs working there. They must maintain a certain average of nursing staff with BSNs so LVNs are hard to work in. Only my location within the Methodist system hires LVNs. It's tough to get in there. I was very lucky.
Also..it is worth mentioning. As much as I wish it weren't true, and politics aside, I am a guy and being male does affect my pay. I know that I have been offered more money, and have been viewed more positively in my role because I'm a guy. Not my opinion, it is fact. I have been told that by managers. Not saying I agree with it, but I am giving honest input. Do with it what you will.
I hope all the best for you.
Thanks for the insight! This was very informing, I really do appreciate. Are you guys all set to continue on to getting your RN?
Thanks for the insight! This was very informing, I really do appreciate. Are you guys all set to continue on to getting your RN?
I have to complete my pre-reqs and I’m in full motion with that! I can’t wait i ultimately want to get my Masters; part of my ten year plan! But no problem I definitely wish everyone well towards you guys goals to progress in this nursing field!!!! ?
Hey everyone, check your emails. They just sent out clinical/class options and information on the orientation and a booklist
Yah, I just received the same email this morning. Already emailed in my preference. I'm surprised they aren't offering a Saturday option for clinicals for people who work M-F.
I got 2 emails from Juanita. One regarding enrollment and the other reminding us about orientation tomorrow. Looks like we will be in class on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and they have our assignments down for clinicals as well. I got clinical with Nwankwo at Kingwood on Mondays. Although, it says both days, Monday and Tuesday, I'm pretty sure that is just a clerical thing, as I don't think we actually have clinicals two days a week.
I got 2 emails from Juanita. One regarding enrollment and the other reminding us about orientation tomorrow. Looks like we will be in class on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and they have our assignments down for clinicals as well. I got clinical with Nwankwo at Kingwood on Mondays. Although, it says both days, Monday and Tuesday, I'm pretty sure that is just a clerical thing, as I don't think we actually have clinicals two days a week.
Or maybe I'm wrong and.......crap.
I know I have Northwest on Tuesdays but I saw that Monday and i'm like ummm...
I know I have Northwest on Tuesdays but I saw that Monday and i'm like ummm...
"Ummmm" was exactly right for me too! That would put me at 3 days a week at work and 4 days a week with school. No spank you.
I actually put Northwest down as my first choice because even though it is the furthest drive for me, it is with Dr. Crawford and I have heard from more than one person that she is AMAZING. You lucked out! ?
"Ummmm" was exactly right for me too! That would put me at 3 days a week at work and 4 days a week with school. No spank you.
I actually put Northwest down as my first choice because even though it is the furthest drive for me, it is with Dr. Crawford and I have heard from more than one person that she is AMAZING. You lucked out! ?
Yea, my goal is three days of work, three of school, and one for rest... so four would really kill me considering I'm a mother too..
Well this is the closest facility so that's good to hear!
Ang_
77 Posts
Thanks for the insight! This was very informing, I really do appreciate. Are you guys all set to continue on to getting your RN?