Going straight for my RN

Published

Ok so i made my final decision and I am definitely going for my RN. Right now I am starting to look at my old anatomy books and nursing books, because @ one point i was going for my LPN. Are there any groups online that help you be more involved with Nursing, and helps you understand the fundamentals of it? Or what can I do to get myself more familiarize with Nursing. LPN was not easy for me, but I decided to give myself the challenge and go straight for my RN, because that is truly what I want to be. So any tips?

before me entering the clinicals i should get more familiarized with the anatomy and physiology? and also, nursing care plans right?

Anatomy and Physio is helpful, but you will need to just be a sponge. You will want some basic skills like how to take vital signs, change dressings, and med calc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Ok i think i need experience though for a PCA

CNA stands for Certified nursing assistant. Obviously, you need to be certified. The BSN program I was in required a CNA cert before one could start the program. They're incredibly easy and take a very short amount of time to achieve, and you might need it anyway. It's something I would look into if I were you.

PCA/PCT stands for Patient care assistant/technician. Neither require certification. Anyone off the street could be hired to do the job, but it will get you into a hospital setting and have you preform basic nursing skills. (Assist patients with ADLs, bed baths). Also depending on the area you work in (and you may need a cert. to do this) you can draw blood, start IVs and insert foleys. All very useful things to know how to do.

I worked at Starbucks all through nursing school. Couldn't beat the full benefits working part time. Once clinical started though I quickly saw I was at a disadvantage compared to my fellow students who worked as PCTs.

Just something for you to consider.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Oh ok. i have a question as an RN once u pass that licensure exam you can be a RN in any state correct?

You must be licensed in whatever state you want to work in. You can be licensed in more than one state concurrently.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
before me entering the clinicals i should get more familiarized with the anatomy and physiology? and also, nursing care plans right?

Anatomy and physiology are incredibly useful, so yes, you should be familiar with them prior to starting clinical. However, you will likely need to take some classes before starting a program. That is, unless you've already taken all the pre-reqs for a BSN or ADN program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

Well I was a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant, you have to be state certified) and now I'm an LPN and I'm one semester away from being an RN. I found having a background in nursing extremely helpful. Yes I work in LTC but that doesn't mean it was useless. I know how to prioritize, how to talk to patients, families, we do IVs, etc. I didn't advertise the fact that I was an LPN and all my clinical instructors have guessed that I am because I'm not afraid of the clinical skills or the patients. I think it's made it easier to go through school personally and everyone I know who's done the same thing agrees with me. Plus my schooling is paid for through my employer. So I will have to work in LTC for a while as an RN but I want to pick up a PT job in a hospital.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

get your RN first... you have more jobs available..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric, Group Homes, Hospice.
get your RN first... you have more jobs available..

Yes that is exactly what i am going for. Do you know the starting pay for an RN?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Yes that is exactly what i am going for. Do you know the starting pay for an RN?

Pay depends on facility, location, degree and specialty I believe. Good Luck to ya!:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good luck. I'm sure you will do just fine. Often you can take a CNA course through your local community college. That can get you some experience and bring in some money. Community colleges also offer a 2 year RN program. Check into it ASAP because they have a wait but you can do your pre-reqs while waiting. You can alsways go for ytour BSN after your AA if you so choose.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Practice, Urgent Care, Cardiac Ca.

Don't waste your precious time...get licensed as an RN

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

If you are going to be a CNA, go to a nursing home that will pay you while you take the courses and will pay for the course itself and testing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric, Group Homes, Hospice.
Pay depends on facility, location, degree and specialty I believe. Good Luck to ya!:)

Yeah i figured that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion