I really need your advice. PLEASE!

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Specializes in Im interested in ob,L&D, crna, and np.

Hey everyone,

I've been kind of confused about where to start. I wanted to go straight in to an RN program. Now Im thinking about applying to an LPN program this spring. My cousin is in a RN program, but started off as a Lpn. She said it would be better to start as a lpn to get a lot of experience.

So do you guys agree? Do you think I should start off as a lpn? I wouldn't mind doing the lpn, but the only thing I hate is that you have to have a year of experience as a lpn before applying to the LPN-RN bridge program.

I want to be a crna or np before Im 28. If I do the lpn will it be possible for me to become a crna or np before 28? I just really need your help on this. I need some nurses,students nurses and you that are just interested in nursing opinions instead of people who are not in nursing. I would really appreciate any advice you give me. Thanks:)

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Since RN licensure is a prerequisite to becoming a CRNA or NP, it might be best if you went straight for your RN. Life happens, and many of us who became LPNs have never been able to transition to the RN designation as quickly as we'd like. Some people have remained LPNs for many years before bridging to the RN due to unforeseen circumstances.

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not every school requires a year exp as an LPN to do the transition program. You may want to double check on that.

If you can afford to just go straight through school, IMO, you should. Too many things can get in the way when you have to take baby steps. I speak from experience, having had to stop and start school 3 times when I was younger due to it being too much with work and a child and financial obligations.

I would say that in order to get your CRNA you will need atleast one year of acute care as an RN, so getting your Associates RN and then working as an RN while getting your BSN might be a good way to go, but I would skip the LPN if I didn't need the money and absolutely HAVE to work my way through.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Heme/Onc.

If your ultimate goal is to become a CRNA, I'd start right off with the BSN if possible. This way, when you are getting your ICU experience you can do it without having a full courseload.

Blee

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Specializes in LTC/MDS/PPS.

I don't mind being an example here...I started my RN program in 1998 after having been a LVN for over 10 years...I'm finishing it in (I hope) Jan 09..and yeah I've started it over more than once. Stay in school if you possible can, life's rough.

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You're 20 now, and your goal is to become a CRNA by 28? CNRA programs are 2-3 years, so you should start one by 25. You need a minimum of one year of ICU experience before applying, and some programs require two. You also may not be able to start immediately in an ICU upon graduation - some hospitals require all new grads to do 6-8 months of med-surg, and ICU internship programs can be very competitive. Therefore, you'd want to graduate nursing school by 23. If you take the time to become an LPN and work for a year before bridging, you'll barely have your ADN at 23. And that's only if you're already completed all prereqs. If you don't actually want to work as an LPN, you aren't going to gain any of the valuable experience your cousin is recommending. You're going to need a bachelor's degree for almost every CRNA program out there, and many require a BSN. I would recommend going straight for your BSN if that's a possibility for you financially, if not get your ADN now and work on getting ICU experience while you transition to BSN. While there is nothing wrong with becoming an LPN first, you shouldn't earn a degree you have no real desire to use when it won't really help you on your way to becoming a CRNA.

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Specializes in ICU.

All great advice, but one thing that people are leaving out that I personally found invaluable is to work as tech (aide) while in school. You won't be an LVN, but nurses love working with techs who are in nursing school and you will learn an amazing amount. I thought of it as extended clinicals and treated it as such. This also helped me to get into the ICU right out of school (ADN).

Hope this helps!

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Since RN licensure is a prerequisite to becoming a CRNA or NP, it might be best if you went straight for your RN. Life happens, and many of us who became LPNs have never been able to transition to the RN designation as quickly as we'd like. Some people have remained LPNs for many years before bridging to the RN due to unforeseen circumstances.

You are so right! Life does happen. Many other (important) things derailed me for a time but I am still going for my RN at 41. Please go right for it because although I am sure I'm sharp mentally, staying up all night studying is way too hard! :banghead:

Go for it!! You can do it. Plus, why add those extra years of school? Granted, experience is great, but the constant studying can burn you out.

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I have been a LPN for six years and am currently in my 3rd semester of RN school I am 27 years old and if I had it to do over again I would have just done my RN from the beginning. I glad for my experience, however now I'm ready to have children and have to wait until I finish my last year of school. Go for it and get movinf toward the CRNA!!

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SKIP THE LPN AND GO FOR THE RN ( REAL NURSE) :-) SINCE IT'S A MAJOR REQUIRMENT TO BECOME CRNA/PN. WHY ? WASTE YOUR TIME?:loveya:

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
SKIP THE LPN AND GO FOR THE RN ( REAL NURSE) :-) SINCE IT'S A MAJOR REQUIRMENT TO BECOME CRNA/PN. WHY ? WASTE YOUR TIME?

Well LPN's are Real Nurses but they do not have a college degree. If you plan to be a CRNA you will definately want to go ahead and persue your RN. You'll get plenty of practice being an RN and get paid more for doing it. I don't think spending time/money getting your LPN first would be a wise move. Best of Luck! :nurse:

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Well LPN's are Real Nurses but they do not have a college degree. If you plan to be a CRNA you will definately want to go ahead and persue your RN. You'll get plenty of practice being an RN and get paid more for doing it. I don't think spending time/money getting your LPN first would be a wise move. Best of Luck! :nurse:

RNs HAVE A DEGREE 2 OR 4 YEAR DEGREE A REAL EDUCATION IN PROVIDING HEALTH CARE.

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