How to begin my road to becomig a nurse!

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Hi! I just graduated high school & want to become a nurse. I want to get my BSN. I'm starting off at a community college for my basics & then want to transfer but my sisters friend told me i should get my cna then my lvn then go back to school & start working toget my bsn while i'm working at some kindnof facility so i can have experience. What do you guys reccomend i do? I'm really confused! Do ibhave to have a lvn innorder to become a rn with a bsn i thought i just took my basics for two years which s the associates in science then transfer to a univ & did two more years for my bsn.

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No, you don't have to work up the chain from a CNA - LPN - RN - BSN. You can go straight from high school through 4 years of college and get your BSN without going through the additional education, just like you said (2 years at CC and 2 years at a university).

If you want your BSN, my advice is to get it now while you're young. Going back to school while trying to work will only get more difficult.

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Specializes in Hospice.

Or you can get your associates in CC, take the NCLEX, start working as an RN, and take classes toward your BSN while working. That's my plan.

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I would go right for the BSN. You are a traditional college student & there are many traditional programs. I did what you are thinking about... I graduated high school 3 years ago & completed pre reqs at a community college (my first year I had a different major which is why it took 3 years). I just graduated with an associates degree in pre nursing, meaning I have completed all pre reqs & am ready to start nursing classes. I am transferring to a 4 year school this fall & starting clinicals. I graduate after 2 years in spring 2015 with my BSN. Not bad for someone who will only be 22 by then.

I don't think ADN or LVN are bad choices, but just because you will have completed those programs does not mean you will find a job. And then you will have to juggle a career (not just a part time job) with schooling. I think it is a great option for those who need to start work sooner or have a family already. But you are young & if you have the financial/emotional just go straight for the BSN.

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Wow! Thank you soo much! Is there any advice you can give me? About anything? I'd really appreciate it!

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Thank you!!

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Personally, I recommend getting your CNA (at the very least) before becoming an BSN. Actually, I recommend CNA --> RN --> BSN.

I am a CNA, and I've found that the best nurses I've worked with were CNAs before they completed their nursing credentials. Plus, as someone previously mentioned, it gets you valuable floor experience.

Whether or not you take the LPN/LVN route between CNA and RN (and/or BSN) is up to you. I've considered it, but it's not for everyone. At the schools in my area, there is only a 1-2 semester difference between LPN/LVN and RN.

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