Need nursing career path advice!!!

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Hello,

I'm pretty confused as to what the best course of action I should take in order to get into the nursing field. I would ultimately like to become either a CRNA or NP.

Here is my history:

I am a 22 year old male living in Michigan. I would like to stay in the Michigan area, due to family. I have very little money, but am willing to spend whatever I have to in order to get into a school that will allow me to meet my goals. I am currently going to Michigan State University for a Bachelor's degree in Human Biology, this is my final semester. My last two semesters, I have kicked it in gear, and will receive 4.0s in all of my coursework, however, my cumulative GPA will most likely be 2.8-3.0. I am a Certified Nurse Assistant, and have about 9 months of experience. I am also taking classes at Lansing Community College, and will graduate from the EMT-Basic program with a 4.0 this semester.

I am having trouble deciding what I should do. I waited so long to decide these things because I thought I wanted to become a PA. I was a bit turned off to PA-school the more I realized what RNs can do. I'm working in the ER during my clinicals, and love what the ER Nurses do.

I would like to have started the accelerated BSN program at MSU, but never took NUR 300, one of the pre-requisites. I want through school as soon as possible, and although my GPA doesn't back me up, I am very much able to take extremely accelerated courses.

Here are the options I could find, considering my GPA:

1. I find an accelerated second degree program to obtain my BSN on top of my BS in Human Biology, work as an RN, and go to grad school to become a CRNA or LP when I can. (Does anyone know of an accelerated program that would accept me?)

2. Get my associates degree as an RN, apply to an RN-to-BSN program, work as an RN, and go to grad school to become a CRNA or LP when I can. (This seems like it would take alot of time to do, so I would like to avoid it, if possible)

I need to find the most prestigious program to get accepted into in order to be competitive for a CRNA or LP program. This seems to be pretty difficult because most of the programs I've looked at require a 3.0 minimum. I also would very much like to start my career as soon as possible, no matter how much work it takes. I have very good work ethic, and should be able to get great references to apply to the CRNA or LP programs.

I really don't know what the best option would be, or if I have other options please let me know. I am very open to opinions, so if you have any advice at all as to what I should do I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you very much for your time, I really don't know what to do, and need to find out soon!

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I would say that either route would work, but just make sure that whatever RN program that you choose, you keep your GPA high. This is what will help you get into a masters program.

There are also programs that have an RN-MSN.

I am about to graduate with an associates in nursing and my long term goal is to become an NP. I also wanted to do it as quickly as possible, but in reality, working as an RN for as long as it takes me to complete my masters, will be invaluable experience.

There is a lot more to being a nurse than nursing school teaches you, and I am starting to think that going through a rapid program and popping out an NP at the other side with little to no experience will only be a disservice to myself, my practice, and my patients.

Good luck to you!!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I recommend the easiest, fastest, cheapest way to get your RN license. Then worry about CRNA after that. Looking too far ahead causes confusion. One goal at a time.

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Specializes in mental health, military nursing.

Don't get hung up on school name - nursing grad schools aren't preoccupied with names, as most nurses come from (initially, at least) community colleges or hospital programs. What I would focus on is externship experience, volunteer work, membership and participation in professional organizations, and other leadership activities.

I'd go for the accelerated BSN program - since you already will have a BS, it will be more your speed than starting an ADN program. Good luck, and don't be in too big of a hurry... part of the fun is in the journey ;-)

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Thank you for the advice! Figuring out what I want to commit to is pretty stressful, and I appreciate the insight.

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