pnwmurse

Most (although not all) LPN-RN programs require 1000hrs (basically a year) on the job before bridging in. But, all accredited CC in the state have articulation agreements with the tech colleges. This guarantees a certain number of LPN admits per year into the 4th quarter of the ADN programs. I have two students in my class who bridged in directly from LPN school, with no working experience, so different schools require different things. WhatcomCC in Bellingham has recently started up an RN program, although they are not yet accredited according to: http://www.discovernursing.com/jnj-page_2-name_-type_All-state_WA,-degree_associate,-enrollment_-online_All-dsc-program_results.aspx As far as online classes go, I haven't seen any online LPN-RN programs out there. Try the above weblink. The reason being is that RN licensure in WA requires 240hrs of preceptorship (working behind a nurse. it's completed at the very end of the programs), whereas LPN licensure requires only 120hrs. The reason I suggested looking at a larger metro area is that Bellingham is just a tough market for healthcare schooling. When I decided to go to school for my RN, I moved away from Bellingham for that reason. Limited options of a small town I guess. The nice thing about LPN is the program is only 1 yr, it'll provide a decent wage and great job experience, and you can always continue on at a later date for your RN!

I'd try U of A in Tucson. Tucson is a pretty nice town, very livable. And the medical center associated with the university is a level 1 trauma, magnet hospital. http://www.nursing.arizona.edu/BSNprogram.htm This link has some details about the program as well as the waved tuition. Try this link http://www.discovernursing.com/ for good general info about schools. Good luck!

Have you thought of looking at schools in the Seattle area? You may find more flexibility in larger areas with larger schools. Maybe an accelerated BSN program or something? From what I've seen, in general, most hard science credits have an expiration date

I finished that "course" from a local community college. It was the seven hour course, and cost less than $60 (if my memory serves me right). I came with a bit of background and experience with HIV (and it sounds like you have plenty), and I don't think I even really looked at the materials. I just filled in the test and turned it in and got my certificate. Really, it's no biggie at all. Inconvenient at worst.

Welcome to you all and good luck! I'm not in your class (Q4 student, graduating in the spring) but I was perusing the site and saw the sticky. I'm sure nobody has time to read this anymore, it's so busy that first quarter! Good luck and if any of you need any advice on anything, please don't hesitate! Maybe I'll see ya'll at the Snocial on Wednesday!

My advice would be not to rule out BSN programs too quickly. I found that many Universities offer BSN programs for people that already hold BAs that are actually quicker than the ADN programs. Austin, of course, has UT. I'm sure there is a community college associated with a university of that size as well. Ever think about Arizona? They'll cover the entire cost of tuition if you commit to a couple of years working. Not bad...

Some require Algebra, while others want Stats (or both). And at some schools, Stats isn't even considered a Math class, it falls under Social Sciences Check with the particular schools you're thinking of applying to. It's the only way to know for sure.

I found that the prereq's were much harder academically than my RN program (almost done. yay!). I felt like A&P really grew my brain. Sure, I don't remember most of that stuff, but it comes back when I need it. More importantly, I often think back about those classes and it gives me confidence that I can finish my program. Those classes were tough! Don't get me wrong, NS is hard, just in a different way. It's very, very busy. And you learn to think in a different way. Don't worry though, it does not include so much memorization!

Scholarships/financial help is out there, you just have to search. And a lot of it is comes on the back-end, in the form of loan repayment. Check local hospitals, many have $$ for employees pursuing health-care careers. Many states are offering loan forgiveness programs now in response to the RN shortage. Some states are so desperate (Arizona for example) that if you already hold a bachelors degree and are switching careers to Nursing, they will pay the entirety of your tuition! Sweet deal huh? And here's the motherload: http://answers.hrsa.gov/cgi-bin/hrsa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=119&p_created=1074870489 This is the Feds website, and they offer all sorts of help. They are definitely offering the best package around. Good luck!

I don't know if I'd say my male nursing instructors are better, but I will say that I've really enjoyed all (2) of them. One of the instructors went a bit beyond and organized a chapter of the National Assembly for Men in Nursing at my school. He brings in speakers (both male and female) to speak with students (mostly male, although he opens the forums up to everyone). He's had new grad male RNs to come and chat, as well as nurse attorneys to talk about the unique issues of being a male nurse. As he once said, "as men we walk, talk, and execute in our profession differently than women". I have to say I agree, and honestly I appreciate not only the validation, but also the professional role model.

See the post below about the Male Nurse fighting in UFC. https://allnurses.com/forums/f212/male-nurse-ultimate-fighter-334463.html

Many states/programs will grant RN students CNA after the first term, so check it out. Might save you some cash. From my experience, the CNA position is vital to the floor. A good CNA can really make the difference for the RN (as well as the patient of course), and a bad CNA...well you get the point. And if it's your pride your worried about, you may be surprised. Yep, you get good at wiping butt, as well many other unsavory tasks. To complete those tasks, while holding intact your patient's dignity is actually quite rewarding. Ask yourself if you'd rather be the one wiping, or the one that can't control their bowels, and go from there.