CNA to LPN to BSN to MSN , Whew!

organicbeauty · Apr 11, 2009

Hi,

I'm new to this site but I was reading this thread and wanted to comment. I am currently in an LPN program and do want to become an RN. Before I started school I was debating on going into an LPN program (which would take me a little over a year) or going directly into an RN program (would take 2 years for ADN). I decided on the LPN route because I wanted to have at least "one under my belt" to start making money and have a reliable job and also because I am thinking of relocating (live in Akron, Ohio now and thinking of NC or even out west). From reading several posts I'm glad I started with LPN first because I will have the experience while in an ADN program. Anyway, the LPN program I'm in - after your first 2 skills classes - you are able to sit and take the exam to become a STNA, which I'm thinking is the same as an CNA? When I'm done with LPN school I want to start working and get right into an RN bridge program. I am thinking of going the online route and a couple schools I am considering is Chamberlain College of nursing or Excelsior, which have a LPN to RN programs online. I also am considering going on to get my MSN ( I would love to work as a family NP and have my own office and see patients!!!) I have two schools I am looking into for the MSN - Case Western or Frontier School of Midwifery & Family Nursing - both of which have online ADN to MSN programs, where you don't even have to get the BSN first! So that is the route I am considering. If anyone has info on these schools I've mentioned or insight please share!

Beachgrlnurse107 · Apr 14, 2009

I am glad I joined this information is very insightful!

Thank You :bowingpur

MedNurse2k · May 2, 2009

Update:

I am starting a part-time job on Monday (non-medical related), which is extremely flexible. I'm going to get CPR certified soon, and also volunteer at my local hospital. THE CNA route would have cost me $1400! I called literally ever nursing home near me, and non of them offer free training. However, there were 2 that DID offer training, and I applied to one - never heard back from them. And the second would have been 1.5 hours from my home, and I could not find a way to get there by 8AM each day.

So...I am waiting for my LPN program to start in Feb 2010. Applying to 2 schools - just in case!!

denise0815 · May 3, 2009

I can relate to your dilemma because I am going through it myself. I am a single mom and need to work, but currently hate my cubicle job. I am trying to figure out what route to take. I have been attending the local community college and working on pre-req part-time...it would take me 3 years to finish at this point if I ever even get into the RN program. It is frustrating and complicated.....sometimes I just want to give up!

I am trying to see if there is an LPN program that would be good and switch to that and then do the LPN to RN bridge. However I would need to supplement my income , thinking about student loans??? Wish I could just quit work, get a part-time job in a hospital setting and go to school full-time....that would be ideal!! lol...dont know if it is a reality, I guess I am getting a little discouraged trying to figure all this out..

Anyway good luck to you and keep me posted!!

newleaf2012 · May 20, 2009

they have a few lvn to bsn programs that you might want to check out

ZanatuBelmont · May 21, 2009

Maybe I am making this overly hard and confusing for myself, but I can't seem to find another way to become a BSN RN (and then MSN), since I will need to work to pay existing expenses. I can't go to school full time. Plus all of the associate programs are only full time as well as the bachelor programs. I also can't wait 12 to 20 month, while in LPN school, to earn a paycheck. So I figured I would become a CNA and begin working as soon as possible for experience and cash flow in the process.
Anyone got better ideas? Have you done this?
Why must life always be so hard?? Help :)

That sounds like a completely responsible plan. Since the waiting lists are at times long for nursing programs, you can take advantage of that time - while working as a CNA - getting your general education classes out of the way through your local community college. By the time I receive my ADN in two years, I will have only three classes to complete before I am able to enter the one-year BSN program at a local university.

momof3crazyboys · May 24, 2009

That was the same boat I was in. I was going to go the LPN - RN - BSN - MSN route. When I really sat down and looked at it realistically - after sending out a ton of apps! - was that I could finish my BSN before I could even get into an ADN program! It's insane! I will be done with all my prereqs after the Fall semester and will have a guaranteed spot for Fall 2010 to finish all the nursing classes.

I also figured that since I am in my mid 30's with 3 kiddos and a critically ill mother I take care of, I might as well just try to get the majority of it over at once! I am afraid I wouldn't have the time to go back again. So getting my BSN will open more doors for me in the long run...just in case!

studentinnursing · Jul 22, 2009

Sarcolemma, I'm pre-nursing, working toward RN and BSN (at same school) CRNA is my end goal. I am 1 semester away from applying for RN and thank goodness our school has no waiting list; they go by GPA. Anyhow, I'm told my chances are great for getting in for fall 2010. I might be planning way ahead, but I've already talked to the CRNA person, very nice, told me which ICU, etc., to do. Of course I'm trying to figure out how to get into ICU straight out of RN. So, then I talked to our only trauma center in my county. The trauma center recruiter is telling my I should do patient care technician to get experience, so when I go for my nursing residency, I can get straight into ICU. CRNA school advised I don't need the trauma ICU, any life-threatening ICU is fine. However, I still need ICU and patient care tech is a whole other deal, like 4-8 months of school. That is not an option for me right now; I am applying in Spring for RN, no time for PCT. So, my question is, since patient care tech is off the table, should I do CNA to get my foot in the door at a hospital; my end goal is ICU (2 years required for my only MSN anesthesia available in area) and then of course CRNA. Will being a CNA off and on til nursing school help me get into an RN ICU position quicker upon graduation in your experience or your colleagues'. The other thing is, right now I work at home doing medical transcription, have been doing it for very long time, make about $5 more an hour, it appears, than I would as a CNA. But is the CNA experience priceless so to speak, or should I just stay at home; I can work whenever I'm not in school or studying; I have worked for the same company for years and they are very flexible and very supportive. CNA thing just sits in the back of my mind, though. Am I missing out on experience?

Any input is greatly appreciated from anyone.

WIGGIES_future.rn · Jul 23, 2009

i would do both.. keep your good job at home and why not do a couple part time cna hours?? :twocents:

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[color=#9acd32]just a thought

studentinnursing · Jul 23, 2009

I have thought of that too, and I've been checking job postings at all the hospitals, and the CNA positions have been four hours five evenings a week so far. I have two children, so I'm trying to figure out if I can handle two children, two jobs--even if one is just poole--and 13 credits this coming semester :) but anything is possible. If I can find a 12-hour shift on the weekend it would be doable. I will make my decision this week so I have time to do this CNA prep before Fall!

WIGGIES_future.rn · Jul 23, 2009

OHH WOW.. Really think about your choice do you think that may be to much on you?

studentinnursing · Jul 23, 2009

I know, I'm insane, but my mom said if I do weekend or even night shift, she will watch the kids 7-7. Even if it's just poole, I could get my hands in it, ya know, and not even that so much, but I want to see what's happening in the hospital, how things run, meet some people. I'm still thinking . . . . and going to talk to some hospitals; they may say just wait for nurse residency or externship during summers--I'm like newer than a newbie so I am just working on finding a place to start I guess. I will not let my GPA slip, though, so CNA job would be the first thing I'd have to ditch, ironically, if it came down to it. Gosh, I think I just answered my own question right there.