LVN Program San Jacinto South

katclarke · Jan 18, 2010

Nobody has anything? This post has been viewed over 20 times with no replies... Do I have to do something else for someone to give suggestions or feedback?

I'm just looking for a little encouragement and help... Anyone?

TeeRN2Be · Jan 19, 2010

Hi Kat,

Just wanted to offer you some encouragement. If you can, I would go the RN route rather than the LVN route.... the LVN pay is not that great unless you're in an LTAC facility....start the pre-req's for the RN program, and since I'm gathering you may have good SAT scores, apply with that option. There are alot of hospitals phasing out LVN's here in Houston, I would rather set you up for success rather than failure. HTH, and good luck with your decision.

katclarke · Jan 19, 2010

I thought about doing that actually, I just know that it's very hard (if not impossible) to work during the RN program. I would love to go straight through and do that, but I have to be able to work and go to school. My husband and I cannot afford me taking 2 years off to go to school and not work.

AHowell · Mar 8, 2010

Hey!

Do the LVN program first. I am going to start in the fall and if I love being an LVN I'll do the RN transitional program after. I don't want to spend twice as long and twice as much money if I hate it. Ya know what I mean? Plus there are a lot of prerequisites for the RN program.

The HESI entrance for the LVN program at the south campus was easy for me. It was a basic comprehensive type test (English, math, problem solving related to prioritization) I got above a 90/100. Other than all of your shots, the two classes with A's or B's, and your HESI you should be good to go. http://www.sjcd.edu/program/files/VocNursingInfo.pdf this is all you need here!

Keep in mind getting your shots takes time!!! You can't get in without them & they have to be completed and on file by the admission deadline. Also, you must have a CPR/AED card for HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. Not the regular CPR. Very important.

Other than that the atmosphere is great *as far as I've seen* and I love the program director. I was going to enroll for the past spring but decided to think on it a semester and I'm ready to go now! Hope you're still interested and if you are able to apply for the Fall feel free to PM me and we can talk more! (I'm married also, so it would be nice to know someone attempting the same)

katclarke · Mar 8, 2010

Great, sounds like I'm on the right track then!

As far as the vaccines go, I've started them all, but I doubt I'll have time to finish before application... would they accept my application if I've shown that I've started the longer rounds of vaccinations? Someone told me yes, but I would like to be sure. Otherwise, I'm sure I could just suck it up and go get a titer for them.

If everything is going according to plan and I am able to apply for the fall semester, I will definitely be there. I hope all is well!

AHowell · Mar 8, 2010

You have to be done. They'd consider that 'incomplete' for your application. I just had a titer done, wasn't bad at all and got the results quick. I don't have insurance and just went to a concentra for everything and it was affordable. The link above talks about exactly what you need for the immunizations and they meant it. The dates have to fit in the time span they say or they don't take it.

Awesome for you! Can't wait.

katclarke · Mar 8, 2010

Welllll, crap. Haha alright, I guess I'll go ahead and go get a titer then. Thank you so much for the help and encouragement! I guess I'll (hopefully) be seeing you in the program :)

shah · Mar 31, 2010

It is very difficult to work in the LVN program too! The program is very heavy on paperwork. Essentially, you have to work equally hard in both programs. Only the focus is different. LVN is heavier on clinical experience. RN on didactic.

skygyrl · Apr 2, 2010

I agree with Shah. I believe the LVN program would be more difficult to work through. You're required to take more hours each semester in the LVN program Vs. the RN program. The LVN program is not easy and I suggest you take out a loan for living expenses rather than work more than 15 or 20 hours a week. However, whatever will get you in this great field, rather it be the LVN or the RN route, the better!! Good luck to you!!!

katclarke · Apr 24, 2010

Hello everyone, just wanted to update - I ACED my HESI exam today!! That gives me an automatic 15 points toward acceptance into the program!

I have almost all of my ducks in a row... The only things I have left is to get my high school transcript, take my COMPASS exam, and finish the 2 classes that I'm taking this semester. No big deal. I'm just hoping that most of the other applicants for this semester have less points than I do! lol

I do have a question though... have any of you taken the COMPASS exam? How is the math section??

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · May 25, 2010

I took the compass at San Jac South about four years ago. The reading/writing/english sections were a breeze (if you aced the HESI you'll have no problem with Compass). For me, the math was a bit difficult. In the interest of full disclosure, I really suck at math and the compass placed me in 0304- pre-algebra. I had to take 3 remedial math courses (which were not too rough) but I totally bombed college algebra! The math department at south is tough and full of crappy teachers!! I took Math for Liberal Arts majors at central and that is the only reason I was able to get me AA degree. I know they have a Math for Tech majors course that is supposed to be better suited for nursing students, you should definitely look into that. Just know if you're not great in math, you may be placed in remedials.