If I want to become a RN, what's the best path?

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If I want to become a RN, what path should I take?

From what I read, there are three paths I could take to become a RN.

I could take the required prerequisite courses for a nursing school at a community college and then try to get in a nursing school to get an associate or bachelor's degree for a RN.

Or I could become a LVN and then take a LVN to RN bridge program.

I really want to avoid the high gpa requirements needed for prerequisite courses before going to nursing school. My high school gpa was about 1.3 to 1.4. I was so lucky to get my high school diploma, I got only one C out of 7 classes I was taking during my last semester there!

Anyways, I got a few questions about the LVN to RN bridge program. I live in orange county and was wondering if the prerequisite courses required to become a ADN/BSN apply to the LVN to RN bridge? I hear that a GPA of at least 3.6+ needs to be obtained to even hope being accepted at a nursing school. If prerequisite courses are required for the LVN to RN bridge then would I still have to get a very high GPA on the prerequisite courses?

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You may not like this answer, but in all honesty, THE LAST THING I'd want is someone who can't even graduate high school with a C average putting medicine in my I.V. or managing Medications for people... I would recommend you look into a different line of work, there are certain types of people who should and shouldn't do certain types of jobs... high school isn't hard, struggling with it shows two things, lack of effort, and lack of responsibility. I don't want my life in the hands of that type of person... and to be honest, if you struggled with high school then there's no way come hell or high water you'd be able to pass the certification test (even if you made it through the nursing program, which you wouldn't)... nursing school is a lot of work, a lot harder than high school.

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Yes, low HS GPA may be a product of lack of effort and poor concept of responsibility.

But I have heard and read too many stories of ppl who 'got it together' after high school, later becoming high achievers in their field, to totally discount low HS grades as the whole picture, end of story.

hcer4507, if you are determined to enter the field of nursing, I suggest you take a few of the prerequisites and see how you do.

Perhaps start out with one or two classes at a community college.

Learn to study, to apply yourself.

Work for what you want.

Good luck to you.

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high school for me was a joke.....at least where i went..... i also have a buddy of mine who got a 2.1 overall... and he is now attending USC med. school this quarter.......

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I never saw an A in high school and then when I cared about school I did very well. Don't let that stop you. Forget high school. If u want it, you'll get it. NS is insanely hard b/c of the pace. It is so fast. Learn ratio and purportions well, learn the computer..in fact maybe take a class in business computers. That held me back. If your young they will like you. Know the nursing math and the computer very well and that will give you an edge as I see it.

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Specializes in NICU.

Although I understand what Trav83 is saying, I too agree that people can get themselves together after high school. That said, I don't think you're ready to apply to nursing school quite yet. I think you should get yourself into a community college and just take some basic courses. Show yourself that you're capable of getting better grades. Take whatever you want, but make sure to take some science and math courses too because you'll undoubtedly need something of the sort to take nursing school pre-reqs. It sounds like you a long ways to go, but I don't think becoming a nurse is impossible for you.

If you're up for it, try volunteering at a hospital as well. Many places like 6 month commitments for that kind of gig, so that may be a good test to see if working in health care would be a good fit for you

hah, i just realized this is kind of an old thread...

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If I want to become a RN, what path should I take?

From what I read, there are three paths I could take to become a RN.

I could take the required prerequisite courses for a nursing school at a community college and then try to get in a nursing school to get an associate or bachelor's degree for a RN.

Or I could become a LVN and then take a LVN to RN bridge program.

I really want to avoid the high gpa requirements needed for prerequisite courses before going to nursing school. My high school gpa was about 1.3 to 1.4. I was so lucky to get my high school diploma, I got only one C out of 7 classes I was taking during my last semester there!

Anyways, I got a few questions about the LVN to RN bridge program. I live in orange county and was wondering if the prerequisite courses required to become a ADN/BSN apply to the LVN to RN bridge? I hear that a GPA of at least 3.6+ needs to be obtained to even hope being accepted at a nursing school. If prerequisite courses are required for the LVN to RN bridge then would I still have to get a very high GPA on the prerequisite courses?

Do not let anyone tell you any different!

I've known people who dropped out from HS, were involved in drugs and had to take the GED to complete HS. These folks turned their lives around and got it together. One became a RN and the other is completing her PhD in Marine Biology at UCLA.

IF YOU WANT IT, YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN

NOW, keep in mind these folks found determination and understood the concept of hard work. Be prepared to work harder than most people that are going to be around you. Surround yourself with people who will respect your decisions and won't apply "peer-pressure" to do things that are not going to help you any.

Stay focused and understand it will be a long process and commit to it.

I wish you the best of luck :up:

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