some advice please?

BEDPAN76 · Jan 3, 2009

My advice is to get CNA training ASAP. Within a short time you will know if this field is for you. Good luck!:nuke:

tripp3horn · Jan 3, 2009

Through a worker retraining program. Starting this winter I'll be taking some prerequisite classes for my local community college's practical nursing program. After finishing and receiving my license I plan on applying to an Rn program and then possibly moving on to a bachelors degree. Would you agree or disagree that this is the best path? My other options are an AA to BA skipping the RN all together or a LPN to BA or an AA to RN to BA. Please keep in mind this is all brand new to me. Although i've always thought of becoming a nurse (my aunt is a CNA and my Grandmother was a nurse) this is all new to me. I'm a 24 old male who's worked construction nearly his entire life. So I could be completely wrong on how all this works, I'm only going off of the limited information i've received from advisors within the past week.
Also one more question... a few years back I did attempt to pursue a degree in business (until I received an amazing job offer from a construction company) while in the business program I did my fair share of drinking. Theoretically.. lets say I got hammered one night and missed a final in a Political science class.... and maybe possibly keeping this in theoreticals breezed my way through some electives barely showing up to class. I think in this time period my GPA ended up being a 3.1. Will this effect me later? when i'm applying for different nursing programs? I've been told that even though Nurses' are in high demand that the programs are very competitive for spots.
Any other tips would be appreciated. I'm tired and know there was more I wanted to ask but I've forgotten.
Should I attempt to find a job within a hospital while I'm doing all this? What kind of position would I seek? From what i've read and heard from my family members I know this is a field I want to get into.

Well, for me I want to be an RN more than anything(besides being a mom of course) so I'm going for an ADN and hopefully the hospital I want to work at will pay for my BSN. I also need to work ASAP, so that is another reason why I'm choosing the ADN route. However, getting a BA is very important to me, as well as a Master's. I hope to have my Master's within 12 years (by the time I'm 40). You just have to decide how far you want to take your nursing career. Many nurses love working on the floor and stay there forever. Some want to work in other areas which require higher education. How fast do you want to start working? Is time an issue for you? If so, then an LPN program may be best for you. If you can go an extra year, then an ADN maybe the route to go.

My kids go to bed at 8:00 and I'm studying from then until 3:00 a.m. Nursing programs are very competitive and your advisors will suggest that you get as close to a 4.0 as you possibly can. You may only need a B+ average, but there are going to be lots of people with a 4.0 who will get in before you. It is possible, lots of people are doing that right now. I'm doing it! I have no social life, but that doesn't really bother me. I enjoy school and love studying. You're past GPA doesn't matter when it comes to the nursing program. Your acceptance is based on the nursing core curriculum only. Unless your transferring some credit's like Comp or Math, those are including in the nursing program. You should have the option to retake those classes if you want to up your GPA. I think that if you can get a 3.1 with just the minimal amount of effort, than you should be able to get what you need to be accepted if you buckle down and study hard. You can also go on a waiting list. Some community colleges have waiting lists and you can put your name on it after the first semester, then finish your pre-req's while waiting. And if you're stuck doing nothing with all your classes completed and are still waiting, you can more than likely take classes that will count towards your BSN.

Nurses are in demand right now but the lack of instructors is a major problem that is preventing a lot of people from becoming a nurse. That is why the programs are so competitive. But you will find lots of support on allnurses throughout your journoy. Don't let the competition scare you away. As long as you stay focused and work hard, it will pay off for you. Good luck!

Whispera, MSN, RN · Jan 3, 2009

With hospitals and other places "downsizing" their numbers of nurses, it's a good idea to get your foot in the door while you're in school. Then, when you graduate you have a better chance of easing into a nursing job that might be open than someone who isn't already working there.

SunnyAndrsn · Jan 3, 2009

Hi,

You're proposed path is pretty much what I did. I have a previous degree, and theoretically my GPA was not stellar...actually a bit below your theoretical GPA. However, I did graduate.

In the fall of 2005, I started the process by taking the CNA course (required for admittance to the nursing program at my community college), and a couple of extra classes to get my feet wet. CPR, anatomy & Physiology, and then the Spring semester I was officially on the waiting list. I took the rest of my A&P, sociology, medical terminology, and a required technical writing class. Fall 2006 I finished the few pre-reqs I had left and started the nursing program in 2007.

After the first year I was eligible to take my LPN boards and have been working as an LPN since Feb. of 2008. I graduated with my ADN December 17th and am just waiting to take my RN boards now.

I've already applied to a local university and have been accepted, to finish my BSN starting fall of 2009.

I hope to start my master's after that.

So...sounds like a good plan to me. I got a lot of compliments from teachers, preceptors, and other nurses I've worked with in clinicals. They tell me they can tell I have nursing experience. So yes, I recommend going this route for the experience and confidence it gives as you continue to move on in the program.

Good luck to you.

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2009

I would agree that getting your CNA, and then working while you are going to school to see if the field is a good fit is a plus. Some nurses get that degree without ever having worked in the field, and then regret that they actually have to give pt care.

I also agree that being a CNA(if you can afford it) also helps ease you into interacting with patients/families/nurses, etc...and you feel way more comfortable once you get that degree.

Many hospitals offer tuition reinbursment and assistance....so you can go back to school. However, once you first get out of school, you really won't want to go back...fair warning...good luck!