How does it feel!!!????

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I within the next 5 years would like to be a RN. I'm a CNA right now per diem so I'm prepared to start a LPN program in March 2017, then from there bridge over. I'm 26, coulda shoulda woulda already be a RN by now but life happened, kids, moves, jobs etc. I just would like to hear some stories of how it feels to go so far? CNA's, LPN, RN anyone really. I wouldn't say becoming a nurse was a dream of mine but it's definitely something I know I want to do. I just want to feel pround of myself, I want to make a decent living for my family, I want to help people. I'm thinking ER, Scrub nurse, ICU to be my final destination, those areas stick out. Anyone doing any of those that want to join in on how your career is going? I know some people stop at cna because that's what they like or love to do, but those of you that started as a cna and can now say you have furthered your education, I couldnt even imagine that feeling? How does that feel and what helped you get through??

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I started as a direct care worker at a group home for developmentally disabled adults when I was 19 years old. I got them up, gave showers, dressed them, fed them, toileted, performed incontinent care, made beds, and so forth. I completed many of the traditional CNA duties without the CNA certification.

I completed an LVN program in 2005, an LPN-to-ASN bridge program and RN license in 2010, then a BSN program last year. I am now in my fourth semester of an MSN program in nursing education.

It feels gratifying to increase my knowledge base while living comfortably and earning significantly more than the $8/hr I was paid during my days as a direct care worker. However, I never would have been able to enter the nursing profession if the LVN route didn't exist.

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Specializes in Home Health, Mental/Behavioral Health.

Hey there! I actually did not recieve my CNA beforehand, i did work as a caregiver for a home health agency for a little while making about $9/hr.

I wanted to go straight for my BSN back in those days, but just like you, life came my way and i had a few things to take into consideration now that I was a new mom. I decided that the best thing to do was to get my lpn first since it was at least a step in the direction i wanted to go. I would be in the career field i wanted to be and could get paid more than I was now, plus get some nursing experience. Ive been an LPN now for almost 4 yrs. I LOVED LOVED LOVED doing school clinicals in the ER and OP/SURG units in the hospital, but it's not easy landing a job in those specialities as a novice LPN. I have worked in Pediatric Home Health 1:1, doctors office LPN supervisor, and now I'm back in Home Health doing 1:1 care again, which I love by the way. I will be moving on to a SNF soon though.

Let me tell you, it was a challenge going to LPN school, but not at all impossible! The day i stood in my ceremony , nursing gown and cap , holding the nightingale candle, taking my oath, was the best feeling ever! My husband and kids were there, it was the best day of my adult life. I felt so accomplished. The late nights studying, tears and sweat had all counted for something. The hardest part for me was missing my kids because i worked full time also, plus homework, classes and clinicals? Alot of ppl told me i was nuts. But it was totally worth it. And I still plan on going for my RN/BSN.

If it's on your heart to take that leap, just go for it! Being a CNA will give you an advantage when it comes to hands on direct pt care. If you'd like to keep in contact, feel free! I'm an open book and love talking with other nurses.:D

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I started off as a CNA at a SNF, then I worked in Hospice/Home Health. Currently, I'm working at a hospital as a Float Pool CNA. I've been working in the Emergency Department a lot and I'm being trained as an ER Tech.

I love being a CNA, but I'm ready to be a nurse. I'm also going the slower route and doing the LPN program first, which I'm currently in. I also plan to bridge over to the RN and become an ER nurse. The intensity in the ER is amazing. It's fast paced, patients are in and out. I hate the monotony of the SNF environment.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Trauma.

Life does happen, but my grandmother once told me you're never too old to get an education or start a new chapter in your life. My mother died right after I graduated high school and I lost all motivation to get into college and start my studies. Once I started my prereqs when I was 20, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis had to take a step back to focus on my own health. Now, at 25, I'm almost finished with my nursing prereqs and am so incredibly excited at the idea of finally applying to nursing school! I want to specialize in either gastroenterology or become a scrub nurse.

I earned my CNA almost three years ago and first started out as a surgical services assistant. I would transport patients from the ED to the OR and then to PACU and their hospital room, etc... Then I worked as a medication aide in assisted living. For the last year or so I have been working as a CNA in LTC and there really hasn't been a doubt in my mind that this is the field I want to work in for the rest of my life.

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