rn program

rn program questions and answers

More information about rn program at Education News.

Q: Is there another univerisity like Cal State La that offers an RN program that's similar?
I'm looking to transfer to a different university, but I'm not too sure which schools offer an RN program similar to that of California State University of Los Angeles. The RN program here allows students to apply to the RN program which allows you to recieve your RN licence and your BSN at the same time.

A: You should check out the other CSU's, like CSU Chico and CSU Long Beach, which have some of the best nursing programs in California.

Q: What is the difference between an RN Program and Vocational Nursing Program?
I think I know but I just want to make sure. Which one makes more money? Thank you!

A: There are significant differences in the educational preparation of an RN and an LPN when you compare the extremes of the educational process. The short course LPN certificate course vs the BSN RN programs. There is less difference if you compare an associate degree LPN education and an associate degree RN. From an employment standpoint, LPNs are being phased out by some hospitals and hospital systems in this country. For that reason they are more often utilized in long term care and home health agencies now. Part of the reason for this change is the decrease in the length of patient stays which resulted in increased overall patient acuity. With sicker patients needing a higher level of management and planning the extra educational preparation and the increased legal responsibility of the RN has become a requirement for many hospitals. While the basic hands on care provided by health care providers does not vary much, whether it is provided by an MD, RN, LPN CNA, RCT, NCT or whichever level of provider you mention, the RN is specifically a patient care manager and patient advocate first. In this area they do functions that an LPN does not perform.

Q: where can I find an associate level RN program in Albuquerque,NM?
I need a community college in Albuquerque that will offer an RN course so I will be able to sit for boards...Please help.

A: Here's the website to CNM Community College in Albuquerque. My friend graduated from here: http://www.cnm.edu/depts/hwps/progs/nursing/nurse/index.php --Contact info: Program Director: Deb Cassady (505) 224-4143 HWPS Office (505) 224-4111

Q: What community colleges dont have the waiting list for the RN Program in california?
I know only one college and would like to know if there is more? This college dose not have a waiting list and it goes by an academic scoring system and a lottery system. 75% of the students goes by high academic points and the 25% of the students goes by their name pulled in the lottery. I was hoping there are other colleges that do that in California. Are there any? If so,... What college are they? Please be appropriate. Thank you.

A: What part of California are you in? I only know of the community colleges in Orange County. I know that Golden West, Cypress and Santa Ana..and I THINK Cerritos College go by a lottery system.

Q: does anyone no if its better to do the lvn program or rn program?
is there really a difference between them? im trying to figure out if it really matters which one you go for? is there any cheap schools for the lvn program and cna program? the dfw area?

A: Many nursing professionals begin their careers as LVNs and later complete the requirements for an RN on the LVN/RN track. Employment of LPNs is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population and the general growth of health care services. Replacement needs will be a major source of job openings, as many workers leave the occupation permanently. Becoming a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse usually requires a one year course of study from a vocational school or junior college, so you will get to be a nurse faster. You can support yourself financially as a part-time LVN while taking RN classes.

Q: Has ayone taken or currently in Excelsior College RN program?
I am about to enroll in this program but am still having doubts. I do not know anyone who has experience with this program. Any feedback would be appreciated. I notice they offer many learning resources but for a fee of course, wich ones are the most beneficial? Again any info at all would help, how long it take you to complete, what did yo think of the exams? Thanks

A: You're gonna love this information. There is a whole support group community specifically for Excelsior nursing students. You can sign up for a free membership and all of your questions will be answered. You even get tips on studying and purchasing learning material and study guides. Whatever you do, DONT sign up with the College Network or any other publishing company until you visit this site. The site is ecstudygroup.com. I am just getting started as well. I was looking to start a group here in Houston that may want to get together 1 -2 times per month. That's how I found this site. Good luck to you. If you email me, I will help you as much as I can. Brenda- b1peirre@aol.com

Q: What is your opinion on the RN program at Excelsior College?
I am an LPN in Oneida, NY, trying to decide whether to do Excelsior College, MVCC, Morrisville State College, etc. I want to eventually become an NP.

A: It is much harder than a more conventional program. I assume this is to combat the image of excelsior turning out mail-order nurses. There are seven nursing theory tests to take and then you do all your clinicals in one weekend. Friday night you have to complete 4 skills in a lab setting (IV piggyback, IV push, wound care/dsd change, IM/SC injection). Saturday is total patient care of 2 adults, one at a time doing 5-6 assigned areas of care (assessments or interventions). Sunday is total patient care with one child. There is an examiner over your shoulder the entire time and you cannot make mistakes. I failed clinicals the first time I took them because I miscounted an infant's apical pulse by 2 beats. (first time I had ever took care of a kid in my life) Clinicals are do-able but stressful. Excelsior is a great program for people who are self-motivated. Otherwise, you would be better off going to a more traditional program.

Q: Should I take microbiology or physiology first for RN program?
I register for classes tomorrow. I am not sure which class I should take first. Any ideas? I have to take BOTH, but I was not sure if I should take one before the other? I don't NEED to, but I was wondering if taking one class before the other would be helpful?

A: Talk to your advisor if you can before registering. I took them together last semester, and as long as one isn't a pre-req for the other, it doesn't matter. However, I think that physiology is a little easier than micro, just because it is mostly memorization, whereas micro is application.......up to you, pretty much!

Q: I am a lvn and I am going through the Rn transition program in August. Is the Rn program ridiculously harder?
welll the transion program that I am going to is in St.peters,mo. @ Sanford Brown College and they implement the prereqs into the day of learning. Anybody else went ot Sanfords Brown?

A: its hard to say what classes did you need to take to be an LVN? If you are going to a community college it will be hard but not as hard as at a four year school. It depends, I need more information but I have taken most of the classes needed to be an RN and the hardest was chem and a&p all the psychs and nursing classses werent as hard.

Q: I am getting ready to begin a RN program and need to purchase a stethescope.?
I want to buy a Littman because I have heard they are the best but I am not sure which model would be best for my needs. Anyone have any advice?

A: Just, just get a plain, basic nursing littman. For most things you do not need an expensive cardio littman for example, and a plain, basic littman is perfect for your needs (one with bell & diaphragm--I think they run about $30)--the acoustics are very good. The odds that you may lose it in school is high as well. They just have a habit of walking off on other people's necks.

Q: I am in the associates RN program, and I am wondering when I will start clinicals,what will I learn?


A: You will learn how to do certain tasks, like taking a blood pressure or giving injections. More importantly, you will learn how to assess patients' conditions, things like heart sounds & breath sounds. You will learn how to communicate well with patients, how to take a health history. And then you will learn how to integrate all of thes things together, so you can see the "big picture".