Decisions....Help!

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Sorry this is a long post but I'm confused with what route to take in my career. I'm currently a CNA but my passion would be working in the OR. My local CC has a Surgical Tech and ASN program but the waiting list for both is 2 years! A for profit school in my area offers a 12 and 18 month LPN program, but it's a little more expensive. LPNs are not being used a surg techs in my area hospitals, only as CMAs. I DO NOT want to work as a LPN in LTC, but the benefits of becoming an LPN are the program is faster and I could bridge to RN after working for a year. The downside is I'd have to have my BSN to work as a scrub nurse (MORE TIME). So my question is, would you rather spend more money for less time in school or spend more time in school for less money?

Specializes in Long term care.

If you want to be a nurse and work in the OR, then you will have to do your time. If it takes 2 years on a wait list and 4+ years of college, then that's what you do.

Get yourself on the waiting list in what ever program you feel most drawn to...RN, LPN, surgical tech...which ever. In the mean time, take what classes you can towards that degree.

If you just jump into a program because that is the easiest and fastest way, you will find it to be a mistake because it isn't what you REALLY wanted!!

2 years actually goes by fast. You can get lots of experience as a CNA and work while you wait for your opportunity.

If it takes ANOTHER 2 years after you finish the first program, then so be it, do what it takes to do what you want.

Specializes in Long term care.

P.S. CNA's work in the OR too!

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