How should I become an RN?

VivaLaVespaGirl, BSN, MSN · May 13, 2014

Hi Amandax:

Unless you are trying to get into a 4 year BSN program, you will have to take the prerequisite classes whether you get your CNA or not. If getting a CNA for you right now would be a hardship due to the initial cost as well as time lost from work, then I would just focus on getting the prereqs done as you can generally complete those online or during the evening which will likely work much better with your schedule. Additionally, you may be eligible for financial aid to help offset those costs.

I would also take a look at the nursing programs in your area to determine their admission requirements. Are they on a point scale and do you get a significant amount of points for a CNA license as well as CNA hours? Call admissions to ask them how much a CNA would benefit you as well as how to be as competitive an applicant as possible. If getting your CNA is not a huge benefit in those programs, then just focus on your prerequisites. Do your best to get A's, and get some volunteer experience if you can and focus on otherwise being a competitive applicant.

Good luck on your journey!

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · May 13, 2014

Is there only one program offered in your area? If not, I would look into the other programs as well and speak with each school's advisors about the prereqs for each program. Look into taking prereqs at your local CC: it will help with the costs, but make sure that the credits will transfer over if you're applying to a different school for the RN program. You can also apply to an LPN program and become an LPN and work to earn some money, while doing an LPN to RN bridge program. But make sure that the job market in your area is LPN-friendly. There are some areas that are starting to phase out hiring LPNs. I hope this information helps.

amandax · May 13, 2014

Thank you for your replies.

@VivaLaVespaGirl - Yes, my college goes by a point system based on your GPA and NLN test score. They give you additional preference/points if you have a LPN License, but nothing if you have your CNA. So really, I don't think the CNA would help me much into getting into a RN program, it would just be for health care experience and more income towards the RN program.

@cracklepop - Yes, there is only 1 state college in my area. I can take my pre reqs and the program both at the same place, they also offer a BSN program there, because I don't plan to transfer to a University. Also, my college does not offer any bridge programs whatsoever, so I would have to be careful in making a decision as to what program I'm going to chose.

Is it a bad idea to head straight for a BSN without any type of health care experience? I'm just worried about the future and that it may look bad on my resume.

RunBabyRN · May 13, 2014

CNA experience would at least serve you well in knowing what nursing is really like, and having some of those basic skills down, allowing you to focus more on the harder stuff. It can also help you (if you're smart about it) to create good connections that will help you when the time comes to look for a nurse position. Are there any other places to take the CNA course, where it might be less expensive? CNA would give you better experience than volunteering, as volunteers don't get to any real patient care.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with going straight for your BSN. That's what many of us have done, myself included. You can start going for your prereqs now. Are there any grants and scholarships available to you? Swing by the financial aid office at your school.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · May 13, 2014

Does any school require healthcare or volunteer experience in order to apply to the nursing program? In my area, none do although some are now requiring the CNA class in order to apply. 1,500 seems sort of expensive for the class though. It averages around 300-800 here. Also, usually there is a handful that offer night or weekend options, you just have to search for them.

If the program does not require the CNA, I would try to get straight into the program. Most students do not have healthcare experience. The program I graduated instituted a CNA policy where they required the students to take the class without having to take the exam.

I personally don't recommend taking the pre-reqs and the program at the same time unless it is reasonable. My community college "offered" that option with the waiting list but it turned out to be about 18-20 credit hours each semester. It would end up being about 30-40 contact hours each semester because of the nursing classes usually had a lab component, extra things for the students to do, or clinicals. In that case, will you actually be able to work and do the classes at the same time? It is better to add an extra year to get the classwork done then to risk failing a class and failing out of the program. Also, if you do poorly in some of the pre-reqs that are listed for that semester, then you cannot register for the classes the next semester. Like let's say Anatomy I is listed with med surg I and English. If you do poorly in anatomy I such as a D, you may not be able to continue on in the nursing program till you have a C or better.

There is nothing wrong with heading for a BSN right away.

amandax · May 13, 2014

@applesxoranges - Hi and thanks for your reply. My college doesn't require any health care experience (they do however give extra points and preference to people who are LPN'S.) Should I maybe look into becoming an LPN before an RN? I just think that would take up a lot of time and more money. The only reason I was thinking about becoming a CNA is mainly to get some experience and prepare myself more for school. I also think it would look better on a resume in the future for a RN position as opposed to having no experience at all. Maybe I'm just thinking too far ahead of myself

What do they look for in someone/a resume when hiring an RN? I would have thought that they would only look for people who have either CNA or LPN, even volunteering experience at least. If you don't mind, could you share some tips or personal experiences on how you guys successfully got an RN job as a new grad? I really want to become a nurse and will do anything I possibly can to reach my goal. Thanks so much everyone.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · May 13, 2014

If money is an issue, then do not get a LPN or CNA certification. Once you get into nursing school and complete your first semester with a clinical course you should be able to apply for student nurse intern positions at the hospital. This will give you health care experience and give you an advantage in employment when you graduate since you are already an employee.

The first thing you need to do is apply and get accepted into the school you want to attend for your BSN. Take all the required pre-req courses and get as good as grades as possible. Most nursing schools are highly competitive and you need as many points as possible.

Episteme · May 13, 2014

I have found that CNA's and LPN's have a tough time changing the way they must think to be RN's. I've never noted either to be a predictor of success.

Lotsa people are doing this on loans.

What are the stats on your school and the % of graduates who are gainfully employed 6 months post graduation? That data is supposed to be public. If you take out loans, you want to make sure that you can get a paying job ASAP.

VivaLaVespaGirl, BSN, MSN · May 14, 2014

What are the stats on your school and the % of graduates who are gainfully employed 6 months post graduation? That data is supposed to be public. If you take out loans, you want to make sure that you can get a paying job ASAP.

Episteme: Where does one begin to look for this information? I have actually searched for it for my university and asked about it at our nursing school orientation.

Thanks!

Episteme · May 14, 2014

Try the state board. I know the information is given to them... and of course they keep information on % of students that pass NCLEX on their first try.

We also are monitored on this stuff (and have to keep records) by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN.) It used to be the NLNAC. These are the people who accredit ADN programs.

If the school is a BSN program, I think the accreditation is done by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

These bodies are the ones we have to submit the data to. I am not sure they are obligated to give it to the public. BUT...

Your State Board of Nursing is there to serve the public. You are certainly part of the public! And they usually have a public (non-nurse) member. That's where you might go first.

Peanut&Buttercup · May 14, 2014

In my state, employers may be required to reimburse you for the CNA course. Basically, I think the first place you work for for 90 days (if within a year of taking the course), must pay. You might want to check if your state has something similar.