Is it CNA,then LPN, then RN??

marktheawesome · Sep 30, 2009

Not all schools have an LPN option. They just push you through and in two or three years you have an RN and possibly BSN.

For example my program is an RN (non BSN) program. After the first year you are a GPN and I have a diploma for it. I can sit for the LPN boards if I come up with the money but I don't have to. From there you continue on for the RN which is one more year. After that I can transfer to a school which has an RN to BSN program. Typically that is another 9 months.

There ARE schools out there who ONLY accept if you have a CNA. There is one college in town that accepts on that basis and they do NOT have the GPN option. They just push you through a three year program for your RN BSN.

marioSN · 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.

That sounds like a really good option! I didn't think of that when I was making a my choice, but I just went with the availability of jobs in my area as support for making the switch.

flightnurse2b, LPN · Sep 30, 2009

PBCC does have a CNA and PCT program, which is always a good start if you want to get into nursing. i would say if time and money allow it, go for the RN. i know they offer it @ lake worth and belle glade. if not, you can do the LPN program there and they do offer the bridge program for LPN's and paramedics to RN in about a year---if it wasn't 90 miles from my house i'd be there!

Otessa, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2009

In our state you need to have CNA prior to applying to nursing colleges for RN.

esthomprn · Oct 1, 2009

Well I think it depends on you. If you are not sure if you want to be a nurse then you might want to be a CNA first and see how it is working 12 hour shift, working nights, working with others, patient care etc... If you are 100% sure you want to be a nurse, I personally would skip all that stuff and become an RN. If you KNOW you want to be an RN why waste your time and money being a CNA then LPN? Do you know how long you will be in school by doing that? I don't know about FL but in AR after going through your first semester of nursing school, you are considered a PCT/CNA and don't need to go through a class. If that is the case in FL then just do that. That way you can learn basic things while your in school. BUT if your short on cash for school and don't want to take out loans then I would be a CNA and work at a University Hospital so you can get a discount at school. In Little Rock, we have a hosptial that pays 90% off your tuition if you work full time for them and go to there university. Those are your options. Good luck!!!

lina.561 · Oct 1, 2009

Thanks Flightnurse2B & Esthomprn!!! I would love to just start in on the LPN program at PBCC. Im afraid I wont enter in because I don't have any education in medical. I called them yesterday, they said it would deff. help my chances if I had a CNA certificate. the lake worth location is where I'd be going.

Im sure I want to do nursing, Esthomprn, eventhough I'd have to get over my fear of needles. What was it like poking someone for the first time after you got your training? Thanks Guys!! this really helps.