Puddin2day

Try again. Go to your local health food store, they vitamins that can help with memory and enhance brain function.

I just purchased a medical terminology book. I need to start studying. Thank you for your reply.

Here's what you need to know about the psych tech program. In the state of CA, a psych tech cannot use their training to get into an RN program. Only in two states (one of which is Montana and another state- forgot which one. I am going to go for my RN, whether or not I go for the CNA/HHA or go back to working in corporate. Why are you scared?

Na-Na, I have looked into other LVN programs in the area but they are by private schools. It is easy for me to get to one of these schools just by taking a couple of tests. The problem with these privately ran schools is they are so darn expensive (30 K and up) and all loans (make too much money for pell grant). I don't have a problem investing in my future, but taking that amount in loans just for a certificate is too much.

Knowing medical terminology is very important. The requirements to get in RN School is a lot different than those of LVN CAD (Community Adult District) school. It is not right that they (the LVN school) warned us of what to study (handbook, dress code and A & P modules) but not medical terminology. I am sorry but I do not agree with you but I respect your opinion.

I did not make it into the LVN program at Hacienda La Puente CAD School again. I was so disappointed not only in myself but the entire process itself. During the Pre-LVN class the school administration added two additional tests (one was medical terminology and the other was questions on a nursing essay). There was no indication regarding the medical terminology. Also, they reduced the time allotted to complete all of the tests from 25 mins to 15 mins and raised the entry score from 83 to 93. So after a good cry, I am at a crossroads. Should I use the WIA funds to get my CNA/HHA training and work as a CNA and go back for my RN or should I return to the corporate world and still pursue my RN? Any insight would be appreciated.

I think you should not change a thing.

Congratulations on your acceptance. You will very well and I wish you all the luck in the world. I will try harder next time.

Thank you, Dezmijia. I think not only was I not prepared as I should have been, the competition was steep. Admission was based on a points system. So besides the test scores, people got extra points if they could prove they had extra training/work experience(s) in a certain field, licenses, college degree(s).

Hi Innocent Namondwe, It is done this way (for this program) because the program is highly regarded (at least in Southern CA) and is inexpensive in price. I am going to try for the class that is starting in June 2013 (unless there is any more gliches in the works). I just have to re-think on how I would approach the pre-selection process. Thank you for your words of encouragement.

The pre-LVN class is part of the selection (or elimination) process to enter into the LVN program. The Pre-LVN class does not include dosage calculations, mircrobiology and A&P. As far as the assessment test is concerned, I scored 12 grade and higher in all subjects (7 in all) across the board. This is the only reason why I was invited to participate in the Pre-LVN course in the first place. The reason why I am pursuing the LVN instead of my RN is because I am currently unemployed and have obtained WIA funds (for training only). I figured that I would get my LVN and then bridge over to RN. I know that it sounds crazy and drawn out, but I am thinking about my current situation. If you have any suggestions on how I can approach this differently, I am open to any new suggestions. Thank you for responding to my post.

Hi Mz.snuggly, No, it is not the only school with an LVN program, but it is the only one where I have one foot in the door (passed the assessment test with flying colors). I have learned from my mistakes and thought about what I would do differently if given the opportunity again (next Pre-LVN class in May 2013). Thank you for your support and words of encouragement.

LCinTraining, It is interesting that you would mention that about the pay of people in the psych field. I have befriended an educator on Facebook and she did some research and reported back to me. While it is true that a psych tech can bridge over to ASN for RN, that can only happen in Arkansas and Colorado. I live in California! So long story short, I would be stuck in that field. I have decided to pursue the LVN program again in June 2013. I have thought about all of the things that I would do differently if given the opportunity again.

