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Thinking of Nursing, need guidance

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Thinking of Nursing, need guidance
Hello everyone,

First, I'm a university student majoring in Journalism in Orange County Calif. I have a few more classes before I finnish. Sadly, i'm also 26. I feel like I wasted so many years of school becuase I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life, all I knew is that I wanted a career that I felt would bring a sense of pride and accomplishment into my life. In addition, I work for a very large newspaper and witnessing major layoffs and great reporters and cartoonist leaving made me think that the industry I was going to school for, will soon fall apart completely.

Now, a woman I had been dating for six months had mentioned nursing to me. For a while I thought about it and it wasn't until she and I parted that I really wanted to get into it. You may be asking "what does this girl have to do with this? Well, she and I are suppose to enroll into the LVN program at North Orange County Regional Occupational Program. The cost is about $1900 for the thirteen month program. Lately, it feels like she and I can barely hold a conversation anymore, and because of that i'm afraid I won't have a support system for this thing. I'm also emotionally wrecked since I really liked this woman, but i'm telling myself to keep moving, clear my mind because the road ahead requires me to be focus - but it's hard.

Now that you know my background, here are my questions, and please forgive my fourth grade understanding of Nursing, but I really want to make the right decision and set up a good plan so that I can follow it through.

1. Are Prerequesites required in order to become a RN? When I was told I didn't need any type of prerequesite to become an LVN, it may me question why? Also where should I apply to put my LVN skills to use? Someone mentioned that I should work part time hours at one hospital and then for registry, so that I can increase my income and prepare myself for the Nursing program, does that make sense?

2. I notice that some of you work in specific areas when it comes to nursing, is it a requirement to specialize in one area or can anyone just choose to do General RN stuff?

3. My last questions entitles my university. Right now I'm going to take an Anatomy class, but once after that i'm going into the LVN program, which should take two years? Then maybe go back to take the last prerequesites that Nursing requires if there are any. Do you guys think I should go for a Bachelors? I know most Instiutions are more favorable to you having a BSN, but the less school I can do the better.

Right now, my emtions are so mixed, i'm scared of what the outcome will be? Scared that i'm not going to do well or that I won't have a support system to get me through this. But everything is riding on this decision i'm making, which makes me believe that I won't be screwing around when it comes to study and school time. I'm determine to see it through. So if there are any folks in the Orange County who wouldn't mind to be a buddy or mentor while i'm going through this I would be very much appreciative. Thanks for reading this long post, if you did and for your responses.

oh my email is [email protected]. Hope to hear from you guys.

1. Are Prerequesites required in order to become a RN? .

Yes. You have to take a basic algebra class, some English composition classes (not a problem for someone who is a journalism major), plus a fair amount of science classes: anatamy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry. Some fundamental psychology classes (focusing on human development), and posssibly a sociology or anthropology class. Sprinkle in a few electives, some humanities courses and you have the foundation for building your BSN.

When I was told I didn't need any type of prerequesite to become an LVN, it may me question why?Also where should I apply to put my LVN skills to use?

Depends on the state in which you plan to practice. If you can, start in a hospital. You will learn the most there. But you can work in a number of settings --- hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, correctional care, home health, etc, etc, etc.

Someone mentioned that I should work part time hours at one hospital and then for registry, so that I can increase my income and prepare myself for the Nursing program, does that make sense?

LOL, I can't see any advantage in doing that. If you want to become an RN, then work for a hospital that will help pay for your tuition while you go to school. As a brand new nurse, your stress level will be about 1000 times less.

2. I notice that some of you work in specific areas when it comes to nursing, is it a requirement to specialize in one area or can anyone just choose to do General RN stuff?

Nope, it's not a requirement. You can always work as a generic Med/Surg nurse. But the specialties are lot more fun and interesting.

3. Do you guys think I should go for a Bachelors?

If you are serious about the profession, then yes, you should pursue your BSN. Otherwise, you can settle for an associate's degree.

Thanks for the insightful responses ginger snap. Now I hope you or anyone in here will be able to help me out with my new dilemma.

I had recently enrolled into some more journalism classes early this month, but after finally deciding that nursing was indeed something I wanted to do, my window to make changes to my schedule had closed. There is a second window where you can make changes and today was that day to make them. I was aiming for a Human Anatomy class, however most of them were filled. I was so determine to enroll into this class that I applied to another college, but found out that their classes were full too. Then, luck hit just a few minutes ago. I decided to give it one last try, to see if maybe someone had chickened out of the Human Anatomy class and sure enough there where two openings. One which fits perfect into a possible schedule that Im putting together.

I also drove to the ROP center where I plan to enroll into the LVN program and spoke with a woman who said that I should perhaps consider taking some Medical Core class, since I have no experience in the medical field or have taken any science classes. I believe the core class is for nine weeks and it �includes medical terminology with corresponding anatomy and physiology, workplace basic skills, an introduction to CPR, and an introduction to body systems.� She continued by saying that I could probably be a CNA first then aim for the LVN program, when I�ll have enough points gathered. The LVN program apparently screens applicants. This screen is based on points, which are earned by previous healthcare experience, prerequisite classes such as Human Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and medical certification. As you all know, I have none of these, except for my petty Human Anatomy class that I plan to take.

Both my Anatomy class and medical core class can easily be fit as one schedule. Mondays and Wednesday�s I can take my Anatomy lecture classes at the University. Then on Tuesdays and Thursdays morning I can take my Anatomy lab hours, and later that day take the medical core class at night. Knocking two birds with one stone, but my question to you all is

Should I even bother with the Medical core class. I should note that the medical core class will not be useful for the LVN program, just my anatomy class. However, if I�m unable to be submitted into the LVN program because of other students having more points then me, then I can use that medical core class to jump into a CNA class and open the door to real patient experience. I will just feel like I�m taking the long way if I decide to do CNA first, then LVN, then RN?

Please help, I only have a few days to decide on this? Mucho thanks everyone. I know you�re all sick of me writing these long posts.

If you take the anatamy class, you will get plenty of introduction to the medical core. I think the medical terminology class would be helpful, but isn't absolutely essential at this time.

Seriously, if you have almost a bachelor's degree in journalism, why pursue the LVN at all? If you complete your journalism degree, there are multiple programs out there that help someone with a degree in one field become an RN pretty quickly. If you go CNA -->LVN-->RN, you will be in school forever. Just go CNA-->BSN. Much faster, and you'll have many more doors open to you.

I went to the info session at ROP too. It looks cheap and good and FAST.

I dont' think the medical core is a good idea for the LVN certificate program.
They dont' give points for it even. so why bother?

/i have a previous degree so i'm going to take their little lame-o math and english test and then do the fundamentals 1 class and maybe the CNA. I'm counting on smoking the interview. Hope that works.

THe RN programs have all those classes as prereqs but i plan to do those one at a time while working as an LVN then do the AARN after my kids are older. I'd like to be a CNM but we'll see so far I found a program that would take an AARN with my other degree.

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