One step at a time. Help!?

Nurses Career Support

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Hi all! It's been a rough past few years. I have a GED and thought college was right for me the first time. Didn't make it. Joined the Air Force. Discharged (Under Honorable conditions). I am now currently pursuing my STNA certification, and starting LPN school for the upcoming year. Do you think that taking it a step at a time (STNA-LPN-ADN-BSN) along with my history, would make me look incompetent on paper? And will my past failures hinder any of my future job prospects? I've been very discouraged and stressed recently. Thank you!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Just want to begin by stating that I know two Chief Nurse Executives that began their academic careers with GEDs after dropping out of HS. One is an MSN, PhD, the other a DNP. So, where you begin does not necessarily determine where you're going to end up.

There are some things that DO matter when it comes to nursing education. One is your GPA. It's critically important because: 1) nursing school admissions are very competitive and 2) nursing education is based upon a cumulative curriculum & high grades in your pre-requisites mean you have a much better chance of success in your clinical courses.

For a lot of people, it makes sense to approach their educational goals step-by-step like you're doing. It may be the best option for folks that have ongoing obligations or circumstances that may prevent them from devoting a larger amount of time, effort & money to a more intensive (faster) pathway. Be sure you have accurate information on how this method will impact your financial aid... at some point, you're going to max out on subsidized funding due to the number of credit hours you have obtained.

Wishing you the absolute best of luck on your educational journey.... and THANK YOU for your service.

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Hey, I'm too new to send you a PM and I just wanted to say thank you! Sometimes in life you need that pick-me-up, and your post delivered! Asking my STNA instructor about this and behold, she's an employer herself! She said that taking it step-by-step actually shows drive; that taking a step at a time is actually what she did! Thank you!

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