Mom2Cassidy

I am so sorry to hear that. I also found the TEAS confusing. Usually I do fairly well in the Eng/Reading portion (atleast average) and not so well on the math. That was completely the opposite when I took the TEAS. I didn't even feel like the English part was hard, but I tested almost as low as I could to still get in the program. On the other hand, I felt like I had no idea what I was doing in the Math, but score fairly well. I was just going to for an interview, and they sprung the test on me so I wasn't prepared, and I figured that had something to do with it. Are there any other local schools you could apply to? I know with my school they told me that I could take it twice.... Thats crazy that you have to wait untill next year!

I don't mean to hijack this post, but I have a question along the same line. I have heard some people say to start studying now( I won't get my books untill class starts, so I'm not exactly sure what to study) I suppose math, med term. A&P, ect... On the other hand, I have people telling my to just wait, and start school with a fresh mind. AND use this time I have left to spend with my family and get things at home organized. Anyone have any thoughts?? TIA

Well, I guess it depends on how long the wait is!! The only advice I can offer is that if you got your LPN you could work and gain experience while you wait!! GL with whatever you decide!!

Good Luck everyone! I was supposed to start the beginning of May, but couldn't get childcare worked out. If everything falls into place I will be starting Aug 24th!

Thanks for replying! After 47 mins(actually forgot I was on hold because I put the phone on speaker) a very nice woman answered! She told me to sign with an agency and have the nursing home that they send me to sign off on my renewal. So thats what I am going to do. It is a 2 year certification, and you have to work at least 8 hours to stay current. Thanks for the reply!

Hello! I am really hoping someone here can help me! I am LOST!!! I have been a GNA for about 6 years. It is time for me to renew but I haven't worked in the last 2 1/2 years so I don't have a RN to sign off on my renewal. I have no idea what else I can do..... I have untill the end of July. Untill I got the renewal notice I actually thought I had one more year(two years really snuck up on me:-) I have been calling the MD BON since last friday, and if I can get someone to even answer, they just transfer. (I am on hold as we speak!) As I continue to TRY to get someone at the bon to help me I wanted to see if anyone here has had expierence with this and can point me in the right direction. I DO NOT want to loose my certification. My only thought is that I will have to just go get a job. I even tried calling an agency that I used to work for and see if I could work a couple shifts then have them sign off and they can't because they are not a faucility. THANKS for anyone who can help!

Fuzzywuzzy your post just brought back SOOOO many memories! I worked as a GNA for 3 three years, and have taken off the last 3 years to be a SAHM. I am getting ready to go back to school now, and untill I read you post I for got how much work I actually did being a GNA. It didn't feel like it at the time, I guess because I did love my job (for the post part :-)

I am so happy I found this site!! Since I still have over a month to go I am taking everyones advise and am gong to brush up now. I am headed to the library today! According to my school handbook, 4 sets of scrubs with the schools name (no idea about the color yet, I'm hoping they aren't white!)and a stethoscope are including. I guess I will know more when I go to orientation next month. Can't wait! GL to everyone starting!

I know I won't be selling myself short. I have been a GNA for 5 years, and I will be pretty darn proud to be able to walk into work every day as the charge nurse!!! I also really like working in LTC so, I won't even be trying to find a job at any hospitals. Eventually I might want to get into an RN program, but for now, the LPN is the best decision for me. The local college doesn't offer the LPN program and it is a 2 year waiting list for the RN. SO, even tho it will cost more, I will be working as a nurse, and making more money in just over a year!!!!

Congrats everyone! I also start May 4th. I am taking evening classes in VA! I cannot wait!

Hey, They have classes m-f, around the hours of 8:30-4:30. The classes are 14 months long now. I believe that it the only length of time they have now. The price has gone up quite a bit! Its $29,000. I was shocked when they told me and wanted to run out of the building, but I took my preps advise and went ahead and met with finicial aid. I am very glad I did! It is still going to be expensive, but I they really did all they could to help get that cost down. GL! If you have any other questions, I will try to help!!

