I posted this in the student area but thought there might be some insight here:
I have been reading the boards for sometime and this is my first post. I was able to find a lot of information on both of these programs. I went to an information session at West Coast last Friday. I was not overly impressed with the admissions rep - but understand that it is very much a trade school and had that feel to me.
My situation is as follows - I am 41 years old, little prior college experience. I have 12 units from Saddleback College and am currently enrolled in 7 units.
I am a Mom and wife. I will have two children at home in the fall - a 7th grader and 10th grader.
The economy, like many has hurt us.
I see that they are approved by the RN board in California. My questions are as follows and thank you in advance for any time and consideration:
1. How long does a school hold onto that approval? Meaning the RN board approved it - what if I am enrolled and they "change" their minds? That is a concern.
2. Does going to school there impact my chances of getting into an new graduate RN program at one of our local hospitals where the competition seems to already be fierce?
I have read some pretty harsh things regarding West Coast and know it is expensive. Any other feedback is welcomed and encouraged. I am very worried about getting all A's in my core classes to get into Saddleback's impacted program - as well as waiting 4-5 years before being able to work.
Thank you SO much. I did think about LVN first - working for a short time and then doing the LVN bridge. I heard you need to have 1,000 hours of work so that is about 6 months of f/t work.
I actually do have one in college - well he will be next year - we will just have two left at home and yes, college coming up.
I am still processing through the best routes. One thing that is weighing on me is not being able to go on to get my Masters. I have had several nurses who went later in life say that it seems like we won't want to - but the fact is if I want to teach later as I know nursing is hard on the body I need my masters.
Boy it is a tough call!
Thank you for your feedback - you must be from San Diego - I grew up there and it still feels like home. I live in Southern Orange County now. :)
Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.
I'm a transplant to San Diego from the Bay Area where I grew up :) Been here for 21 years now and just love San Diego! I went to school in Santee at Grossmont Health Occupations Center and graduated in January 2008.
Now City College has just accepted me into the LVN-RN transition. It was really quick considering that I didn't take Micro until summer 2008. Those who already had all their pre-reqs done got in Grossmont College LVN-RN already. They will graduate in December. I will be done in May 2010. But that is pretty quick considering the 4 year wait list that they have on just going straight for your RN. :redpinkhe
I too am considering going for my LVN and have looked at ACC, Concorde, Stanbridge and Pacific College, but I don't feel overwhelmingly strong about any of them.
I went to school in Santee at Grossmont Health Occupations Center and graduated in January 2008.
calstudent1967
107 Posts
Thank you SO much. I did think about LVN first - working for a short time and then doing the LVN bridge. I heard you need to have 1,000 hours of work so that is about 6 months of f/t work.
I actually do have one in college - well he will be next year - we will just have two left at home and yes, college coming up.
I am still processing through the best routes. One thing that is weighing on me is not being able to go on to get my Masters. I have had several nurses who went later in life say that it seems like we won't want to - but the fact is if I want to teach later as I know nursing is hard on the body I need my masters.
Boy it is a tough call!
Thank you for your feedback - you must be from San Diego - I grew up there and it still feels like home. I live in Southern Orange County now. :)