need some advice

ThrowEdNurse, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2008

Well, I can't speak for the schools, I don't have kids (thank god!) But my first thought is you should probably consider just waiting 2 more semesters before moving down here. If this is totally not an option there are multiple schools in the area that have nursing programs. It just seems that due to it being so competetive you may be better off waiting. I don't know if you are in an ADN or bachelor's program, but Southern University has a BSN program would be closer to Zachary than any other school. Don't know what race you are but it is a mostly black university. I have several friends who are white who graduated from there so if you're not black don't worry, they'll let you in!! Also Our Lady of the Lake College is in Baton Rouge relatively close to Bocage area. It is affiliated with the same named hospital. They offer ADN and BSN. Baton Rouge General Hospital also has a school of nursing also close to the Bocage area, don't know if it is ADN or BSN. Baton Rouge Community College is down the road from Baton Rouge General and they have a brand spanking new nursing program. Again, don't know if it is ADN or BSN. I feel like they may be your best bet because it is so new. LSU has a program in New Orleans. There are other schools in NO that have programs as well. Southeastern in Hammond also has a BSN program. Don't be too choosy about which program you go through. I think it doesn't matter. All schools turn out both good and bad nurses it's up to you what kind of nurse you'll be. I don't see why transferring your license here will be an issue as it sounds as though you don't have one yet, but the state board of nursing should help. Their website is under LSBN, just search for it. All these schools will have websites for you to investigate. Also, I recommend you find a new trade for you husband. I wouldn't want my husband to be a roofer down here. They are exposed to too much sun and tar. Their skin all turns to leather and everyone down here gets cancer. They call us cancer alley!!! (lucky us.) I also think everyone down here likes Denham Springs, Watson, and Walker for the school systems as well as Zachary. Everything is cheaper outside of BR in as far as home prices go. I live in BR and wouldn't have it any other way. I hate the country! Of course, it's hard for me to say anything in as far as home prices go not knowing what is normal where you live now. We have a small house in a good part of BR. It was built in 1980's but totally remolded just before we bought it 1 year ago. It's 1400 sq feet 3 beds, 2 baths and it cost us 160,000. I'm thinking you could probably get a similar house in walker or zachary for 140,000 I'm guessing. Just don't know. There's also a ton of new construction homes and with people having hard times getting mortgages you might not do too badly! Good luck! My sister lives in Michigan. I went to visit her last years and I don't blame you for leaving!!:chuckle

ThrowEdNurse, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2008

Oh, duh just saw the first thing you said was you are an LPN, sorry.

amybradley2006 · Oct 9, 2008

Well thanks for the info, I really want my husband to find a different job, but he really likes what he does:down:. I think I would have to finish school down there because here i have to wait until next fall to get in then it will take a year. I am so confused.

CHATSDALE · Oct 9, 2008

transferring an lpn lisence should not be any problem check the bon for lpns in new orleans

la st bd of p n examiners

3421 N. causeeway blvd, suite 505

metairie, la 70002-3715

ph # 504-838-5791

as for continuing your education you need to know before you move which schools will accept your credits..these things can get so ify

i know that northwester [nachotoches] will not accept lsu credits

you should be able to find this out from your school

housing in central La is doing fine i see people working on new houses all the time - repair work should be booming in south La d/t gustav and ike

welcome home

ThrowEdNurse, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2008

I could probably never get my husband to quit his job either. He's an electrician and he looooves it. At least he gets to work inside some even though he comes home sun burned sometimes and it stresses me out!! Maybe he'll change his mind in the middle of next summer. Most of our dehydration/heat stroke pt are construction workers. Maybe try something like, "Well, if we're moving close to your family and starting over with our lives, maybe it's a good time for you to consider a whole change, too." Anyway, good luck. At least you don't have to worry he'll get electrocuted!

When you pick a new home you should also consider that renting in the area will probably bleed you dry and that if you plan on staying in OB there are only 2 hospitals in the area that birth babies. Baton Rouge General off of Bluebonnet across from the mall and Woman's on Airline. Oh and our charity hospital Earl K Long or "the Earl" as us locals call it. That would be a good place to work because you would be state employee and the benefits would be the best.

sunnifriend4u · Mar 20, 2009

I have attended olol college, LSU, Southeastern, and Baton Rouge Community college.

I am an LPN I was two classes away from graduating with an assc degree in nursing at olol-several of us were booted-my grade was screwedd with- I tried to appeal, but as a PRIVATE catholic institution olol seems to get away with weeding out students, mistreating nursing student, kind of threatening them, making inappropriate remarks... many poeple through out the last twenty years could tell you their story-if only we could publish the information then the innocent new students would find a different college. Perhaps one that really wants to educate people instead of destroying self esteem. oh yeah- it must bring in qiute a profit after accepting the students financial aid/ money- boy! President Obama would be ****** if he found out the amount of the profit this college has made verses the amount of people that ARE NOT NURSES because the college screwed them.

As an undergraduated it was not uncommon for the college advisors to tell you just take other classes even ones you really did not need while waiting to get into the nursing programs. I was dumb enough to believe them and took an academic seminar class after attending the college for years-it is a freshman course teaching you study skills. I have over 125 college credits and NO degree YET. It is the run around each college make you take their agenda.

If you want to get into baton rouge cc. you will be better off taking the chemistry there as well as many nursing prereqs because they except student with many BRCC credits over the transferred person with little credits fron their college. Also if you take chemistry 1 there take chemistry 2 soon after if you are eventually going to get a BS degree. I wish I did because when you go to take chemistry 2 after a few years it is very difficult- I got an A in chemistry from OLOL taught by a wonderful Southern University instructor. Also if you are a non traditional student the technology advances over the last several years has changed the teaching styles, more computers, like the calculator I had to learn to use for elementary statistics. No one warned me that algebra prereq may be a wise class if you have not had it in years prior to taking stats. then perhaps a short class on how to work the TI84 calclator (cost about $100.00 last year)

It was a very long time ago an when I took chemistry 2 I had to review everything from chem 1- I wish someone recommended a refresher course first-

So to sum this mess up- If your family is going to relocate to Louisiana because of a financial need -and your husband will have employment to support you through the nursing program. that will be helpful for you- I understand the weather may be warmer, but consider the comforts of your life there. Are your children doing well in their schools. Do you have a good support network there. I am originally from the north as well and moved here 20 years ago-I have regretted it everyday. Life goes on and the reasons I am still here are complicated, but let me stress that the transition here took me a few years. You and your husband may be better off researching the top ten places in the USA to live and raise a family before you make this decision.

I hope this information safe you from all the stress and aggravation I have lived through after I relocated here. I also have three children. If I could go back in time I would have chosen to remain where I was- The grass is not greener on this side.

Don't bother going to the baton rouge general hospital because they are NOT credited and you risk wasting your time if somehow you don't make the grade-NOTHING transfers. You get a diploma if you make it throught the program. It great if thats your goal. Research each college and find out how they accept their students before you apply. Good luck-

asonegro · Jul 4, 2009

How are the benefits and wages for RNs at Baton Rouge General Hospital? How is the staff satisfaction and retention?