LVN/RNBridge

Our policy has always been a 75% to pass a class. The change is that this does not apply for the overall grade, but now applies to each exam. If you do not get a 75% on the midterm, you cannot move forward. I understand the changes, just seems odd to change policy a few days before the first midterm for my cohort. As we all know, nursing school is already stressful enough

Thank you both for your input :)

Hello, I am in my second year of an ASN program. Everything at school seemed fine for the first year, but now the school is implementing new policies regarding test scores as well as new criteria in order to pass each semester. From what I understand, our pass rate fell this past quarter as did many schools with the bar raised on NCLEX. With this, I understand the school feeling the need to also raise the bar on the current program. The problem is that there is already policy in place, so it seems like the school would not be able to make changes in the middle of a program. Is anyone else having this issue?

I couldn't agree more with schnookimz. Best of luck on your search for an advisor that works for you :)

Five years as a CNA is great! Unless something has changed, the wonderlic is first and a must pass with a 24 or higher ( you did that). Second is the KTP in which the goal is to get a score in the 90's. Your scores are really close to that, but if you can take it again for a higher score, I would and did :) I got into the LVN-ADN bridge this last January so I'm going on term three next month. My scores were similar to yours except in the math section I scored in the 90's the second time around. I hope that helps and best of luck to you with your admission process :)

Hi annie_mitchell, Your scores are good. Are you an LVN or do you have a BA in a different field? I have not heard anything about retaking the wonderlic, I only remember one could retake the KTP in order to raise the scores. Things may have changed though. Best of luck to you :)

Hi SteloRose82- I tried to reply, but I am not sure where my post went. Anyway, did you end up doing the KTP and if so, have you heard back on the September cohort?

I agree with most here in that it is best to avoid this student. What is the saying? Cheaters never prosper.

Hello- Have you had an appointment with an advisor yet? I ask because an advisor would be able to provide the best clarity in the enrollment process. Unless things have changed, I believe advisor first. Second- take the 12 min. Wonderlic and pass with a min. of a 24. Third- take and pass the kaplan entrance exam. To be competitive, you want to score in the 90's as this will give you the best chance of getting in. In addition, you need a minimum of 6 months of health care experience and/or a Bachelors degree in another field. Last- send all transcripts of previous course work for transfer credits. Keep in mind the following: GE courses are good for ten years and sciences are good for five. As far as the timeline- it is best to start the process as early as possible. I hope this helps and best of luck to you:-)

Hurst review was terrific, however, I also used Kaplan. Just my opinion, but they both offered great help which when combined gave me the best outcome. Best of luck to you with your studies:-)

Congratulations on the new travel job!! Sounds like its going great:-) All the best on your next assignment!

I may be over thinking the statement regarding what I considered a red flag. As far as my bridge. I had 4 years of previous medical experience, but many many years ago.

Hello, I need advice on a new job that I started with an active living facility. Hoping for some advice here and do truly appreciate your time and expertise. This particular facility has about 200 residents with 80 something utilizing nursing services. Per shift we have one LVN, two medication techs and four or five care givers. At first the number needing assistance left me a bit nervous but after working with the other nurses, it seemed doable. With this, the other nurses have years of experience and I am really green as this is my first LVN job. I was given a couple of weeks of training, which I hoped would be enough, but the facility, learning the residents, staff, meds, charting, processing orders, new meds, handling falls, etc.. I felt overwhelmed the first couple of times on my own. Granted, I've only been on my own a couple of times. My supervisor could see my struggle and had me shadow one of the other nurses for a shift. I took copious notes to reference when I worked my next shift. Anyway- I was loving my new job, until the unprofessionalism with staff/management began noticeable to me. I desperately want this to work out as I adore the residents and I am learning so much which will only help me to grow as a nurse. The nurse supervisor took a while to respond to my recent schedule (which has changed since my school schedule changed), but when she did a red flag went up as she mentioned having me work particular days until further notice. She seemed upset with my limits of availability. When I interviewed, we did speak about school and my schedule changing each semester, so I'm not sure if she forgot or was hoping that my changes would not affect so many days. Anyway, I'm just devastated at the thought of being used to cover some upcoming shifts with intentions of kicking me to the curb. Am I over reading into this? Thank you in advance and sorry for the lengthy post. -Typing on my phone

Great question! I'm not sure exactly how the card looks for a 30-unit RN. I only know that Ca. Is the only state that still offers these programs with other states not accepting RN's that take the 30-unit option. Best to contact the BRN for the exact details.

4.0 for my GE classes and 3.7 in my sciences.

