Well, I didn't get in, but...

iheartnursing_cali · Jun 18, 2006

I applied to the Respiratory Therapist program too just as a back up because our nursing program have like a 2 yr. wait and a lottery.... but I didn't get accepted into the RT program (which quite frankly I am really RELIEVED, I really just want to do nursing) and so I just took it as a sign that I am not really supposed to do RT... so anyway, I applied to a LVN program becaue I just wanted to work as a nurse already, gain my experience, earn decent income... ('cause I also have two children to support) and I just found out yesterday I was accepted!!! and as soon as I become a LVN I'll be applying to many RN bridge programs while working... so maybe you should try to get in a LVN program and bridge into the RN later?

Good luck to you!

I applied for the RN program which was my first choice. I also applied for the Respiratory Care program as a plan B.
I got in the Respiratory Care program, they want me to send a letter of intent back in. I know in my heart the RN program will be a wait, I have some friends that have been waiting and some that moved on to other programs and are working.
I am really getting burnt out at my job of 6 years and I want to do something in the medical field and help others.
Now I am scared , I know I will find a job as a nurse quicker and nursing is more diversified. My sister and a few of my aunts are also nurses. But I need to get on with it. I have 2 kids in elementary school, I am in my mid 30's and I don't know how long it will take to get in the program here, get through and get back to work. I just started my pre-req's last semester and the wait list is over 200 and only 40 slots.
The RC program took me because of my NET scores and my gpa, but the nursing program relies heavily on science and bio classes, which I am just now taking nutrition and am slated to take Anatomy and Physiology I in the fall.
Thanks for listening I would appreciate any input as to what course of action you would take in my situation. Sorry this is so long

summerland5 · Jun 18, 2006

congratulations!! :balloons: keep following your heart-you'll be there soon. i've just been in 2 weeks, but the time goes by so fast! it won't be very long! :mortarboard:

WDWpixieRN, RN · Jun 18, 2006

I might add that while the R/T salary range might appear similar, I understand from someone in the biz, that there is quite the "glass ceiling" in that career, which may be something to consider. In addition, my friend the RN told me when I was considering going RT to get my RN. Her rationale? If was going to spend 2 years in school, with my RN I'd have "more options, more rewards, more money". I do see that there are a lot more options and choices career-wise in the RN field.

I am surprised, also, that you aren't required to have more science before applying to RN school. We are required to have A & P I and Chemistry before we can even submit our names for the list.

And I am also unclear -- do they weight your applications, or do you just go on a waiting list? At my school, I was 160 or so on the wait list,and it took 3 semesters to get admitted. Great timing as during that time I got vested at work and completed all the pre- and co-reqs.

As for your age, I turned 50 in December and start NS in August. Please don't let age be the determining factor. You will be this age soon enough and it'd be much nicer to be there in a career you love rather than one you settled for.

See if you can shadow. I did so at a local hospital with a RT; it was interesting, but didn't motivate me in that direction when I combined that with everything else.

Best wishes!

JaxiaKiley · Jun 20, 2006

My sister is a RT and she likes. She originally wanted to be a nurse, but switched to RT after she had a hard time with the nursing program. Now that she is finished with school, she is glad that she is an RT and not a nurse :) Good luck with whatever you decide!