Choosing the Nursing path....

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I decided to write this to help people who are in their early stages of deciding to get into healthcare, or become a nurse, since, this is All Nurses.com ;)...I just posted this for a fellow member, and what I am about to write I hope it clears up confusion or gives done sort of guide to get the reader in the right direction...OK here it goes:

IF you want to be a nurse, you have a choice.

LPN: usually a 12-13+month program (my program was 13 months)...usually no prerequisites required. Learning nursing care and theory under the scope of a Practical Nurse. After completion, sit for the NCLEX-PN. Once licensed, work with a limited scope of nursing practice-varies by state...for example as a LPN in PA, I was able to manage central lines as a IV therapy certified LPN...the only restriction was blood products, Nutrition through a central line, and chemo...the scope has broadened recently, as well...but again, depends on the state...also the facility. If you bridge or go the BSN route, prerequisites are needed.

RN: Two year (Associate Degree Diploma/Hospital Based program) or or 4+ year (BSN) program. Encompasses prerequisites in Sciences, Mathematics, English Composition, and Arts and Humanities, including Philosophy, Ethics in 4 year program. Nursing care and Theory in the scope of a Registered Nurse, extends to Public Health, Research Nursing and Leadership Nursing in 4 year program. After completion, sit for the NCLEX-RN. After licensure scope covers LPN as well as chemo, blood products, assessment , leadership scope, etc. No " nursing care limitation scope" of practice. Can be certified in specialty: Critical Care, Emergency Care, Wound Care, Pediatrics, Perioperative Nursing, etc.

I was a LPN for 7 years. I am a new grad RN now, completed BSN program. I will say I did a lot if the nursing care that can encompass a nurse due to licensing and facility requirements because the areas I worked in...the BSN did strengthen the rationales of WHY this is essential to my practice, and helped me gain more strength in areas like critical care, leadership, Peds, public health, and helped me gain more knowledge in my assessment skills.

I don't know your personal life path, however, I will suggest that you research the professional scopes of both LPN and RN from your states board of nursing. I also request you research you area on what NURSE they are hiring...I say this with caution, because of the current economic situation, which may change, however, the BSN will put you at an advantage for career and future prospects should you desire to further your education in the nursing field. I know LPNs in my area who are having a hard time getting a job because of the overstaturation of ADN's and BSNs, which if you have a BSN, more chances they want to talk to the person with the bachelors before ANYONE else. Just do your due diligence, choose from accredited schools from the AACN and the NLNAC (I think that's the agencies) and price shop...you may have to apply for financial aid, so be aware if tuition costs as an undergrad-there is a limit...also, shop around for post-graduate help, like volunteer programs, student loan repayment programs, if you get loans. Those programs are for RNs and up...you don't get much help with nursing scholarships and loan repayment as a LPN.

Study hard, Aim for B+s and As..get help soon, in all courses. Please join nursing groups early as a nursing student...they are a great source to help light the future's way.

So these are the suggestions that I have laid out for you...it is a process, if someone was able to do this for me 14 years ago, I may have been an RN BSN for 10 years, instead of LPN for 7, new grad for 7 months, I can't tell you if it would've made a difference...I've enjoyed the ride that my path has carved. It has made me a well rounded nurse and team member. From CNA, LPN, to RN, I really don't have ANY regrets. :)

Good Luck!!

Great post! I was confused when I first decided to pursue nursing and I wish I saw this post then! A question for you: I am almost done with my pre reqs for the nursing program at my school. I wanted to become a CNA while I'm finishing up. Do you think this is a good choice?!

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

M-Roc, it won't hurt!! :)

I will tell you that in your first semester if Nursing School, you will take a Nursing Fundamentals class...it will cover bed making, pt hygiene...these are covered in CNA classes as well...there's much MORE in Fundamentals...just giving you a FYI do you won't be surprised. I say go for the CNA, and gain some experience in engaging with the healthcare team and the pt population.

Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.

...you can also test out for 'med aide' once you pass Pharm....

I didn't know that until I was well into the program.

Being an aide is a great step, though. You need to start making connections early. You'll thank yourself when you graduate.

...you can also test out for 'med aide' once you pass Pharm....

I didn't know that until I was well into the program.

Being an aide is a great step, though. You need to start making connections early. You'll thank yourself when you graduate.

How would you go about doing that? I had no idea you could. That's pretty great though.

[h=1]failed third semester RN (BSN) with two C- and can i transfer into another school?[/h]

Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

How would you go about doing that? I had no idea you could. That's pretty great though.

That depends on the state. My state doesn't utilize med aides.

LadyFree28 Thank you so much for the advice! ?

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
LadyFree28 Thank you so much for the advice! dde0a

Your welcome! Good Luck! :)

Hi

Im a Cna at Temple (been an Aide for 6yrs now) was thinking about going on to LPN and then trying Lasalle LPN>BSN program but alot of my nurses is saying going that route is a waste of time im confused and stuck really would like to know should i just go straight for BSN .. im asking you because i seen u went that route and just want advice before i pay for LPN school

Thank you

Specializes in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

If you need a better income urgently in order to support yourself, your family, and your future education, then do the LPN program. You will spend more that route because, in most cases, being an LPN may get you about a semester's worth of credits. A lot of times it is less than that, sometimes it is more, but it will vary by location. It will take you longer definitely.

If you are ok getting by the way you are now for a while longer, then I'd encourage you to go straight BSN. That's the route I chose. I started the 1st semester of a LPN program. It was at a city technical college, so it was cheap, but took longer than most LPN programs. I decided to drop that and go for my BSN because going the LPN route would have taken twice as long.

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