I need some help

[phillykixx17]

Okay so I am a high school junior and I was recently pulled into my guidance office the other day and we had the talk about college .. i knew for a while know that i want to go into nursing school but I don't know where to start ... i have been looking at many schools but i am unsure if i should go to a school with an ASN program where you can work and continue towards a BSN or just go right to the BSN program ... Also I was interested in Thomas Jefferson but I hear you have to complete pre re work before you can start your classes and everything .. along with that the question of, will i have to take a year off of school and complete pre reqs before i can even go into nursing school or is that just some of the schools ?? this is really hard to figure out and i was just needed some help and my counselor was really no help lol .. but also if someone could suggest some schools for me to look at that would be great ... i have a pretty good GPA unweighted of 3.4 and i am a male and plan on doing the allied health program at our school .. again any help or advice would be great THANKS !!!

[annaedRN, RN]

I think the allied health program at your school is a good idea - it will give you a better idea of how things really work. As far as college, I don't know if there is a "best" way. Getting your associates at a community college is the way the largest percentage of nurses get their degree. You often want to become an RN and need to do it locally, faster ,and cheaper than for your BSN. But if you are able to go to a 4 yr school and get your BSN - you might as well do it. Having your BSN gives you a few more opportunities ( for certification, management, going for your MSN, etc). Either way, you are an RN! As far as some of the online schools - you usually need a license already, LPN or RN. So, you could get your ASN locally then use Thomas Jefferson, Excelsior, etc to achieve your BSN. Hope that helps. Also, a BSN is done in 4 yrs...often the ASN takes longer than the projected 2 yrs because you need the prereqs done in order to apply to the nursing program part -so by the time you "get in" to the program it could easily be 4 yrs until you are done ( it is alot cheaper though if you are having to pay for it yourself)

[wearingmanyhats, RN]

I am an LPN, and from where I stand, I would reccomend starting with working as a CNA, the go for LPN, then your RN(BSN if that is where you finally want to be)

Doing it this way, you are always able to work as you learn, and each step earns you better pay. Also, many facilities will help you move up the ladder with assistance paying for your education.

Good Luck!! It is a tough job, but there will be many times when you truly feel appreciated.

F

[rncu0918]

I would reccomend starting with working as a CNA, the go for LPN, then your RN

I respectfully disagree with Faye. I do not think it is wise to go from CNA to LPN to RN.

If, through your high school allied health program, you can become a CNA, that is wonderful - especially if you must work while you go through nursing school.

However, if your goal is to become an RN, I can see no reason to become an LPN first. This suggests that the transition from LPN to RN is like that of Asst. Mgr. to Mgr. In actuality, while there are many similarities between LPNs and RNs, they do have distinctly different roles in the workplace. As such, their educational preparation, earning potential, and scope of practice are quite different.

A position of Licensed Practical Nurse is deserving of respect, but I do not believe it is practical or wise to use it as a stepping stone toward becoming a Registered Nurse.