Okay here's my 2nd attempt to post this... a little background first.
Hi everyone. I am making the very scary step to leave my fairly secure and well paying corporate job that I am miserable in to pursue becoming a RN. I am in my late 20's, married, and have a 7 1/2 month old daughter who is my whole world. My income takes care of a large portion of our bills so for me to quit my job and go to school will be tough for my family but my husband is supportive. Right now I am just really trying to make the right decision in terms of my education.
I was going to go the community college route. I live in the Bay Area and was at first interested in going to Chabot or Ohlone nursing programs. But I have never taken any college courses so I would have to take 2-2 1/2 years of the pre-req classes before even being eligible for the nursing program. Since you all know, it is a lottery system, it could be 5+ years before I would finally graduate. I am not able to go that long without having a job.
I came across the Unitek website. I contacted their campus in Fremont (I live in Livermore, it would be only a 25-30 min drive on 680) and have a meeting with them on Monday. But I have never met anyone that has taken classes there. I have heard some good, some not so good. The positives of me going is that although it is CRAZY expensive, it is a 2 year program. They said that includes the pre-req's I would have to take. That means that my family would only need to cut back for 2 years. I could be working as a RN by the time I am 30 years old.
My question is... does anyone know how they get the pre req's done in those 2 years in the program? The program is first the LVN program and then LVN to RN. Then, how many of those grads actually get good hospital RN positions afterwards? Do hospitals seem to be receptive towards Unitek graduates? I don't want to get close to $80k in student loans to end up not being employable due to the college I attended. Also, I am hoping to become a Labor & Delivery RN or Pediatric Nurse, do they have any specialty courses?
Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated. I am very nervous, anxious, but excited too to start this new chapter in my life. Thanks in advance!!!!!
Jstina
2 Posts
How was the transition class ? I hear mixed reviews