LVN/RN/Working while in school- What to do! :)

SOCALRACERX911_RN · Jan 19, 2004

hi Faye,

becuase of your current living situation, getting your LVN maybe your only option. Check into an ROP(regional occupational program 1st (might be a wait list) because they are free. They have ROP in san diego county for sure. Once you get your LVN start taking prereqs. for RN school. There are 1yr programs called LVN to RN step up programs. It sounds like a long time, been there done that, time will fly.

ERNUTBALL · Jan 19, 2004

I am a mom, have a full-time job and go to school full-time as well. YES, it can be done, but takes a great deal of disipline and personal drive. If you do have consistant help with the family and their support I don't see why you couldn't do the RN route. Weekend programs are great if the endeavor is worth sacrifices all those weekends. I opted for the weekday programs and work every weeked. Same sacrifice, but well worth it in the edn.. Best of luck! :cool:

Nurse2B73 · Jan 29, 2004

Hi there,

I would like to know where this LVN weekend program is and what school so I can look into it. I am in the same boat.

I have 3 children and I am married. I have to work fulltime to keep up the household.

I live in San Pedro. I hope that it is something close.

Thanks so much

Shonda

SOCALRACERX911_RN · Jan 29, 2004

There is a night & or weekend program at grossmont college in el cajon, california (san diego area)

Faye714 · Jan 29, 2004

here are a list of colleges that provide LVN programs in CA. I am not sure where you are exactly as I am new to CA.

http://www.allnursingschools.com/find/results.php?st=CA&prog=practical&submit=Find+a+School

Concorde is one with weekend classes. I would find the areas which you live near, and call all of the schools to see if they offer any weekend/evening courses.

I personally, have decided to skip the LVN route and go straight for RN. The school is more flexible. I'm going to attend a Community College doing pre req's for 1 year, and then the nursing program is 4 Semesters and they do offer night classes for some of them.

Good luck!

tlynsmith · Jan 30, 2004

I believe Grossmont has a RN program also. I use to live in EL Cajon, CA. Good luck to you with whatever decision you make.

Teresa

Nurse2B73 · Jan 31, 2004

Unfortunately I am too far from El Cajon/San Diego Area.

I am in San Pedro which is by Long Beach.

I am 2 hours away from there so I would not be able to attend. I am hoping some students in the LA or Long beach area know of some places and how they like it.

I know now I am going to go LVN first then finish up with RN after I take my NCLEX-PN.

God Bless

nursemary56 · Apr 27, 2005

Well, it may not be what you are looking for but if you could stay with someone for a year, Concord has a 51 week program excelerated LVN and it is a complete 2 year and is tough you will need to study, they are accredited and you will have to finnish a full 2 years school in less than a year. But it worked great for me I quit work though cause I wanted to make sure I didn't fail since it is expensive. They will help you with the financial part to and set that up for you and you may qualify for extra help while you are in school. They don't have a class in San Pedro but there is one in Garden Grove and one in North Hollywood. Which ever is closer to you. You could maybe do just part time work on weekends to help out. :rolleyes: Good luck in what ever you decide. I did the LVN 1 year with concord and I found I learned more at that school and was ready for the NCLEX. Also now that I have finnished that I could do home studies and finnish my RN or maybe one year longer with a few prerequisites extra and I have my RN. So it is quicker and more strenuous but you get the job done and do what you love sooner!

Unfortunately I am too far from El Cajon/San Diego Area.
I am in San Pedro which is by Long Beach.
I am 2 hours away from there so I would not be able to attend. I am hoping some students in the LA or Long beach area know of some places and how they like it.
I know now I am going to go LVN first then finish up with RN after I take my NCLEX-PN.
God Bless

Hairstylingnurse · Apr 27, 2005

there is nothing wrong with getting your lpn and then getting your rn. it works for a ton of people everyday. you'll be a better rn with all the experience you'll get as an lpn. some of the best nurses i know are lpn's that have no desire to even get their rn. just do what is best for you and your family. either path you take will be demanding, but well worth all your going to put into it. best of luck.

Toerau · Jun 4, 2005

Any one know of any in Northern Cal that has programs that work on evening and/or weekends? Augh, most of them want at least 2 yrs of experience! I'm also a current student (LVN) that when I'm done, I want to try to get straight in to the bridge program.

Thanks :rotfl:

AudreyD · Jun 22, 2005

I also work fulltime as a med. transcriptionist at Tri-City Hospital, have been doing my prereq at the community colleges, have 2 more semesters before I apply to the nursing program at Palomar. Currently doing the Int. Algebra over summer and feel like I'm drowning, so find myself wondering if I should just skip this hard stuff (including the two sciences I have left) and just do the LVN route, but the problem is the pay is the same as I'm earning now (would prefer to double my income), so I've been told over and over by other RN's to go for the RN degree (ADN). At my age of 44, they say it's not worth the time to have to "redo" the classes later, but it's also very discouraging how long the RN program is going to take to complete. There's a 3-year waiting list! I'll be 50 by the time I graduate! I'm also considering CNA for experience when I get on the waiting list to make sure nursing really is my calling.