TEXN

I'm currently in a great LVN program and, if all goes well, I will be graduating next year. However, late next year, I may go to Britain to live with my partner and the choice was made simply on who can bring the most income. The issues is, the UK does not recognize LVNs. The equivalent appears to be a Health Care Assistance which don't need a degree or license to work. The tasks are very similar, but I would place HCA somewhere between an LVN and a CNA if that makes sense. So, I will not be performing under the title of a License Vocational Nurse, but would be performing similar tasks and still obtaining "health care experience". When we return to the US, would employers consider this adequate experience even though I did not work under the title LVN? Will they be understanding of the difference in countries and practices? And while I'm in the UK (may be up to four years but planning no more than one or two) how do to I maintain my licence?

Thanks! True, I need to keep in mind those hospitals don't hire LVNs. I have no problem working in LTC though and rehab is an interesting of mine as well.

I just got accepted in an LVN program and am excited to start next June! :) Looking way far ahead, I got curious. Where (in your opinion/experience) in the US do you think is the best place in the US to be a LVN/LPN when considering job availability, cost of living, and salary? I currently live in Houston and think I am in a fantastic location already considering the Medical Center, but I always think about moving elsewhere.

Thanks! Joined!

FB group is a good idea! Looked it up but couldn't find it, can you pm me the link?

Got mine too! Woohoo!

Thanks for checking in on that! I'm curious too. Time is moving too slow! What is it, a week down, 5 more to go?

Paying for school actually isn't the issue. I'm a veteran and am very fortunate for education benefits on a federal and state level... It is living expenses/quality that are slowly but surely becoming more and more of an issue which is why me getting a job sooner than later needs to happen. If I could become an LVN and even get a part time job while continuing my education that would be of tremendous help to me. Minimum wage part time just isn't cutting it.

That's awesome! Good luck to you as well, my fingers are crossed that everyone here gets in!

89.2% which I think is ok, but they only allow 50 people in so I am nervous! What about you?

Last day to turn in applications! Anyone else applied? I re-took my HESI for a higher score, raised 10 points so hope that helps my chances. I want to get this ball rolling!

Thanks! Yes, it seems to take the same amount of time. One year LVN, one LVN to RN, two ADN to BSN? More steps, but at this point I really want to start working and having a larger income.

I was looking into ADN and BSN nursing programs, however am now looking at LVN programs. I would love to just dive head first and do the 4 year program, but my finances say otherwise. So for now, BSN is out of the question. ADN programs are still on my list, but I cannot tell you how tired of school I am. I am 24 and was pursing another major before I switched to wannabe-nursing. I just want to get out there and work, and my pocket book agrees with me. And so, I've began applying to LVN programs in addition to ADN programs. It feels like I'm having better luck, to be honest. My question is (mainly for those in Texas since I know everywhere is different) if I go the LVN route, how difficult will it be to find a program and return to school to become an ADN? Are LVN to RN programs numerous, or difficult to find and get into? Could I work as an LVN while returning to school?

I didn't take the critical thinking section either, told them that, but they still accepted my application and told me not to worry about it. I'm still worried about it, obviously, but if I were you I'd give it a shot. No harm in applying!

Got an e-mail, not accepted, but figured I wouldn't be. Congrats to everyone who got in!