Need some advice, looking into LPN/LVN?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 20, 2010

It appears that your local community college, KVCC, offers an LPN program with the option to continue onto the RN after the first year. Here are the prerequisites for both programs: Untitled Document - Kalamazoo Valley Community College

In the areas where I have lived, for-profit trade schools offer the LPN program in exchange for expensive tuition. These places usually need no professional references, previous coursework, or anything of that nature. The test score requirements were minimal. In addition, an LPN program at a for-profit trade school can prepare you to pass your state boards on the very first attempt. I attended an LPN program at a for-profit trade school about 5 years ago and I have no regrets.

azombieee · May 20, 2010

So like a vocational school or a community college? The problem is... is it looks like the only LPN program in town that doesn't ask for references like that is KVCC... theres one at Davenport... but you have to have an interview and stuff so they can decide if they want you... which is kinda weird =/. I know I'd be fine but if I'm paying for it?

Other than those two schools, there's nothing in the area! I'm so scared! I'm hoping there's not a long waiting period.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 20, 2010

so like a vocational school or a community college? the problem is... is it looks like the only lpn program in town that doesn't ask for references like that is kvcc... theres one at davenport... but you have to have an interview and stuff so they can decide if they want you... which is kinda weird =/. i know i'd be fine but if i'm paying for it?
other than those two schools, there's nothing in the area! i'm so scared! i'm hoping there's not a long waiting period.

the majority of nursing programs interview their applicants to ensure that you are a proper fit for the school as well as the nursing profession. this is not weird. rather, the interview process is a normal and accepted aspect of nursing school admissions across america.

a person might not be compatible with the nursing profession even if he/she is paying his/her way through the classes with his/her own money. program directors use the interview as a form of gatekeeping.

pagandeva2000, LPN · May 20, 2010

So like a vocational school or a community college? The problem is... is it looks like the only LPN program in town that doesn't ask for references like that is KVCC... theres one at Davenport... but you have to have an interview and stuff so they can decide if they want you... which is kinda weird =/. I know I'd be fine but if I'm paying for it?
Other than those two schools, there's nothing in the area! I'm so scared! I'm hoping there's not a long waiting period.

This not abnormal. It didn't happen in my school, however. In my area, the private schools do more interviewing. However, as TheCommuter stated, it is part of the weeding out process, and I say it is the beginning of the nursing school game. You have to know what they want to hear, let them think they are right and give them what they want. I do understand that the feeling is "I am paying YOU...maybe I need to do the interviewing", but many nursing programs are very competitive, therefore, they have choices. And, I have seen some people pay high tuitions, but receive crappy education and clinical experiences. The license will be the same, but, these are the chances we take. You have got to get used to it.

I had an LPN student paired with me in the clinic today, and she told me that her clinical instructor basically dumps them and never checks on them all day. She doesn't know what they are doing with us, what they are being assigned to do, or ask them many questions afterwards...she just expects them to do the assignments on time for the next presentation. Would the average person say that they are getting a cruddy clinical experience for their hard earned money? Sure! But, this girl said she has three more months to go, and I advised her to just play their game and get out.

What you have to keep in mind is that at the end of the rainbow, you earn the license and the accolades and opportunities that come with it. I'd prepare for the interview if the school has everything you are looking for and give them a bang up sales pitch.

azombieee · May 21, 2010

Thank you guys!!! Is there any other program that is good that I can also look into if the LPN is a long wait?

Jules A, MSN · May 22, 2010

I love community colleges and wouldn't let the professional reference thing put you off. If you are settled now it might be a good time to get a job and if not surely there are people who have not worked outside the home that want to apply to this program, what do they do? Ask if you could use one of your kid's teachers, your veterinarian, a teacher from high school or professor from one of your prerequisite classes. There has to be someone you have dealings with that could write a complimentary note about your character. Good luck.

azombieee · May 22, 2010

Well it's hard because I was homeschooled through high school, and I have no kids. I'm 19 lol.

Jules A, MSN · May 22, 2010

Well it's hard because I was homeschooled through high school, and I have no kids. I'm 19 lol.

Well then I guess you need to get a job and register for a pre-req class. Good luck.

azombieee · May 23, 2010

Hmm, thanks...

KrysyRN, BSN · Jul 5, 2010

As a KVCC grad, I believe KVCC is the best nursing program in the Kzoo area. They never used to require professional references. If they have started, it's a new requirement. Most of the schools in the area have a multiple year wait list, and it's been this way for years. The key is to take a required nursing prereq class as quickly as you can (or several required classes). Matriculation date is used as part of the selection criteria for entrance into the nursing school.