Is it CNA,then LPN, then RN??

Lovely_RN, MSN · Sep 30, 2009

There is no order it's really about what your goals are and having the means to achieve them.

lina.561 · Sep 30, 2009

Ok thanks Bronx_RN for the reply, I thought maybe If I jumped into the LPN program I'd get a little confused, maybe starting out a little lower would help..I dont know, is CNA lower? I'm not really sure, but I'd like to get into LPN.

caliotter3 · Sep 30, 2009

Do your research first. You might want to aim for an RN program. There are reasons for that. Save time and money. Getting a CNA certificate as your first step has advantages. For some nursing programs it is a requirement before you apply. For other nursing programs you will get points in the application process if you get a CNA certificate. You can earn money and get exposed to the medical field before nursing school. These are just some of the considerations. Perhaps you might want to become a CNA and do that kind of work for an entire career. There are few people who do that but they do exist. You might want to aim for becoming a nurse practitioner. There are entry level MSN programs available. It is just up to you where you want to enter the swim and how far you want to go.

Lovely_RN, MSN · Sep 30, 2009

This site may be helpful in describing the differences between CNA/LPN/RN. This link is for RN but you can scroll the bottom of the page for links to other titles in healthcare.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm

lina.561 · Sep 30, 2009

What is MSN program? Im sorry...

caliotter3 · Sep 30, 2009

Master of Science in Nursing. The degree you would get after a BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. There are some programs where you enter with the goal of MSN. You obtain the BSN along the way and some will allow you to exit the program after BSN if you choose to. There are pros and cons to this type of program. If you do some reading in the general students area of the site you can find plenty to help you gain an understanding of what is available. Also suggest you make an appointment to speak to a nursing advisor at a local nursing school. They can clue you in on a lot. Good luck with your career aspirations.

nohika · Sep 30, 2009

MSN is Masters in Nursing. ^^ There are entry-level masters programs for those that already have a bachelor's.

marioSN · Sep 30, 2009

As someone who is changing careers, I just finished a CNA course, and my certification test is in a couple weeks. I like this path because of the experience I will get while working my way to RN (with a goal of MSN down the road).

I wasn't thinking about LPN too much, but after reading this I'm pretty sure I'm taking a good path. I know that at least here in PA (I'm sure other places too) will let you work as a nurse aide if you are a nursing student, so that can also work.

I've been warned about one school around here which is easy to get in for nursing, but some people wait up to 2 years to get into clinicals because they don't have enough space (about 60 people per 120 each semester), so that might be something to look at when looking at schools.

lina.561 · Sep 30, 2009

I am surfing for good schools that offer the CNA program here in West Palm FL. Does anyone know of a good school? what kind of school did you go to mmarsula?

marioSN · Sep 30, 2009

For CNA, I just went to the local community college (Harrisburg Area Community College). They offered a program every couple of weeks, and the program took 14 days (about 8 hours each day). It was quick but intensive. It cost about $600, but a nursing facility is required by law to reimburse the cost of training as well as the certification test through the Red Cross (a little over $100 here).

Looking at the school you mentioned in Palm Beach, they have a Patient Care Assistant program which includes training for Nurse Aide, Patient Care Assisting, and Home Health Aide. That seems to take 3.5 months:

http://www.pbcc.edu/x3223.xml?id=76

Murse901, MSN, RN · Sep 30, 2009

If it were me, and I *had* to have something under my belt before getting LPN or RN, I'd go the EMT route instead of CNA. You will get more experience in assessment and treatment of patients (even on routine dialysis runs) than you will as a CNA.

Being an CNA will expose you to the hospital environment and politics, but in my opinion doesn't really prepare you for the technical aspects of nursing.

Also, you'll make a little more money as an EMT (in most cases) and if you get on with a larger agency, you may be able to make your own hours, which will work well with school.

As a side note, since you're in Florida -- an RN with an EMT-B license can challenge the Paramedic boards (for FL only). Something to think about if you're interested in critical care.