Nursing noob. So lost and confused..?

MissJulie · Nov 8, 2010

I've decided I would like to become a nurse (I live in Southern California.) I know that there is an ADN and a BSN degree, but still have a few questions that hopefully ya'll wouldn't mind answering... So first off, if I obtain my ADN, can I still take the NCLEX-RN, or is that just for BSN degrees? Or you still take that when you obtain only an ADN? will I still be considered a registered nurse, or is that basically the same as a vocational nurse? I don't think so, but I can't find the specifics ANYWHERE on the net, (not the sharpest tool in the shed.) So assuming an ADN is an RN which I think it is, but just not sure, and I choose that route (ADN) how do I go about that? I know that there are prereqs for the BSN but all info I found online is about LVN to ADN and I was just wondering if it's possible to just go straight to ADN. I believe cypress college offers an ADN degree, and that's not far from where I am. But I have no previous college experience, and unfortunately didn't take lots of science/math in highschool. Are there prereqs? What should I do? Or better yet, what should I take?
It would be great if someone on here has been to cypress/lives in California.
Thanks in advance to everyone!

I live in Kentucky, so it may be a little different for me then it will be for you...

First the NCLEX-RN is for either ADN or BSN grads, and is the only way to officially become an "RN."

If you pass the NCLEX-RN, you're a nurse, regardless of what degree you have behind you name (ADN, BSN, MSN, etc.).

Vocational nurses (LPN or LVN) are not the same as an RN and usually have a diploma (one year) vs a degree (at least two years)

The way that I went about getting into an ADN program is a little different, as I wasn't originally going to be a nurse but a PA, so I already have my assoicates degree in biology. But, I would investigate what school you want to go to and see what specific prereqs they have as each school is a little different.

Also, as far as choosing a degree program, I'd investigate what the job-pool looks like. If you want to work in a hospital, but the ones in your area are only hiring BSNs, then your ADN isn't going to work very well for you.

Before entering my program, I had my AS in Biology and a another year toward my BS in Biology so I had a lot more science and math classes then a lot of my counterparts. But, the specific courses that our program requires are:

- Writing I and II

- Oral Communications

- Computer literacy

- College Algebra

- Anatomy and Physiology I and II

- Microbiology and Lab

- General Psych

- Developmental Psych

But, I also had:

- General Chemistry I and II

- Organic Chemistry I

- Genetics

- Botany

- Human Biology

- Zoology

- Statistics

- Safety and First Aid (the BS required a practical living course, I picked this one)

- Spanish

- American History

- Sociology

- Global Studies

Good luck to you! And don't forget, if you want to be a nurse bad enough, you'll get there eventually!

:stdnrsrck:

rileyc · Nov 8, 2010

Thank you so much for your reply! You clarified alot for me. And thanks for the job pool tip, I didn't even consider not being able to find a job with my ADN. But I have one more question, if you don't mind answering another:p ..seeing as I have no college experience, I'm a little confused about the prereqs. I found the prereqs online for cypress college. In order to enter the program, do I just have to do the specific classes listed to get Into the program? Or do I first have to do two years of general Ed courses, and then the prereqs? Or are the prereqs listed the only classes required to enter the program? Sorry if I sound ridiculous, but I'm young and have literally no college experience.

MissJulie · Nov 10, 2010

Usually the prereqs are part of your gen ed courses, and their designed so that when you complete your degree, you'll have the courses needed to graduate with that degree. Also, when it comes to prereqs, they are chosen so that they will back-up and support the information in the program.

For example, the reason behind taking anatomy and physiology is because it will help students to already have an understanding of body systems and functions when discussing different diseases and disorders of those systems.

tech1000 · Nov 14, 2010

For most ASN programs, you'll need to have anatomy and physiology, and english class done, your basic college math class (either math models or college algebra)... I can't remember the other actual prereqs. I know ONE person who went straight from high school to an ASN program, but he CLEPed all his prereqs. I would definitely go to college for a year or two to finish up classes before getting into a nursing program. Nursing has been easy for me, but EXTREMELY time consuming. I finished all my requirement classes for graduation ahead of time, but people who are taking all their other classes with the nursing classes are having a hard time. It's definitely not just taking nursing classes to graduate with a nursing degree. We have to take about 10 gen ed classes here to graduate, along with the nursing program.