Oh goodness, yes that 30 unit option post is pretty old. Haha

@lawrencecandy I'm sorry, we were not talking about a 30 unit option...were we? This discussion was about grades in nursing school :-)

Hello all- If you are reading this thread, you are either curious or caught up in school drama and want a way out. I'm writing on my iPhone, so I apologize ahead for any typos. There are many issues that arise in nursing school. Stress, a need to study with other people in hopes to elevate your grades and possibly making friends with others that are in your shoes. You may feel that you need to make instant friends in school, but one must be cautious in the selection process. Below are just a couple of things to watch for in order to avoid school drama. Gossip- this is poison and should be avoided at all times. You may be starting school or just starting to make a few friends in your program. It is possible that you have found a connection with one or two. There is nothing wrong with being friendly in school, but what I have found is that this can back fire on you. Be careful what you share about yourself. Make sure that what you do share can be shared with everyone since likely, your information will be spread by these "gossip gals." You may wonder why certain students are always asking you questions not pertaining to school but instead inquire about your job, your income, where you live (not which city, but which neighborhood). Practice extreme caution when you start to talk or even drive with other students. You may think that the questioning above is innocent and maybe it is, but isn't it best to be safe than sorry? Warning signs- the moment these students that you thought could be your friends, start to gossip about teachers, patients or other students....RUN!! Continue to be friendly and kind, but it is best to distance yourself as much as possible. In addition; watch for students that ask personal or inappropriate questions. They are either seeking information for power or to share with others. Never share your wage/salary. First this is totally inappropriate for them to ask, but mostly, it is unprofessional for you to share. You just never know who knows who and best to answer with "I'm sorry, I'm unable to share that information" Negative Nancy- nursing school is already very difficult. The last thing one needs is to be around negativity. This is yet another student or group of students you want to be kind and friendly to but maintain distance. In my experience, these might be the same people that gossip. On one hand, they can be students that are involved in class, participate and even offer some information adding to the teachers discussion, but when these folks are out of the classroom environment, they complain about whatever and whoever is bothering them at that given moment. Will you cross bridges with these type of people outside of school? Sure....but if you smile, be nice and don't get involved in the "he said she said." You and others will know that you are professional and caring. When searching for that dream nursing job, you will be the one who shines and rises above. Be the change that you wish to see in the world- Gandhi

Ahh- I didn't think about using concept mapping. That will be great for med surg. Just thinking of how I can implement mapping in the role transitions class. Thanks so much for the suggestion:-)

Hello All, Reaching out to students that have a hard time not getting straight A's. Here's my situation- I am a bridge student (LVN-ADN). Currently doing the role transitions class. This class is suppose to be more of a review of LVN school sprinkled with new information as we move toward the RN role. I graduated my previous program and took NCLEX toward the end of 2011. With this, I feel that since I am somewhat recent out of school that I should be able to maintain good grades. First exam I received an A, but yesterday midterm I revived a low B:-( All questions were scenario based and I studied like crazy. A "B" would not normally get me down so much, but this early in the game is scary. Does anyone have any suggestions of study material (beside practice NCLEX that I do daily) that might help me get through these type of questions? I honestly felt like I was taking NCLEX again without the 6 weeks of studying that I did then. Suggestions?

First of all, Congrats!!! Secondly, I understand that nervous feeling. I have been out of school since the summer of 2011 and was just offered a job (this is the first interview that I have had, so I am very lucky). At this time, still going through the hiring process. I will be working in an assisted living facility. Anyone have any idea of what to expect with these folks?

Yeah!!! Congrats on your accomplishment:-)

Yes--in the process now. Graduated and passed NCLEX-PN in 2011, completed an A.S in psych, all BSN GE courses and ended up in a bridge to ADN in January. Anticipated graduation is 2014. If all goes well and I pass NCLEX-RN (God willing) I will roll into my BSN with 21 credits to go toward the later part of 2014. I am truly grateful to have made it this far. Crossing my fingers that the rest goes smoothly.

I can relate to being a bit overwhelmed with nursing school decisions. Just like you, I also checked out National. In addition, I had applied to three schools and after considering all of my options, I ended up choosing Kaplan. Doing my VN program, then taking and passing NCLEX, getting all of my nursing sciences and G.E. courses completed prior to applying to a bridge program, was the best option for me personally. This option took a bit longer, but has helped with the class load and my sanity! Do you have medical experience? Do you have a degree in a different field? Perhaps you have your general education requirements completed? I will say that it is not easy to get into any nursing program. This includes the for-profit schools. With this said, it sounds like you have a good start just by doing your homework and gathering as much info as you can on all schools you may be considering. Let us know how your interview at Kaplan and nursing information meeting with National goes for you. Whatever you decide, best of luck to you:-)

I live about 54 miles from school. This gives me a chance to decompress before and after school:-)