Hi RNmama999, The program that I was trying to get into is the most highly regarded LVN program in Southern CA. Any student that graduate from this program is employed quickly. This program has over 1,000 applicants each term. First, there is the assessment exam. Applicants must score a 12th grade level or higher. Applicants that score 12 grade or higher are then invited to the Pre-Lvn Course. This course costs $25.00 and the 30 highest scores are picked for the actual LVN program. The two tier selection process is like this to weed out the top candidates. I have good test taking skills. It is not just test scores that determines who enters into the program.

I do look at this as a temporary setback. I have to take a step back, evaluate what I did wrong and think about how I can do better next time and /or explore other options such as the psych tech program or another LVN program.

No, I did not dress unprofessionally, I was wearing a nice blouse and pair of pants, I did not wear a suit. I never said that I was 2 -3 hours late, I said, "I would have left home 2 to 3 hours earlier", meaning so I could endure the traffic and bad weather. The scores were based on everything, test scores , how you dressed , hair groomed , nails done, paper work completed, experience in the heatlh field, etc. The highest scores got in.

I was not accepted due to my overall scores not being high enough. If you read one of my replies, you will understand what I mean.

I would not jump all over you. LOL. The only reason that I am going for my LVN an not my RN is because I am currently off work (laid off 10/2011) and I am trying to do something while I have the WIA funds and I am off work. I have some prereqs done but not enough to apply and wait for entrance into an impacted RN program.

I was not accepted due to my scores not being high enough. There were over 100 potential students that had taken the assessment test and was allowed to take the pre-lvn class. For the pre-lvn class, they grade the applicants on everything: how you are dressed, if your hair is styled according to the handbook, if you are late, did you bring in all the A&P quizzes, scores for the big A&P quiz and handbook quiz and answers to interview questions (in addition to any transcripts or related work experience).

Hello Good People, I did not make in to LVN school (Hacienda La Puente). The notice said that my scores were high enough for entry into the psych tech program. I don't know if that is what to do or if I want to try for the LVN program again (starts in June). From what I heard psych tech= more job opportunities + less pay and LVN= less job opportunities + more pay. I know if I had to do over again, there would be somethings I would do differently such as: dress professionally, submit transcripts from attended colleges and university, leave home 2 to 3 hours early, to make sure I would arrive on time and devise a better study plan for all of the quizzes.

I had weight loss surgery a few years ago. Whenever I eat or drink something... anything, my stomach growls.

Yes, please. [email protected] Thank you.

Thank you Communter, RN for your comment regarding the non-shortage of nurses. I needed to read that comment because I was so worried about getting a job after I complete the program and pass the state boards. If all goes well, I will pass the Pre-LVN class in November and start the LVN course for Hacienda La Puente CAS in Jan 2013.

It is more difficult to get into a ROP program or an Adult School program, but it is well worth it. That being said, there are so many applicants for these programs. You have to test at a 12 grade level or higher, if you do that well, then there's the Pre-Nursing course that you have to pass with a high grade. Only 30 - 35 people are picked for the final LVN class. Get a book the covers how to pass the TABE exam with a high score either from your local library or a bookstore and study that very thoughly. Good luck.

If you can, get a book at the library or the bookstore that will help you study for the TABE. I have taken their test. You need not only how to do the problems, but how to do them very quickly. For example, for the math applications test , you will have 25 mins to complete 30 questions. Say if you are unable to finish a section (because the entire test is timed) but you have finished another section early and want to go back to finish the section that you did not finish; the proctor will not allow you to do that. When time is up with a particular section of the test, that is final, no go backs. Downey Adult School has a very high rate of students passing the NCLEX exam for the first time around. You can check the state website for that. Google "CA LVN Nursing Boards" and you should find the site easily. About 2 weeks after all of the exams have been taken (approx.) they will tell you when to check the website to check for the top 60 students test scores (and who can move on to phase 2- the Pre-LVN class). Either your name will on that list or it won't ... no grey area on that. I took DAS test earlier this year and did not pass, but I did pass Hacienda La Puente's test so I am eligible for their Pre-Nursing class. Good luck to you.