CNA to LPN to BSN to MSN , Whew!

chevyv, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2009

Sounds good to me. I was a cna for many years and then found out there was a 2-3 yr wait list for the nursing program so I began and almost finished a BA in Health Care Administration. There are some programs that allow you to get your bsn and masters together. You may need to have a degree already in something health care related. Marquette University in WI has a program like that, but it's very expensive and I hear very difficult.

I'm now a lpn just finishing my rn. From there I plan on finishing the health care admin and then part time for my masters. Slow and steady is my motto. Good luck to you!

caliotter3 · Mar 13, 2009

I was not able to support myself and my family on CNA pay, but it was better than nothing. Had I been able to work at higher paying jobs, I would have gone that route to get through school.

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · Mar 13, 2009

I have done CNA to LPN to ASN, now working on the BSN. CNA pay was so little it was just enough to help with things like food and gas. We worked our butts off to pay down as much debt as we could while I was in LPN school. Keep in mind, most LPN programs are full time. I worked weekend nights as a CNA while in school. Looking back, I almost wish I had worked at Starbucks instead. :) Seriously, I had to have something that was flexible in hours because my school time was non-negotiable. As a CNA I found healthcare facilities to be more accomodating to that.

If I had to do it again, I would not work at all if I did not have to. That year I was full time in clinicals was grueling. In turn my bridge program to ASN was not so much, I was able to work full time as an LPN in addition to school.

MedNurse2k · Mar 13, 2009

Gosh, I guess I have to make some sacrifices that I was not prepared to make. In the long run, however, I will have what I want. I'll need to discuss this with my partner, so that we can keep expenses at a minimum during this transition.

Thank you all for your responses!!

LilGumble · Mar 13, 2009

I know it's all so confusing weighing out all the options.... all the pros and cons...

I have a question too though, LVN/LPN programs are rather impacted, at my local JC's there is already a wait list for fall 2010, and the CC's are going by a lottery system. In that case would it be worth it to just get my CNA? I found a place that will certify me in 19days for $900. Is it worth is just to have the experience when applying to BSN programs??

MedNurse2k · Mar 14, 2009

$900 for the CNA training? The ones I've come across here in Philly have been over $1000; the Red Cross is charging $1300 for a 4 week program!!! As much as I would like to bypass these steps (it's gonna get pricey), I really have a few options. Everything is either waitlisted or I need to have completed some pre-reqs to even be considered.

PLUS since the economy is tanking, more people are going to nursing school. The odds are tougher.

Question to those who are already CNAs preparing to get your LPN or higher: if you were hired as an CNA, is your employer assisting with your tuition when you go back to school? If so, then it might be a great idea for me.

Thanks!!

tfleuter, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2009

Ok, not a CNA, so take this for what it's worth: not much, lol!

But...unless you find an employer who will help with tuition, or want to apply to a program that gives some kind of preferential treatment to CNAs, then I don't see why getting your CNA seems so essential to your plan? I can only speak for my area, but from what I'm told, CNA's here make approx $8 - $9 per hour. There are other full time jobs still available (thank goodness the our state economy is still holding out fairly well) that earn at least a little bit more. If you are currently at a job that pays more than what a CNA can typically make in your area, then definately stay with that, unless the hours prevent you going to school. Working as a CNA obviously gives you great experience and insight to the nursing world, but at some point it does come down to money and doing whatever it takes to getting your RN/MSN and the CNA track might not be the answer.

I almost signed up for a CNA course that is $450 and can be completed in 2 weeks (sounded great to me and I really wanted the experience) but had to come to reality when I realized that there's no way I could justify working for that kind of salary when I have 2 young kids that would have to be put in daycare. I would literally be paying to go to work. I'm better off just volunteering :wink2:

tfleuter, BSN, RN · Mar 14, 2009

I also forgot to mention that if your ultimate goal is MSN, then I can't see a lot of sense in getting your LPN vs. direct entry RN, unless you really want that experience (which from what I can tell, quite a few people do!) The amount you would be paying in tution/books/fees might negate the income you are bringing. In this case, taking the fastest route possible through school is what makes the most financial sense, which you say is your biggest hurdle.

Would taking out student loans to cover living expenses be an option?

LilGumble · Mar 14, 2009

I'm currently on a wait list for an accelerated BSN program but I don't think I got in because alot of the people (From what I've found out on here =) who were accepted had previous experience. In the SF Bay Area CNA's make about $13-18 an hour. Right now I get paid $16 as a receptionist (suuper easy), but it's at a place completely unrelated to nursing. I am anxious to be done with school so I was thinking of just taking the CNA course and work for a year for experience then reapply to the ABSN program. I want to get my BSN but I'm just trying to decide how long I want to take getting there :confused:

MedNurse2k · Mar 14, 2009

I resigned from my job almost a month ago and am living off of my savings, which is enough to cover me for 1 year if need be. However my partner is also covering half of our bills so that has been such a help! I would prefer to have some income coming in rather than touching my savings - I want to save it for part of our future homes down payment. Call me spoiled but I would prefer to rely on something else other than my own $$.

FYI: When I say that I have enough savings to cover me for 1 year it refers to enough money for rent, bills, food, etc- NOT enough to cover expenses and school. I would still need a loan for school. I hope I qualify for financial aid.

If I could go to school full time, and get one big loan to cover school AND living expenses than I'll do it!!!

Ok, I need to think this over. Maybe I am not approaching this in the most logical way.

Jules A, MSN · Mar 15, 2009

I resigned from my job almost a month ago and am living off of my savings, which is enough to cover me for 1 year if need be. However my partner is also covering half of our bills so that has been such a help! I would prefer to have some income coming in rather than touching my savings - I want to save it for part of our future homes down payment. Call me spoiled but I would prefer to rely on something else other than my own $$.
FYI: When I say that I have enough savings to cover me for 1 year it refers to enough money for rent, bills, food, etc- NOT enough to cover expenses and school. I would still need a loan for school. I hope I qualify for financial aid.
If I could go to school full time, and get one big loan to cover school AND living expenses than I'll do it!!!
Ok, I need to think this over. Maybe I am not approaching this in the most logical way.

Unless someone is really struggling to pass I will never understand quitting a job to "focus on school". I think you are wise to prefer to continue having an income so you can keep saving for your future home etc. I went to school full time and did a minimum of 30 hours a week at work all through LPN and RN school and that equaled over $100,000 in income that I would never have been able to recoup. Just something to consider.