"The bottom line is that there is a critical need for nurses, and the state’s programs are not able to meet the need," declares Liz Jacobs, spokeswoman for the California Nurses Association.
Donna Fox, a registered nurse and CNA regulatory policy specialist, echoes her concern. "A recent survey found that 17,000 qualified nursing-school applications were not accepted because there was no room. It’s a bad situation in terms of the aging of the population, the nursing shortage and the shortage of nursing schools."
The is no shortage of men and women wanting to fill the nursing need, but there aren’t enough nursing schools to handle the demand. Nursing schools across California have long waiting lists and not nearly enough slots for even the most qualified candidates.
"You have two additional factors that add to the problem," says Jacobs. "There is an aging nurse educator workforce, and their salaries aren’t competitive with those working in a hospital environment.
If you are lucky enough to get into a program, Fox says training as an licensed vocational nurse is a good starting point because you learn many of the basic skills needed to become a registered nurse. Once hired, LVNs may be eligible for employer-provided RN training.
"I would advise prospective nursing candidates to try every avenue to get into these nursing programs," says Jacobs. "There are diploma programs out there as well as LVN to RN programs. Candidates have to be flexible, and it’s a good idea to take your prerequisite courses early."
The CNA is wielding their influence to remedy the training bottleneck. "Our main effort is continuing to work with the legislature to increase funding for all levels of RN programs," states Fox. "Only half of licensed nurses received their initial education in California. That just shows that for decades we have not been meeting the need."
The Home Care Alternative
If you are anxious to get started in nursing, one way to bypass the nursing school backlog is taking the home care route.
Caregiving is not just limited to nursing within a hospital setting. So many older Californians are opting to stay in their homes rather than moving to a nursing facility, the trend is creating a home-care boom.
"This industry is temporary employment and we are constantly looking for qualified caregivers," explains Vicki Paul, director of Aunt Ann’s Home Care in San Francisco. "The trick is finding responsible and qualified people."
She looks for applicants who can provide good customer service as well as being compassionate, trustworthy and able to work independently. No medical experience is required, but completion of a certified home health aide or certified nurse’s assistant course is a plus. Paul says almost all the state’s adult education programs offer this training.
"A majority of home caregivers began their careers by taking care of a family member," she explains. "However, for us to hire you, we verify that experience by contacting someone outside the family as a reference. We all raised our children, but it’s very different taking care of an adult."
"I think it takes a very special personality to work in this expanding field," Paul maintains. "However, keeping someone at home rather than a nursing home is the biggest reward."
Jan Guiliano, spokeswoman for the Aging Services of California, concurs. "As the population ages the need for niche nursing will increase. This creates a real call for certified nurse’s assistants and home aide workers. It’s a great place to start because you are getting hands-on experience."
Aide duties include housekeeping, basic chores, and preparing meals. No licensing is required, but workers must be bonded, fingerprinted, and at least 18 years old.
Certified nurse’s assistants are required to complete 160 hours of training (offered through Regional Occupational Programs and vocational colleges), meet state requirements, and pass a tuberculosis test. A CNA can then work in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.
According to Guiliano, many LVNs and RNs began their careers as nurses’ assistants. "These caregivers love the connection with the client and actually become part of the family with an emotional bond," Guiliano contends. "These are jobs that are hard and the people who do them are very committed and very special. I would say it’s because they have a concern and a deep respect for the elderly and this special phase of life."
Vocational Nurse Training
If you have that passion, Western Career College can teach you the skills you’ll need in a 68-week LVN program. Four campuses – Sacramento, Antioch, San Leandro and San Jose – offer this field of study.
"The program is $41,559 (all inclusive) and the job demand remains strong," reports Jeff Akens, president of WCC. "We have over an 80-percent placement rate for graduates."
LVNs practice under the guidance and supervision of a registered nurse or licensed physician in settings as varied as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, doctors’ offices, clinics, correctional institutions and home health agencies.
In a shift that coincides with the aging of the baby boomers, LVNs are leaving acute-care hospitals and going into the fast-growing long-term care arena.
For those with an eye on the RN designation, Western is one of the few colleges that have a LVN to RN ‘bridge program’ (available at the Sacramento campus only). "We accepted 50 applicants this year and we are hoping to expand the programs and put it in additional locations," Akens explains. "To be considered for the program you must have an LVN certificate plus general education prerequisites."
Students can go on to earn their degree in vocational nursing on the outside or at Western Career College. "It is a long path," he concludes, "But, the rewards are more than worth the time."