Los Angeles County School of Nursing

willowita, ADN, RN · May 10, 2012

Thanks for the info lovetosleep! 5% interest is actually a better rate than the Stafford loans for the upcoming year. So maybe it won't be so bad.

My stepmom works at LAC+USC and she said that graduates of County's program have a good shot at getting a job there (if budgets and everything else permits). So that made me feel hopeful.

Studionurse · May 10, 2012

Unsunghero, thank you very much. This is a wealth of information that we all can use...I will jump on getting my books.

Studionurse · May 10, 2012

Unsunghero,

Can we buy used books, or do we have to buy at the bookstore?

$\(<O>)=(<O>)/$ · May 11, 2012

For those of you who were accepted to other schools... You may be doing yourself a favor if you steer clear of County. Whether they admit it or not, the student success rate has hit an all-time low and the majority of students fail out of the program.

willowita, ADN, RN · May 11, 2012

Why do you think the students fail out of the program? I'm just curious to know what factors contribute to failure. Financial? Academic? Lack of support and resources from the school? Location? Anything you can add would be helpful. If I get into County, I will have to pick a school so it's important to know as much about a program before going into it.

Thanks.

Unsunghero · May 12, 2012

Willowita,

I think its a couple of things. 1) the program is fast, intense all at the beginning. So say if there is someone who is returning back to school after having several months off (during the time of waiting to get into a program) their chances of getting used to the workload is a lil tougher. Also several students are older adults, and haven't had more than one pre-req class at the same time, so starting school you are given 3 classes to start studying for all at once. From what I heard from both personal and impersonal contacts, some students were overwhelmed with the curriculum, expectations, had a change of heart or just didn't follow certain program guidelines and were withdrawn. I def. feel there is a great lack of support ( meaning if you don't get something so early in the program and continue to assume you understand later in the sem and still continue to fall behind, you ultimately are responsible for making your success happen. Several students inquired about tutoring, which it was a flakey ordeal.. there is not an office on campus where students can pop in and talk to counseling advisors. The faculty are busy with grading, taking care of their own families and personal life that they don't have the time to sit down with students to give them counseling... thus emphasizing the NEED for academic counseling services. I heard that some peeps got into other school but found out when they already started County and wish they would have found out sooner because County school is NO joke. I personally have some friends who got into County but chose to attend East LA college and Saddleback college ( Mission Viejo) and are SOOOOO happy with their decision because when they talk to me they see how stressed out, overwhelmed I am. I think that the determining factor is the distance, curriculum ( meaning see how many units you carry each semester) and how that will work with your personal life. You can check on the County website to see the curriculum list for each semester to better assess which school is best for you. Just because County is a good school doesn't mean it's right school for you... keep your options open! :)

Unsunghero · May 12, 2012

I couldn't agree more! Put it this way... I am checking out my options in other programs because Nursing school shouldn't be a nightmare ( thanks to County it is!!!!!).

Unsunghero · May 12, 2012

I would say check out the book rentals online and through Amazon.com because I saved SO much money going that route!!

CountyGeneral · May 12, 2012

From what I've heard... if you get through the LA County program, you're the best of the best. If you want to do things that some advanced practiced nurses and licensed RNs from other programs havent even done yet... you go to LA County. If you want to get battlefield trauma experience like no other place can offer... you go to LA County.

BUT, If you want to fluff pillows, bring patients their water, and work on plastic models instead of end-stage, diseased, multiple co-morbidity patients who desperately need your help... you might want to go somewhere else. This probably isn't the program for you. Yes the program is hard, but you will get back every cent that you invest in it. I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, but that's the reality of the LA County program. It's non-stop, round-the-clock, and all consuming.

For anyone considering the program. Be forewarned. You have to be 100% committed. Everything else gets put on hold for the 2 years you're in the program. Don't let that fact discourage you. Know that it's a tough challenge, but not an impossible one, and when you make it through to the other side and get that RN license, you'll be very very proud of yourself.

GiveMeA"G" · May 12, 2012

I've heard this, too, CG. It's something to think about. I have friends in other programs, though, who are having a REALLY hard time in other programs. They are going crazy just like friends at County. The difference is they aren't learning the same amount of stuff or being exposed to all that stuff you talk about. Still, does a person HAVE to stop working to go there? There must be some people who juggle both school and work. Or Moms or something? You have me super scared!!!

Unsunghero · May 12, 2012

You can juggle work while going to school full-time. Several peeps do it but they DON'T work more than 20 hrs a week.. and if they work more, they are a MACHINE. Period! Like County General stated.. you HAVE to be committed, and yes, you will see some CRAZY stuff, but for a good reason that most other programs don't get exposed to. I love the County Hospital for the varying patients and disease processes, but the work load is INTENSE however, if you start making a schedule NOW and stick to it, you will succeed!!! There are several mothers both young and old in the program who are doing very well, and who have NO choice but to succeed as this is their meal ticket to a better future. Some peeps work on the weekends part-time as there is no school on the weekends but you do have to find time to put personal life on hold, as well as study time, as that will take ALL priority. IT's a hard program, but a good program. I just want anyone who reads this post to understand that their options because that would be very sad if you go into the County program on a whim not knowing what to expect and realize you are having 2nd thoughts. Look at all your options, compare curriculum and the types of clinical experience (if they do disclose to students) you will have in your first semester and go from there. :)

CountyGeneral · May 12, 2012

Like Unsung Hero stated, know what options you have, what the pro's and con's of each potential program are, and what sacrifices you will have to make to get through nursing school. Weigh them carefully before choosing where you will attend, and most importantly, choose what is best for you.

That being said, don't be discouraged from going to LA County's program, or any other program, until you've thoroughly investigated each nursing school FOR YOURSELF. Regardless of where you go, the 2 years you spend in any program isn't going to be relaxing, BUT it will fly by. Forum's are great for gaining insight, but everyone's experiences, expectations, and outcomes are different, so take everyone's opinion (including mine) with a grain of salt.

I wish everyone the best of luck in figuring out what school they should attend, as it's a very difficult choice to make.