Jess84

I finally received my "transfer report" just now. I initially wanted to start in Feb but one of my transcripts didn't make it in time. I am now supposed to get in contact with an advisor to see what goes towards the BSN. I am hoping they take quite a bit. They didn't even direct me to a specific person, just "academic advisor". I am hoping to start next month. It seems as if there are a lot of us in the program. Good luck to all : )

Awesome to hear that there are several of us applying, or starting soon. How long should I expect to receive an admissions decision? I'm really hoping they are generous with the transfer credits. I too have a previous degree so hopefully I get credit for must the gen eds. I had no clue you could double up and finish early. That may be something to check out.

I just started my first RN job and am making $23.30 for dayshift on a med surg floor of a large hospital. After my 3 month orientation (assuming I survive) I will be bumped to $24.00.

I just applied to UTA's online RN-BSN program that starts at the end of Feb. Curious to hear any feedback on the program. I sent in all my transcripts and am waiting to hear what they take and what I will need to complete, hopefully not that much : ) I am hopeful to complete the program in the 13 months like they state. Anyone else apply or currently in the program? Thanks!

A&P can be taken at Galen but it probably won't transfer to other schools as of yet, also it is very difficult so I hear. I believe most students who failed in those first 2 quarters did so because of A&P (below 74 is a fail), so I'm very happy I transfered it in, Micro as well. As far as precept / clinical sites , they do give you some choice. I completed most of mine at Bayonet Point in Hudson and had a good experience. They paired us with a preceptor they thought we'd mesh with and it worked for me. Even thought I desperately wanted OB but there were no placements available. I loved my preceptor though. Yep, just graduated and waiting on my sit pass : )

Oh thanks, yes I successfully transferred in: English Math AP1 AP2 Micro Humanities/Lit I think that's all, I had to take the computer class and lifespan in the first quarter so I only went 2 days a week. I think they've since changed the schedule and also added more online options too so I imagine going 2-3 days a week through most of the program is doable for sure. I also drove far (from New Port Richey) to go to school so I can sympathize. When we had clinicals/preceptorship, it was 2-3 days a week plus maybe a day at school, so a bit harder to plan for. GL with the program! I'm so glad I chose to go there, it flew by : ) Feel free to ask any more questions.

I am a soon to be new grad (7 weeks-yay!) and am starting to look at applying to RN positions posted within my hospital chain. I currently work as an LPN in acute Psych and although I find it interesting, I would love to get into OB/Women's health. I took this job specifically to be considered an "internal" applicant when I finished my RN, I know how hard it is for new grads out there so I'm hoping it helps. Anyhow, I have the ability to contact by email several of the nurse managers on the OB, Gyne, Mom Baby floors at a few of the hospitals in my company, and I was toying with the idea of doing this. I just don't want to appear too pushy or annoying. I really don't know how to tactfully word this other than briefly asking about possible new grad positions on these floors, expressing my interest, asking about qualifications etc. (all of them have open RN positions) I am also signed up for NRP and plan on taking AWHONN's fetal monitoring course before I graduate as well, maybe I'd mention that as well? Any advice is appreciated. I really want a job on a Women's health type floor and need some guidance on how to get there!

I would encourage you to contact both schools directly. I didn't end up going that route, I actually am finishing up the RN program at Galen, but during my last round of clinicals, I was paired with a nurse who had done her RN thru Excelsior and her BSN thru SPC, she was actually in her last semester of the FNP program at USF so I can't imagine why it can't be done. My dream is NP too, but I'm just trying to take it one step at a time. Good Luck!

My advice is to stay on task and not get behind. Most of those we've lost are from A&P and/or Micro. I believe we also lost a few from Pharm (very tough) and CPE's. Thankfully I didn't have to take the sciences but I know students who struggled greatly with them. I struggled myself with Pharm but was able to pass with a high HESI grade. As far as the BSN or above, I know that there are many options (albeit pricey ones) such as Uni of Phoenix and Grand Canyon. Luckily I already have a BA in another field so USF will take me with an RN license and a non nursing bachelors into a MSN program. I plan on working for a few years as an RN, then perhaps moving forward when I pay some off this student loan debt. lol. Good Luck to you- it will fly by!

I've been on city-data and yes, there's a lot of self loathing going on there. I have lived in FL for most of my 26 years and honestly can't see myself living elsewhere, I love the beaches, sunshine, low taxes and even still love Disney. Precepting is what we do at the very end of our RN program, it basically means shadowing a nurse on a floor during her shift and learning what it's really like to be a nurse. I am looking forward to being done and precepting next quarter. As far as job prospects, that can be tricky. Florida is like a lot of places with budget cuts that have considerably cut down on new grad internship programs for RN's. Most of my class works as LPN's in some capacity so many will just stay where they're at but there will be many looking for a job once we graduate. I think you basically have to be open minded when it comes to looking for a job and be willing to work in settings that are perhaps outside your comfort zone. If it is at all possible in the latter half of your program to work somewhere as a PCT/CNA even just PRN that would be very helpful getting your foot in the door someplace. I currently work part time as an LPN in a Psychiatric hospital, working nights, which is something I never thought I'd do. Lucky for me, my company is one of the largest employers in the area w 10 hospitals so I will hopefully have more options when I finish my RN. Good Luck and let me know if you have any more questions.

