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Good day all! I'm currently an LVN going through RN school. I have about 6 months left of RN school and am looking to get a job to have while I finish up. I'm wondering what is the better option for me... The hospitals around here offer RN externships. I think of these almost as extra clinicals. In the fact that, we're still in school and undergoing more training while on the jobsite. The hours are usually along the lines of being able to work 8 hours a week, which is very reasonable while going to school. However, I have my LVN license and have thought about just applying for LVN jobs. The pay is there, but the hours can be hectic with school. Even part time, I'll still be needing to put in at least 2 - 12 hour shifts a week. My RN school is mon-thurs 8a-5p. So it's crazy! Are there any LVN's out there that might have any advice or been in the similar situation? And if so, did you learn more as an extern or as on shift as an LVN? And what would you prefer is a better choice? Thank you!

Hi all! I posted to this thread a long while back asking about getting in. Now, I have been in the SA Galen LVN-RN program since October of 2009. I am finishing up the 3rd quarter out of 5. Yay! Down hill slope! As far as pre-reqs, I had none going in. And I'm on the 15 month length as oppossed to the 18 month. But the catch is, I didn't, and still don't work. I was lucky enough to get to decide to strictly focus on school. With that being said, having no pre-reqs wasn't so bad. It really only effects your first 2 (or 3, depending on which length program you're on) quarters. It's not so much that it's difficult, but that the pre-reqs are just a lot of busy work. But I managed well and even made the Dean's list. They offer at least one day off in the week. Quarter 1 & 2 we had Friday's off, in quarter 3, we have thursdays off. You start your clinicals in your 3rd (or 4th--18month program) quarter. For my clinicals I was at Downtown Baptist. We had an evening clinical. Our clinicals are on Mondays. Absolutely loved it! Learned a lot, and had a great instructor. And the RN's at BMC were nice enough to let us follow and observe things. So far I've loved Galen. I went straight into the RN program from the Galen LVN program. The board of nursing came in earlier this week and reccommended us for FULL accredidation, this is what I've heard, so classes should be getting close to being transferrable for a future BSN. Hopefully this helps a bit. Any other questions, let me know!

Hello all! I'm currently an LVN student at Galen in SA. I'm wanting to go to Galen for my RN. And I'm currently working on my application. I plan on turning it in within the next week. I'm about to finish up my 3rd quarter on July 24th, and then will only have my 4th quarter left. My *hopeful* plan is to turn in the app. now and start the RN right out of LVN school without having to wait. My question is...does anyone have an idea as to how long the wait to get in is? I know there isn't necessarily a wait per say because they start every 3 months, however sometimes the financial aid meeting can set you back because they get so swamped. Was it real "tough" to get accepted? Also, how are current RN students there liking it? If I'm planning on working during the RN program would you reccommend the 18 months option? It is afterall just 3 more months longer... Any advice/tips would be really helpful! Thank you!

I agree with SAGirl....as long as they both make you eligible to sit in for the NCLEX then choose the one that is cheaper. Or after touring both choose the one you feel you might be more comfortable at...(ie, Galen seems to have a bunch of different clinical areas, where-as Baptist probably sticks to the Baptist owned Hospitals and offices around town) Also, choose which one whose learning atmosphere you'd feel more comfortable in. I know Galen's program is a M-F 8-5pm day program. Baptist I think only goes M-TR from 8-3pm. And if I'm not mistaken I think Galen students get more clinical experience than Baptist (so I've heard...) It's basically just which one you feel more comfortable with. Go with your gut feeling. Both seem like great schools!! I, too, will be starting the LVN program on November 3rd at Galen. I toured both Baptist and Galen. I ended up choosing Galen because I've heard great things about them, and personal opinion, I seemed to like the Galen atmosphere better. Both are great schools and good luck on making the decision!