Anna NP

I don't think it would be any harder-- the LVN's who i've talked to that are in the LVN to RN program tell me how grateful they are that they did this and can work less because they get paid higher as LVN's than CNAs not to mention being able to get into a program since it is so competetive. it depends the person you are--the longer i've been in nursing the more i'm convinced that there are some CNA's/ LVN's or RNs that are good and some that are bad--and i could tell you in never has anything to do with where they went to school or if they were licensed as whatever before, it just depends on the person. I just know i wish i had known about it way before and would of reached my goals a lot sooner than i did, Anna NP

hi, as an FNP you can work with pediatrics-- in my opinion getting an FNP was well worth it because it has allowed me to work in multiple specialties including pediatrics but didn't limit me to only peds, good luck,

i wanted to suggest 'challenging the lvn', i know a couple of friends of mine who had 51 months of 'nursing experience' ie. as a cna for example who couldn't get into programs but by only investing in a pharmacology class they were able to sit for the board and apply to more programs (the lvn to rn options available in many programs) this way their chances of getting in improved as well as being able to complete it in half the time (you get credit for half the rn program). in california this is an option (i should know since i teach the pharmacology course!) i know of many out of state 'health care workers' that choose to get the lvn license in ca and then apply for licensing in their own state (if their state doesn't offer it 'directly') just another idea i wanted to throw out there, either way don't give up--just hang in there anna

hi, i started as a cna later got my lvn (lpn), took a long time but went on to get my rn and later went on to become a family nurse practitioner. i wanted first off to thank all the dedicated cna's for all their hard work, you are such an important part of the team providing patient care. i also wanted to let cna's that are interested (most probably already know) that in california you can 'challenge' the lvn if you have 51 months of experience--all you need is a pharmacology course, yes, that's it. its under 'method 3'. i teach the pharm class and know that many out of state cna's will get licensed in ca and depending on their state requirements are able to transfer the license to their own state. i wish i had known about this many years ago because i could of gotten my rn a lot faster (many programs have an lvn to rn option where you can complete the program in half the time just by having the lvn) just wanted to throw that out there for those who don't know about it, look into it, its nice that the board recognizes that experience means quite bit and is willing to give you credit' again, thanks to all the cna's out there! anna

Hi, i've been reading so much about the recommendations: Saunders' and Kaplan... I have looked through so many NCLEX review books and found Davis review book to be one of my favorites--easier to read, clear, to the point. I was wondering if ChinadollRN had any comments if she found it helpful when she did the nclex,anna

hi, Many have chosen to 'challenge' the LVN if they qualify. You basically get credit for school/experience and essentially can sit for the board. This method not only increase options in various LVN-RN programs, but you would also to be able to 'skip' the first year of an RN program. This option is on the California Board of Vocational Nursing site under Method 3, check it out...