wow, really? i didn't know they now offered such a program, but that's good news. anyway, i think you will be very glad that you are transferring in credits. i transferred in basically all the gen eds and it made the program more economical and easier to manage timewise. as far as making friends, i am sure you will have no issue, when you are with these people 4-5 days a week, you will definitely form bonds and help each other out. sorry i have no input as far as housing as i live 45 minutes away but i'm sure you can find something nice in the area for a decent amount. i have found most of the teachers very approachable, but it is a very challenging program, and we've lost many along the way. i've been lucky enough to survive and will be heading into my last quarter very soon. clinicals started in q3 for us and are about 1 day a week, but i think they get more intense in q5 with precepting etc. if you are coming in with no lpn background then i am sure they will be more frequent initially. good luck! when do you plan on starting? have you visited the school? jessica

Yes, I still read this thread because I get emails when someone posts ; ) Are you referring to the LPN-RN program? If so I can answer your questions, but I did not attend their LPN program, I know from my fellow classmates who did do their LPN at Galen that it is a very challenging yet doable program.

Yes, if you're looking for a low priced option def check out erwin and ptec and possibly phcc too.

I have not heard anything about the Center in Brandon, but the last time I checked the LPN tuition for Galen was around 14k. I would also advise visiting both schools to see their facilities, talk to staff, ask about clinical sites etc. in person before making a decision.

I didn't find the PAX too difficult, but I know they do have a practice booklet if you wanted to do some practice before the real thing. Check and see if any credits transfer, it definitely saves on costs and time.

I don't think it's that hard really, you just have to have your licence and CPR card and pass the PAX. You also have to be willing to pay the costs, which can be reduced if you transfer credits in.

Hi there, I currently attend Galen's bridge program and I work part time. I think the LPN program is tougher though, but I know that many do work at least part time, especially those who go to school at night. I also needed additional loans so I had to take out a private loan to help pay for daycare etc until I get out of school, so you may want to look into that if your financial aid package doesn't give you enough.

I'm glad you're liking it so far.. it is tough but so worth it. The program goes by fast! I can't believe I start 4th quarter in a few short weeks. I am so ready to graduate already. Good Luck and continued success : )

Hi there, I'm currently in the 3rd quarter of the LPN-RN bridge at Galen, and have heard nothing as far as our grads having any harder a time finding jobs than grads of other programs. I think the job crunch is just reflective of the economy at large. Many of us already work in the hospitals though, and are planning on staying there/transferring within the network once we finish our RN's but there are also planty who will be looking for a job once we finish up. My clinical site/hospital has already made it clear that they would love us to fill out apps to work there and a few are planning to do just that. HTH!

Yes, as far as I know it still is 3 terms long and Term 1 is the only one that's offered in the summer. This is why I ultimately decided to go elsewhere, I didn't want to start in Jan of 2011 and not be done til May of 2012, but if you start in May you go straight through.

Yes it's first come first served, but make sure you meet all the requirements before you apply. Good Luck!

I honestly really would love to work in OB. That's really the only speciality I have been "drawn" to so to speak and the whole reason I went to nursing school. (this is a second degree for me) I just would love to get in with this network because they are so huge and have so many hospitals, outpatient facilities, Dr offices etc. of every specialty out there. I would feel bad though accepting this job knowing that I want to transfer out after a year. (I don't graduate til November) I guess I have a tough decision to make. I just feel that my current job at the ALF isn't really advancing me in any way.

i have been working as an lpn in a ltc setting for the past 7 months. after hating it at first, i've grown to really enjoy my job over the past several months and feel very comfortable there. i am also in rn school and scheduled to graduate later this year. i am really hoping to get into a hospital after i finish my rn, but jobs for new grad nurses are very scarce right now. anyway, i just received an offer to work as an lpn in an acute care psych/detox unit within a very large hospital network. i would love to get in with this network as they own several hospitals, outpatient facilities etc. and transferring/moving up within the network is very doable, however, i really have never shown much of an interest in psych (i'm actually kind of scared of it) and the offer is for overnights which i have never worked. i just really don't know if i should leave my relatively easy alf job and take the plunge with this job. i feel it would help me in the long run when applying for acute care hospital jobs, esp being an internal applicant, but i do not want to be "stuck" in psych if i indeed do not wish to stay. i also would be sad to leave my current job, as they've been so flexible with my schedule for school and i really love my coworkers. any advice?

I went to Keiser for my LPN and am now in the RN program at Galen. I went to a (then) brand new campus for Keiser and chose it primarily because it was close to my house. I think Galen is the more organized and rigorous program and would have went there if I didn't live so far away, so I'd say Galen, especially since you can move directly into their RN program without waiting. If you went to a Keiser campus and liked it though you may have a tough decision. My Keiser location did not have a RN program so it wasn't an option. Also, verify with UT directly that they will take your degree from non-regionally accredited schools because when I contacted their nursing department that said they would not! Any reason why you didn't want to do a generic RN program? Several of the private and public schools have them in the area, especially if cost isn't a factor. I am also looking at CNM school when I am finished with my RN ; )

Luckily I only took two classes so it was pretty smooth. I would advise studying hard on A&P! Get your books early and start reading. I didn't take it but many failed out of my quarter because they couldn't pass A&P! It is apprently very tough : / Computer class can be long and dull but try to do some of the assignments in class (so don't be silly and sit up front like I did to make it so obvious. The teacher is very nice though. Good Luck and I am sure you'll do great, keep your eye on the prize! Do you work currently? I work 24 hr a week but may need to cut down to strictly prn as school gets tougher.