I received several comments on my last blog on AB 1559, thanks to those who responded.  Several nurses wrote of their frustration in waiting to get into the nursing program for several lottery drawings, one in spite of a 3.9 GPA.  Just to give you an update on this Assembly Bill that would require a merit system to get into nursing programs, the bill is progressing through committee, no action yet.  I'll check on it periodically and include any progress in future blog posts.

 There was also a question from M. Stevens asking how long it would take for someone to become a nurse, from entry into school to begin practicing as an RN.  Unfortunately, it is difficult to give a straight answer to this question.  It depends on your success at getting your pre-requisites completed, to how long you might wait to get into the nursing program.  If you are a full time student, the best case scenario is about 4 years, but I know nurses that it has taken 6 - 7 years or longer completing pre-reqs as a part time student.  The best thing to do is link up with a good counselor who is knowledgeable about the nursing program to help guide you through the process.  I have contacts at both CSUF and FCC that I am willing to share to help anyone who is interested in the profession, plus the contact for CMC's Paradigm Program for our employees .