nursing in california/ advice

bremon · May 13, 2010

Hi there,

Are you still trying to get in to prerequisite classes? I took mine at a junior collage and had a very good experience...it still took some work/waiting/adding classes at the last minute/phone calls but i got in. I applied EVERWHERE...i was on waiting lists for ADN programs at local junior colleges, and applied to state and private schools. I suggest looking at the prerequisites for any program you would even think of going to...some courses, like history, can vary from program to program.

I also worked as a CNA as i was doing my prereqs and through nursing school, and i highly suggest it. I am in southern California and i have found that if you can hang on to a part time or even perdiem job through school, hospitals are hiring internal employees, and do not post the position for outside applicants.

Good luck:-)

ballerinagirl · May 13, 2010

you sound a bit like me -- long story.

Anyway - that is the most frustrating part -- you would think that it would be easier to get into classes, but no...it's harder to get into nursing classes than it is to actually just pass the classes which really aren't all that difficult if you study.

Go figure...it's REALLY hard to get to be a nurse, not because the classes are impossible -- it's just hard to get into the program. Contrast that to getting a PhD or an MD where half the class drops out from failing the class.

I really hope there's a solution to all this -- doesn't seem like we're getting anywhere. The public is told that "we need more nurses" and so there's a rush to sign up for nursing school, and then paradoxically, you can't actually get in. There are so many people who actually end up as occupational therapists, and other allied health professions because they were sick of trying to get into the nursing program.

Careful w/ the private schools -- they are expensive! Some people graduate with just as much debt as the physicians do when they graduate from med school...that is NOT a good way to start a life.

alyssa* · May 13, 2010

i kno how you feel. i was going to be a nurse but my job hindered me, so i decided to major in engineering. I am good at math but not physics, so when i lost my job i decided to go back to my nursing major and stay with it. the problem is is that i am now failing my engineering classes and physics which is going to drop my GPA. all i need for pre-reqs is a&p and micro and then i can apply to NS.

so i am real worried about getting into NS, with my lowering GPA.

I too am in southern cali, in LA county and although i am going to work hard at the pre-reqs, i am also going to apply to every NS in a 60 mile radius.

with cali's state budget for education dimishing I too worry that i wont get into NS for awhile so its pretty depressing.

Try to become a CNA (it gives you bonus pts at certain schools), i am trying to be a CNA but it costs so much and my pre-reqs are getting in the way to getting CNA classes.

maybe anyone in so cal has info on where to go and costs for CNA program, thats a good start into the nursing field (and i need a job anyway!!!)

We will just have to keep our heads high and work hard to getting into NS (cause that is the hardest part it seems like)

NewBeee · May 13, 2010

Once you finish your pre-req's, I would apply all over the state. This is what you will have to do if you want to get into a program soon. Some schools require different pre-req courses than others. I just took them all (some even online). I sent my application to at least 10 schools and ended up getting into the program closest to my house. It was a lottery system and I just got lucky. Since then, they have cut the amount of students from 60 to 40. The budget no longer can sustain 60 students per nursing class. This makes it even more difficult to get into a program. As far as your previous low grades, I would retake those courses so that they can be replaced with an A or B. I'm finishing my 3rd semester now. I have one more to go. Good luck! Keep trying.

alyssa* · May 13, 2010

i think its ridiculous tht nurses are needed and yet nursing programs r being cut..... doesnt makes sense

NewBeee · May 13, 2010

You are correct. It's terrible.... There are many factors that add to the problem. For example, it's very difficult to find nursing school instructors. As RN's, they make more money at the hospitals than teaching in an RN program. Schools can't even find enough instructors. It's also terrible that the private school programs are so expensive!! Keep trying. Eventually you will get into a program. Just make sure to work your butt off once you get into a program...we've had 19 students out of 60 fail out of my program since I started! I'm finishing 3rd semester now. You make friends and before you know it, they are gone! Nursing school is very difficult, but worth it !

alyssa* · May 13, 2010

oh yes i definitely agree with you.

it is terrible.

i am so worried i wont get in, but i will definitely try hard to get in. i really want to be a nurse.

and since it seems like getting in is the hard part, to stay in i will definitely work my butt off.

anaf · May 13, 2010

Thanks for all the replies, I don't have all my prerequisites done yet. I also need Anatomy & Physiology and microbiology. Those are the classes I've been trying to get into, but it's nearly impossible! I think I might become a CNA first so I can have more experience :)

Gingilly · May 13, 2010

Hi A fellow Californian here. I'd suggest go consider a direct entry MSn program. The prereq's seem to be more uniform and you'll end up a NP. Check out this months Advance for a little more info

NPs in the News on ADVANCE for Nurse Practitioners

and

Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com

Seems where the bulk of jobs will turn up in a few years, just my opinion. And if youre going to do it, try to do so before 2012 as a PhD will be required starting in 2015. Program takes around 3 years at MSN level.

Good luck

Jen

Gingilly · May 13, 2010

Missed your previous message. Use this link to find on line classes you need w/in the state-theres a few science/bio ones but make sure they transfer.

California Virtual Campus CVC Course Catalog

This link has a listing of all schools in the state and you can register for classes here too.

CCCApply - Colleges

You can do this w/ a little persistence. I had to repeat all my preq's because they were over 15 yrs. old. I was very upset about it esp. b/c my science classes were originally at UCLA and CSULA. But I got over it, went JC and then took them over at 2 schools concurrently- one in the am and the other at nite. I also ended up having to take an extra english and anthropology and 3 intro Rn classes to meet the requirements of all the NS I applied to. I had to drive almost 3 hours daily to make this happen as well. But I finished right under a year.

Be sure to apply to all nursing schools w/in a 1 hour radius and apply before youre done w/ preque's. Good luck and really, consider going direct entry np if you qualify.

Jen

alyssa* · May 14, 2010

Hi A fellow Californian here. I'd suggest go consider a direct entry MSn program. The prereq's seem to be more uniform and you'll end up a NP. Check out this months Advance for a little more info
NPs in the News on ADVANCE for Nurse Practitioners
and
Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com
Seems where the bulk of jobs will turn up in a few years, just my opinion. And if youre going to do it, try to do so before 2012 as a PhD will be required starting in 2015. Program takes around 3 years at MSN level.
Good luck
Jen

lol there is ADN-MSN routes but i kinda need the ADN first lol.

as for the OP, i want to become a CNA too so if you get any info let me know too. i am just like you as in i need the big 3 sci classes left.

lets cross our fingers!