Lost about becoming an RN.

[jhuynh510]

So I am pretty new to all this nursing stuff. I already have my cna license, but want to work on my RN license. I went to a meeting today at Everest College (yes I know what you're thinking, horrible right?). Even though I heard about all the negative reviews, I wanted to just go and see for myself. Hoping to get a little bit more information about becoming an RN. Unfortunately, they spent the time talking about the school and about 10 minutes about becoming an RN in general. Which bothered me because I went thinking I was going to get my questions answered about becoming an RN rather than learning about their whole school and where they are located. But anyway, back to what I saying. It was VERY expensive. and even though I qualify for FAFSA, Pell grant, and all that good stuff, I will still be paying quite much considering the fact that the average cost is 48,500. I wanted to be able to travel as an RN, in case I decided to move elsewhere for better opportunities, but was told that if I decided to work outside of CA I would have to go back to school and start from the beginning. So, I thought, hmm, I'm going to pay all this money, but I won't be recognized as an RN in other states? The only good thing about it is, NO WAITING LISTS. But is it worth it? I don't know much about this. and what other options I have, because I even looked on going to a community college which requires a lot of prerequisites and even after that I would have to wait to get into the program, which will probably total to about 4-5 years.

So, I am hoping I can get some help from you all. I live in the inland empire, CA. If you guys have any worthy information. I really need some help and tips. Because I feel as though I'm looking for a pin in a hay stack.

[mquintana]

Well, I would definately stay away from Everest, formally known as FMU. You're hard work is reconized no where basically. You cannot transfer your credits to another college. It's not work it, because if you want to go back to school and go further with your education, you cannot just go anywhere else. I would google nursing schools. There are other private colleges/universities that are accredited. They are more expensive but worth it. I will be entering a nursing program after I finish my pre-req's in 3 more semesters. South University. It's an accelerated BSN program. Basically I will have my BSN as fast as I would have an AS in nursing. It's also accredited and accepted by the nursing board/association. At any rate, the university that I will be entering doesn't have a long wait list. To ensure my spot I am going to enroll in that university my last semester. Most universities accept their students first over a transfer. You should try that. It's really the best way to go about nursing. Not only that but I read that hospitals like to hire someone who has a BSN over an AS or a nursing diploma. They also like students who have taken an accelerated program because it's another aspect of learning. This was just some things I found on one of the nursing association sites. I hope this helps! Good luck!

[bluechick112, BSN, MSN, RN]

I second the idea of staying away from Everest for all the same reasons listed above. There are a lot of private and state schools here in CA that offer nursing programs (most for less than the $48,500 you mentioned!). I'd also definitely say to go for your BSN vs your ADN because 1) you'll get more pay and 2) you'll have a higher chance of getting a job. Community colleges are good if you're looking to get your RN license and then do an RN-BSN bridge or something like that, but considering most hospitals aren't hiring new grads right now your best bet would be to just go for the BSN in the first place. Yes there are a lot of prerequisites for most programs, but if you already have hospital experience (CNA) you're on the right track! Most award extra points for this hospital experience and you obviously know you want to stick with nursing if you've been exposed as a CNA for a while. Also, prerequisites can be taken at a community college for relatively cheap, especially if you qualify for financial aid of any sort.

I'm not sure if you've looked into it, but I know there are CNA to LVN classes and then LVN to RN programs. Just another option to look in to. I'm not sure about costs for that, but I know the option is out there.

[jhuynh510]

Ok, I will take all this information into consideration. I will do more research, and look for all the possible options. I think I have just been rushing through this. I been just trying to get into a school. But with the help of this thread, I realized I need to take it one step at a time.

[nkara, CNA]

I would also do alot more research. This doesn't sound like the best place to obtain your education. You can use the pell, fafsa, etc at a community college. Most of the colleges now, at least where I live, aren't using the wait list anymore. They are going on you GPA and entrance exam score. Please don't get conned by this school.

[jhuynh510]

I have been to a community college. That was my first choice. Because the one I attend also has the RN program. I was looking at vocational schools because they were much faster.