CNA, LPN or straight to RN?

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I am a single mother of 1 and my overall goal is to become a neonatal nurse. I have no experience at all in the medical field. Right now I'm an infant teacher at a child care center and the pay is horrible and I'm barely getting by. Becoming a NICU nurse interested me a while ago but I never thought I would be smart enough to pass all the classes yet here I am interested again. I'm debating over whether I should start off training to become a CNA and gain experience there or becoming an LPN first and gaining some experience as one or go straight into an RN program. (sidenote: my gpa could be a little higher) Advice anyone?

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Not knowing your exact academic history, it is hard to tell what you should do, in terms of pursuing CNA, LPN or going straight to RN. So I gather if you decide to go straight to RN, you will be applying to ADN, right? If so, while getting those prereqs you can complete a CNA course and start working as a CNA. By the time your clinical start you will have some experience in a hospital setting. I do not see any value in LPN. Good luck!

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If the pay is just as horrible for your purposes as a CNA, I would do the training for CNA. This way you are at least getting healthcare experience. Your GPA is relative to the specific program you are applying too as well as others in the applicant pool.

I do not have any children but I will have to work while in the nursing program. I'm currently working as a CNA while I finish prereqs. In 1.5 months I will know if I got into either of the two programs I applied to. My top choice school allows those in the ADN program to take one additional class in the summer after the first year to qualify to sit for the NCLEX-PN. So I will end up taking each step up the ladder (CNA --> LPN --> RN --> BSN) as the chance presents itself due to my financial responsibilities.

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I just finished my RN, ADN and am working on my BSN. I worked PT during RN school as a CNA. I would say having that experience was a big help, and makes me more able to manage my time and my techs. At the point you are at, I would think LPN would be a waste of time and money. You are still getting an associates degree level, and spending the same amount of time as you would an RN, however your pay will be lower. Your responsibilities etc will also be diffrent. At this point IMO you would be adding an additional 2 years that may not be necessary. Only you know what your academics/ study habits are like, however.

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Specializes in GENERAL.

Go to Community College and get an ADN. The other stuff will just cost you time and money with little return on the investment.

Find out if there are church, community resources/scholarships/ Federal Pell Grants. Do not get involved with any kind of loans. Do research on this and you may be surprised that there are organizations out there that believe in your potential.

Do not be enticed to go to for-profit schools. They are loan mills. They eat your demographic for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (and your child's too)

Don't be in a hurry. Take one class at a time and build up your academic confidence. (one lego at a time)

Based on your writing ability you have a lot going for you. That I am sure of. Just get all your support systems in a row.

And remember most folks who get into the nursing field start out not knowing their posterior from their elbow. No matter how know-it-all expert a poser they may appear to be.

And remember still, there is light at the end of the tunnel for those who are patient and persevere.

You can do this!!!

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