LVN-RN 30 unit option CA should I go this route?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello all. I am currently working as an LVN and am also finishing prerequisites required for the lvn to RN program at local community colleges. I am in Southern California. Does anyone have any info on the 30 unit option to RN? I am aware that it will mean I can only work in California and it will not give me a degree but however I will be an RN. Has anyone done this option? Thought and comments please?

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Specializes in DD, PD/Agency Peds, School Sites.

You'd be a new RN without a degree in California? Doesn't that answer its own question? Wish I had something more positive to say. Imagine being a hiring manager and you have to choose from a pool of candidates...

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There are a bunch of older threads here about the pros and cons of the "30 unit option." You could use the "search" button to find them and have a look. Best wishes for your journey!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Your license will forever be marked non-graduate 30U option even if you later achieve an ASN or BSN. You are ineligible to work in facilities that require nurses to have graduated from an accredited program (such as federal facilities).

The new grad nurse unemployment rate is ~50% for some areas of CA and the standard minimum is becoming BSN/RN. If there are 150 applicants and 100 are BSN, 49 ASN and one 30U who do you think is going to get hired?

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Pretty big pool out there and there's been a serious nursing shortage for decades. An RN is an RN is an RN...

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Pretty big pool out there and there's been a serious nursing shortage for decades. An RN is an RN is an RN...

You sound like someone who hasn't been a new graduate RN in California. In any case, this thread is a few years old and the OP has likely managed to make a decision by now.

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You sound like someone who hasn't been a new graduate RN in California. In any case, this thread is a few years old and the OP has likely managed to make a decision by now.

No. I'm not. And I know the ramifications of being an RN with the 30 option versus having an ADN through a "traditional" program or BSN or MSN. Your options may be limited, but there's no way you cannot find a job after completing an RN program and obtaining your license. Perhaps the OP has reached decision, perhaps not. Perhaps she put it on hold. Perhaps she abandoned the idea. Some people become nurses and leave the professional altogether after realizing it's not for them, not liking the nursing culture, or burnout.

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