Hey! I am about to start at ECPI in Manassas. The reps there told me that most of the students work and go to school f/t, so I am not sure why they would tell you that. I looked into a local highschool program too. It would be nice to go for that price, but they didn't have any evening classes, and I wouldn't have anyone to watch my daughter. I would say it wouldn't hurt to look into it. I did hear that you have to attend some school events and some fundraisers, so you would also have to have extra time for that. Either way, Good luck to you!!!

I start at MCI in May. I am so excited. I am also taking the evening classes. My classes are going to be M-F 5:30-10:30 for the first 20 weeks then in goes to 3 days a week till 11pm and clinicals on the weekends. No idea so far when the clinicals will be or what times, they just told me to be flexible. My tuition is also $29,000. BUT I am not paying nearly that much after apply for aid and scholarships! IMO, the advisors really tried hard to get me all they could and make school possible for me! GL!!!

I think TheCommuter said it all! You will just have to look around your area. I am in VA and they do not offer the LPN course at the local college, and there is a two year waiting list for the RN program after you apply. SO, I decided on a technical college so I can be done faster since we will be moving out of the state in a couple years. My school is really expensive, but I applied for grants and loans. I start May 4th!!!!

Thanks for the reply. I won't be working while in school either, so we will have plenty of time during the day. SHe will just have to get used to daddy putting her to sleep at night!!! I will definantly take your advice. I haven't been in school in years, and knowing how fast paced this program is I was to go a little prepared (if thats possible..haha!) Thanks!

AND I AM TERRIFIED! I am excited also, just very nervous. I will be going to a 14 month accelerated program in VA. I worked as a GNA a few years ago (still certified) but have been a SAHM for the last 2 1/2 years since my daughter was born. I am scared to death to leave her. She will be with my husband, so I know she will be taken care of, it will just be hard for me to be away from her. I DO believe this is the right move for our family, plus a major dream of mine!!!! I am wondering is there anything I should do now to prepare? I have been brushing up on my medical terminology. I was planning on heading to the library and just want to see what other students have done before hand! TIA for the help!!!

Thanks for the replies! I had heard about them letting go of the LPN's at the hospital. I already have my GNA so am looking forward to going back to a nursing home as a nurse!!!

I also have a 2 y/o and will be returing to school soon. Its definantly going to be an adjustment. I don't already have LPN expierence, but I have worked in nursing homes, so my only advise would be a PRN position. The pay will be more, and you can pick your hours with out being cancelled. Once I get through school and get some expierence that will probably be what I will do having small children! GL

I haven't heard about getting a better salary. I have been told that pervious expierence will help you in getting a job. Atleast that is what I am hoping!! I am a soon-to-be LPN student with 5 years of GNA expierence!

Hello, I am thinking of attending MCI for their LPN program. I hear its pretty expensive, but how is their reputation? Will I qualify for the same job once I graduate as LPN from a community college? I am already a GNA ( I stopped working a couple years ago to stay home and raise my daughter) but I still have a current certificate. If I remember correctly there were lots of LPN's that had trained at tech schools. I would hate to pay all that money and not be able to find a decent paying job. TIA for any help!!!

Thanks for the replies everyone. We are moved and all settled in. This week I will be going to get a VA License and after that I will go up to the college. Hopefully I can start on the pre-reqs in the summer! I also plan on taking all the non-nursing classes before I apply to the nursing program. I need all the help I can get !!!

I applied for the Genesis near me and didn't like it. I can't believe they charge that much for the course! It doesn't cost that much at the college.

I live in southern Maryland and took the GNA course at a local nursing home. This was about 5 years ago. It took about 5 weeks. They paid $5.15 and hour during the class, and 9.15 after. With a dollar raise once I took the state test. If I didn't work for them for a year after the class ending than they took $150.00 from your last paycheck to pay for the class. Still alot cheaper than the local colleges. I ended up staying for them for a few years though.

I live in MD right now and you do need to take the ACT to apply ( I want to say with five years, but don't quote me!) but I have looked all over the requirements for the school I want to apply to in NO VA and it doesn't say anything about having to take it. Hopefully I am not wrong because I never took it after school, and sure hope I don't have to now!!

Well some good news!! I called the college and they said they would accept a transcript from the school I got my work from(I was homeschooled). So my mom checked for me and she said they can come up with a transcript. YAY! SO if I place good on the math placement test, I shouldn't have to take anything extra!