CNA...whats my next best step?

[SCRUBS_GLOVES&LOVE]

As of right now i am a CNA...my goal is to become a RN...my plan was to become a CNA so i could work while i complete school to become a LPN, and then work as a LPN (better pay) while in school getting my work done to become a RN...but i ended up getting 2 CNA jobs, really great pay for my area and can really hold me off while i go to school to obtain my RN....now Im having a hard time figuring out whats next...to LPN or not to LPN, that is the question....looking for pros and cons please

[PoohBuh]

If you have the money, go for your Associate's, once done, you can start working as a RN right off the bat. Many schools offer RN to Bsn / Msn, with your hospital picking up much of the tab, if not all. Taking it step by step is not a bad idea, but the way life works, sometimes you wont have the time - we can't predict the future. There is nothing wrong with working as a CNA or a LPN, but if you have ability to get your Msn or even a Phd do it now. Because the more you wait, the more life gets in the way and then you will be stuck due to time.

[raecudzy1, BSN]

I would say if you have the money and the time go right for your RN. If that is your ultimate end-goal then do it if you can. There are two LPNs where I work and they always tell me how great it is going for my RN so that I will have more possibilities of where to work. They say they are stuck working in a nursing home because they are only LPNs. I am proud of and respect all nurses, but I have been working in a nursing home for 4 years as a CNA and I want to branch out, and that is a huge reason why I want my RN over LPN, because I want the ability to try different places to work. Besides, my ultimate goal is midwifery so I have to have my RN

Good luck

[nicpkfloyd]

While I have loved the LPNs that I have worked with, I would recommend going straight for your RN. Less time and money (in the long run) to do what you really want to do.

[MissJulie]

It may be different in your area, but where I'm from the LPN an RN are two different programs. So, we have to take the CNA class (you don't have to be certified, just pass the class) and then apply for the program. Around here, the LPN program is one year, then you work a year, and then bridge into the RN program.

So, I'd recommend looking into the job opportunities for LPNs, and how long it takes to do the programs in your area.

I mean, you already have a CNA job, what if you become an LPN and then there are not LPN jobs available? If you can afford to do it, go straight into an ADN program or whatever, then go further if you decide to.

Good luck!

[Pneumothorax, BSN, RN]

go straight thru to RN, since you have the CNA job you can do :)