Lost on how to get started with an RN degree.

[whippersnapper]

Hi everyone! I'm currently a high school student finishing up my third and last year of high school(I took the path to graduate a year ahead). I was accepted to what seemed like my 'dream' college...until I woke up to reality, re-evaluated what I needed and wanted, and after some soul-searching, I decided that I wanted to become a nurse. Not to give my life story, but I've had more than my fair share of stints in the hospital, and it was always the nurses who took the best care of me and my family. I want to be able to do that for someone ill and their family, plus the ever-growing demand for nurses compared to doctors is

-incredibly- lucrative. But the thing is: I am utterly lost on where to start. I have very good grades (A average) I did an over-abundance of extra-curriculars, volunteer hours, AP classes; the works. It's May, and I'm sitting at my computer, plethora of tabs open on schools for ADN, BSN, diplomas, LPN, waiting lists, entrance testing. I feel like I need a lobotomy. So I come to ask you, allnurses.com, any advice for this young but determined girl? I was looking into a quick LPN program so I can get my feet wet and bring some money in, and jump into an RN program. Yes, no? Sorry if my question is rather vague. Maybe some anecdotal stories of how you got started in nursing?

[jxRN]

That's great news you want to become a nurse!

I was there once! i started when i was 16 volunteered at a local hospital.. jumped around several universities and then realize i wanted to be a nurse.

I would go straight for RN.. but everyones different. I think you're capable of being a RN.. so why not! I would search for local nursing school.. in this economy, I would go for the shortest route-- community colleges (2 year programs) and get a Associates degree in nursing. You can get out of college in 4 years ( 2 years nursing prereq, gen ed, and 2 years of nursing school),.. and then you will be fine and dandy with an associate degree becoming a RN..

After you start working, you can go back for your bachelors degree.

Reason is.. i'm in california right now. It took me 6 years to finish my bachelors degree.. 1 year i wasted jumping around school, 2 years pre-req, another 3 years of nursing school to become a RN. that's tooo long!! if i took the ADN route, I would've been out by 4, got 2 years of nursing experience by now, and skip on this poor economy..

Tip: while you're in nursing school.. you can actually become a CNA and make quick money this way. most nursing students do this and they actually get a solid base and foundation.

I would go for a less impacted nursing school. What's happening now is that a lot of students go into a school hoping to get into a nursing program, but they end up being so impacted that they cant get in.. I would call around and see how impacted they are, how long are the waitlist after 2 years of general education. that way you have a good gauge of what to expect in 2 years.

I would search (state's name) Board of Registered Nursing. and you should find all the local names of approved programs in your area. for exp: California Board of RN.

goodluck!