CNA to LVN to RN or CNA to RN?

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Hey nurses,

I'm really wondering what you all recommend since I have asked a friend whose a nurse but she gave me insight. I currently have a bachelors in psychology and feel lead to pursue a nursing career since I am a caretaker and LOVE it so much. I'm starting a CNA class Thursday for 6 weeks and I'm so excited to start my path.

My friend told me going LVN to RN is a waste of time and I should just go straight into a BSN program. Most accelerated programs seem ok but I read here that some jobs prefer someone who goes from CNA to LVN to BSN instead of someone who went into BSN right away.

I have 10 years of medical experience as a transcriber, caretaker, unit secretary, and patient intake at a clinic. Any insight and wisdom is highly appreciated from you guys thanks.

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Most schools/jobs want you to know what you're getting into. Making a big leap like that with little to know experience is a recipe for disaster. However, your ten years experience should alleviate those fears. Congrats on your new adventure and good luck!

Ps it depends on what type of nursing career you want to pursue as to what degree you'll need. Personally I love patient care so it's ADN RN for me! :)

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Thanks for your wisdom. It seriously helps to see it from a current nurse's perspective.

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No problem!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I wouldn't waste your time and money on LVN. LVN experience isn't RN experience. Even having extensive healthcare experience is only moderately helpful (I also have about 10 years of hands-on patient care experience), and your LVN experience wouldn't be much more helpful than CNA. Look at an aBSN program and get your RN sooner!!

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RunRuby thanks so much. Im actually going for my CNA since it's cheap and I love it since I already do it. Then I'll apply for ABSN to get my RN faster like you stated. Thanks so much

Lisbeth

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Oops meant Runbaby

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

CNA is a great first step! Plus, many programs are starting to require it, anyway. It saves the time it requires to teach you those basic skills. Plus, getting used to hands-on patient care and touching people as intimately as we do will help you when it comes time to nursing school clinicals.

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Runbaby this makes me so happy to hear that I am heading down a right path. I've heard morning but good things about nurses who started out as CNAs and thanks for helping me out by taking time to respond.

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