Mapping the way (to registered nurse)

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Hi All!

I have been reading along in allnurses for over a year but just got the courage to post. I now find myself in a conundrum about the next best step in my nursing education. I have gone back and forth over whether to do the lpn first and transition over or just go straight to rn. I got my cna last summer and have been working as one and while I enjoy it its definately not my goal. I have wanted to be nurse for a while and must confess I am intimidated by how hard it seems to become one. A friend of a friend who is an advanced (master's) nurse suggested MA saying it was actually closer to a nurse than a cna, but today looking over the requirements for the ma course it looks like about the same amount of work as the rn (or at least the lpn)nso i wonder is it even worth it to persu an ma or should I just keep trudging with pre-recs and hope I can get into nursing school. I have done english, pre anatomy and physiology and am currently doing algebra and medical terminology. What would be best to do next?

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I don't recommend MA.

You could do LPN and bridge to Ran

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I don't recommend MA.

You could do LPN and bridge to RN

If you have no kids

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I don't recommend MA.

You could do LPN and bridge to RN

If you have no kids... go straight to RN.

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wow ... the AN app just glithed ... sorry... i sent it 3 times.

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I would just go for the RN. I would do that by finishing any required pre reqs. I think it helps that you are a CNA because not only will it look good on your resume but you have experience. Good luck!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I tried to post earlier...app glitches all day, and lots of editing I had to do...so here is my opinion:

A MA is NO WAY closer to being a nurse-LPN, or RN. If you want to be a nurse, you have a choice.

LPN: usually a 12-13+month program (my program was 13 months)...usually no prerequisites required. Learning nursing care and theory under the scope of a Practical Nurse. After completion, sit for the NCLEX-PN. Once licensed, work with a limited scope of nursing practice-varies by state...for example as a LPN in PA, I was able to manage central lines as a IV therapy certified LPN...the only restriction was blood products, Nutrition through a central line, and chemo...the scope has broadened recently, as well...but again, depends on the state...also the facility. If you bridge or go the BSN route, prerequisites are needed.

RN: Two year (Associate Degree Diploma/Hospital Based program) or or 4+ year (BSN) program. Encompasses prerequisites in Sciences, Mathematics, English Composition, and Arts and Humanities, including Philosophy, Ethics in 4 year program. Nursing care and Theory in the scope of a Registered Nurse, extends to Public Health, Research Nursing and Leadership Nursing in 4 year program. After completion, sit for the NCLEX-RN. After licensure scope covers LPN as well as chemo, blood products, assessment , leadership scope, etc. No nursing care limitations of practice.

I was a LPN for 7 years. I am a new grad RN now, completed BSN program. I will say I did a lot if the nursing care that can encompass a nurse due to licensing and facility requirements du to the areas I worked in...the BSN did strengthen the rationales of WHY this is essential to my practice, and helped me gain more strength in areas like critical care, leadership, Peds, public health, and helped me gain more knowledge in my assessment skills.

I don't know your personal life path, however, I will suggest that you research the professional scopes of both LPN and RN from your states board of nursing. I also request you research you area on what NURSE they are hiring...I say this with caution, because of the current economic situation, which may change, however, the BSN will put you at an advantage for career and future prospects should you desire to further your education in the nursing field. I know LPNs in my area who are having a hard time getting a job because of the overstaturation of ADN's and BSNs, which if you have a BSN, more chances they want to talk to the person with the bachelors before ANYONE else. Just do your due diligence, choose from accredited schools from the ACCN and the NLCC (I think that's the agencies) and price shop...you may have to apply for financial aid, so be aware if tuition costs as an undergrad-there is a limit...also, shop around for post-graduate help, like volunteer programs, student loan repayment programs, if you get loans. Those programs are for RNs and up...you don't get much help with nursing scholarships and loan repayment as a LPN.

Study hard, get help soon, join nursing groups early as a nursing student...they are a great source to help light the future's way.

So these are the suggestions that I have laid out for you...it is a process, if someone was able to do this for me 14 years ago, I may have been an RN BSN for 10 years, instead of LPN for 7, new grad for 7 months, I can't tell you if it would've made a difference...I've enjoyed the ride that my path has carved.It has made me a well rounded nurse and team member. From CNA, LPN, to RN, I really don't have ANY regrets. :)

Good Luck!!

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