ADVICE ON GOING FROM CNA to RN

[virgo_baby!]

:)Hello everybody I'm new to allnurses.com and very excited! I am currently enrolled in classes to become a CNA. I would like to become a RN in the next few years. I would like to know how can I make a smooth transition. I know alot of programs are now asking you already be a CNA. Are there any other RN programs at community colleges other than wake tech? I'd love to know your experiences and any advice you all may have! I thank you in advance!

[ItsTheDude]

most cc's in the state have nursing programs (lpn and/or rn). i've always heard nursing schools in the raliegh area are very competitive compared to other parts of the state.

you can always go lpn (easier to get into) then bridge to rn, some cc's offer a bridge program. this can make getting into the rn program easier too, b/c some programs will give you points for your lpn degree and/or lpn work exp.

the main thing is to figure out where you want to go to school and knock out as many of the requirements and competitive courses as you can, so you can get as many points as possible.

ncbon.org has a list of approved nursing programs in the state.

[NC Girl BSN]

Getting your CNA is a good start. If your trying to get into Wake Tech..GOOD LUCK! You need to start take prerequisites and make sure you make A's and B's. Apply to several programs within a 1 hour radius. There are several in the area. Go online and look the schools up. Don't get discouraged if you have to wait several years to get into a program. Look into getting your LPN and bridging into your RN if you find yourself waiting too long. Its tough out there but you can make it happen if you work hard.

[virgo_baby!]

I actually talked to some people from the nursing department at several community colleges in the area and they said it might help me to get in if i go for my lpn first. Wake Tech is super competitive though. But I do thank you for your support and advice!

[CrazierThanYou]

you can always go lpn (easier to get into) then bridge to rn, some cc's offer a bridge program. this can make getting into the rn program easier too, b/c some programs will give you points for your lpn degree and/or lpn work exp.

.

At an information session I recently attended at a NC community college, we were told that bridging from LPN to RN was no longer available anywhere the state of North Carolina, due to the changes made to the nursing curriculum statewide.

I'm not saying this is absolute but it is what we were told. I know one girl I have classes with is having to go to GA to get her RN.

[CrazierThanYou]

I actually talked to some people from the nursing department at several community colleges in the area and they said it might help me to get in if i go for my lpn first. Wake Tech is super competitive though. But I do thank you for your support and advice!

I don't know if all schools have the points system like my school does but at mine, you only get 2 points for LPN and 5 for CNA. If you get CNA 2, that is five more points.

[14Gratt1tud3]

I would say take all the prerequisites first, CNA, LPN, whatever, I don't care what you do. Take all the prerequisites you can first. The second thing to remember is that when/if you get accepted, do not base your judgements in the testing area/school work off of your experience or "what you would do" at work. I've noticed a lot of the CNA's and other hospital staff do poorly at school, even when they were only working minimal hours. They would make incorrect judgement calls based off of what they thought the nurses were doing or what they heard other nurses saying, ect. A lot of the CNA's think they know what nurses do, but a lot of them really don't.

[Brittany Maples]

I don't know if y'all know this but CNA II is as if you flunk out of LPN school and you take that and pass instead so if the point system really does give 5 points for that I'd go that way ?‍♀️ I've learned a lot as a CNA II and I love it but am considering going to become a RN.