So what are all the steps in Nursing please?

U.S.A. North Carolina

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I know there is CNA. But how long does that take? I am new i just all the steps and how long do they take. I am trying to get into nursing right now. If anyone would like to help that would be awesome! And where will i go when i gp up them steps too. salary i wont know till i get hired to a job. CNA i know i will start in a nursing home.

Thank you for your time.

Jessica

The reason why i would like to know the steps i want to become a nurse. If anyone is willing please post all the steps CNA to LN to RN to LPN correct. I am still learning. and post how long will it take to be that cause i would like to know. This would help me to get where i need to be. Correcty right now i am working on a pig farm and i hate it. Trying to find a better job i love being around people then i do with pets. I also like doing paper work. So please anybody on here. Please help me. I am new.

Specializes in Emergency.

You do not have to be a CNA to become a RN or a LPN though some people find it helpful in gaining basic nursing skills. To become a RN you attend either an associates, diploma, or BSN program and then pass the NCLEX-RN. Having a BSN tends to open up the most job opportunities but there are both RN-BSN and RN-MSN completion programs you can complete while working as a RN. You become an LPN by attending an associates program and passing the NCLEX-LPN. There tend to be fewer job opportunities for LPNs and you will make less money. Hope this helps.

CNA = Certified Nursing Assistant. You don't have to become a CNA to enter the nursing world, but it would give you a good exposure to working with patients and using medical terminology

LPN/LVN = Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse. This is generally a one year course, although it may take a bit longer. In many regions, LPNs are not hired to work as hospital nurses and work in long-term care facilities (nursing homes) or clinics instead. Some people start out as LPNs and then work to complete an RN degree.

RN = Registered Nurse. ADN/ASN nurses have an associate's degree. This takes a minimum of two years to complete. Diploma nurses generally complete a three-year program. BSN nurses have a four-year degree. ADNs and diploma nurses can take completion programs that will give them a BSN (bachelor's degree), and many do so while they are working as nurses and take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs through their employers.

All LPN/LVNs take the NCLEX-PN test after they graduate from their program to qualify as an LPN/LVN.

All RNs, no matter how much education they have, take the NCLEX-RN to qualify as an RN.

Some RNs choose to pursue a master's degree--MSN--so they can teach or go into advanced practice.

A few will go on to get a doctorate in nursing.

That's the ladder.

Hope this helps.

The reason why i am asking i am trying to get a career in nursing. I am willing to do whatever it takes.

If you want to be a nurse. I would suggest your first step is to go to the closest community college or university with a nursing program and find out about their program. It would also be helpful to talk with a working nurse in order to gain more insight into what nurses really do. Bear in mind however there is a W I D E variety in job descriptions between the various nursing "specialties".

As several people posted previously, you don't have to have a CNA certification to become a nurse. However, there are many nursing schools that require you to have a CNA before applying. Check with the schools you are interested in.

My school used to require CNA but now they only recommend it. You are more likely to be accepted into their program if you do have a CNA.

Specializes in GYN/GON/Med-Surg/Oncology/Tele.

Most community colleges in NC require you at least take the NA course to even apply to a nursing program. You don't necessarily have to be certified, but a lot of them are requiring that you do. If you do desire to become a CNA, I would recommend working in a hospital rather than a nursing home. You'd get to see a variety of patients. Especially if you're in a float pool. I'm not sure where exactly in NC you are but Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem just started a float pool NA. I think you'd get paid more in a nursing home that you would in a hospital but your patient load would be larger in a nursing home vs a hospital.

You'd have to take a few pre requisites such as Anatomy and Physiology, maybe microbiology, a general chemistry, general psych, developmental psych, college algebra, elementary statistics and maybe sociology depending on where it is you're planning to apply.

Like others who posted before me have said, I'd check with whatever school you plan to apply for their minimum requirements. Create an excel sheet with the different programs and their minimum requirements.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck!!!

Go to your closest community college and take placement tests to see if you're at the skill level required to perform well in your pre-req's. You may need to brush up on English and/or math. Meet with an advisor to find out what courses you need to take for the program. Get your CNA. Maintain close contact with your advisor as they will help you through this process.

Obtaining your degree in nursing is one obstacle after another. It takes a lot of perseverance.

Please tell me more about this float pool at Baptist? I am a student a UNCG but live in Winston.

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