How do I become an RN

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OK i'm a male and very excited to switch careers. I'm currently in college working on my Associates degree for teaching and then to xfer to a four college. I have changed my mind though. I want to be an RN and then eventually a CRNA. Now to become an RN what schools in NJ do I go to and how long? Does it matter if I get a 2 or 4 year degree to start moneywise? I want to start as soon as possible making good money doing a rewarding career and then continue school for my CRNA. I need a list of schools in NJ besides my community college and schools in Houston for RN and CRNA degrees. I would like to know salary information as well and work weeks....do they limit the number of hours and days I can work just starting out?

Thank you for all of the information but I really need to know as I know nothing about this field.

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Specializes in CVICU, Burns, Trauma, BMT, Infection control.

So why did you change your mind re teaching? Are you changing your mind in anticipation of the money? Just wondering...

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Specializes in CVICU, Burns, Trauma, BMT, Infection control.

Anyway there are 2 year to 4 year degrees to become an RN. Obviously with the 2 year assoc degree you can work sooner and start earning $$ but you'll need the 4 year degree anyway to become an CRNA. There's a lot of bedside nursing in the meantime to get the experience needed to get to be an advanced practice nurse.

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Just search for pay and schools of nursing on the internet, same for anesthetist schools. you can be either AA or BSN, pay is not so different. You have to work ICU for a couple of years before you can get into A school. Good luck.

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Specializes in Acute Care.

Nursing is a rewarding career, but if you anticipate making a lot of money, chances are you won't succeed OR won't like your job. Most people who go into nursing for the money end up switching majors or switching careers.

I currently work 3 12-hr shifts per week. I might be able to fudge a 4th shift if I really wanted to for overtime, but 12 hour shifts in themselves are exhausting enough!!

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Money was one reason but not the main. When I was younger there were a couple of professions I wanted to do but I didn't think as a male they were favorable and nursing is one of them...but now that times have changed I want to explore nursing. I always wanted to work in a hospital and the uniforms are awesome too. I enjoy helping people and figure a male would be a nice change of pace in some settings as well

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in most schools for crna you have to have a BS plus work in icu for a set time as noted in previous post, and many icus will require some floor experience before staffing

however you might opt to go for ad degree so that you can determine if this is what you really want

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Just search for pay and schools of nursing on the internet, same for anesthetist schools. you can be either AA or BSN, pay is not so different. You have to work ICU for a couple of years before you can get into A school. Good luck.

what do you mean I would have to work ICU before getting into a school? Do you mean for CRNA?

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....the uniforms are awesome too.

OMG!!!!!LM*O!!!!

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Specializes in CVICU, Burns, Trauma, BMT, Infection control.

OMG!!!!!LM*O!!!!

:yeahthat:

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OMG!!!!!LM*O!!!!

Yeah I thought that would make some of you guys laugh.....unfortunately money and the need to help is what motivates people.

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what do you mean I would have to work ICU before getting into a school? Do you mean for CRNA?

Yes, that is what Vito meant.

To be a CRNA you generally must have a bachelors degree and 3-5 years ICU experience.

Research local CRNA schools to find specifics.

Here are some links to CRNA programs in NJ

http://sn.umdnj.edu/academics/masters/nurseanesthesia/index.html

http://www.drexel.edu/cnhp/nursing/grad_msn_na.asp

Good luck- and make sure you're going into this for the love of the field, not the big paycheck!:nurse:

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