New and dont know what to do....

Hope7 · Mar 30, 2004

Hello everyone my name is Danielle, I'm from Cincinnati, ohio i'm still in high school but i'm doing some research...like where do i start to become a RN. Do i have to become an LPN first...if so how do i go about that road...any advice would be soo great!!

Thanks
danielle

It isn't necessary to become an LVN/LPN before becoming an RN. First, you need to select the type of nursing program you want to attend; 2 yr or 4 yr program. Next, write or call the school and request a catalog. Finally, apply to the school of your choice. You may want to select more than one school. Good luck!

LPN2BSN · Mar 31, 2004

What kind of nursing interest you? Ohio has a pretty narrow scope of practice for LPN's. I am an LPN going to school to get my BSN.

You can get a 2 year ADN degree or a 4 year BSN degree. Living up in Cincy you have numerous schools at your disposal that would offer good programs. My suggestion is to either talk to some nurses you know or the school guidance counselor and see what fits you best. You could also volunteer at a local hospital to get in there and see what a nurse does.

I went the LPN route because I wanted to get out in the workforce ASAP, plus I wasn't sure I wanted to be a nurse and I figured that wouldn't be too much of a waste if I didn't like it. turns out I love being a nurse.. :)

unknown99, BSN, RN · Apr 1, 2004

No, you do not have to be an LPN first. The way I did it though, was:

I was a CNA for 5 years, then an LPN for 19 years, and will graduate this June with my ADN/RN.

I am so glad I went about it this way first. It made it so much easier for me.

Goodluck to you in whatever you choose to do!!!

RansS10princess · Apr 2, 2004

I still have no idea...i just want the quickest way to get there so i can actually work one on one with someone but i also want something cheap or have someone pay for it...cuz i heard some places do that...like pay for you to go to school while you work there and have a contract with them to work there for so long or something i dunno yet i'm sooo lost

AmyLiz · Apr 3, 2004

Look around...you may be able to find a position somewhere as a nurse aid, receptionist, or even dialysis technicican (that's what I'm doing now...they'll train you). Then many places will pay for your schooling. It'll give you experience too. I'm working for a dialysis center & the hospital is going to pay for all of my nursing school and books. It's a great gig. Plus, I've got my foot in the door with an excellent facility.

RansS10princess · Apr 4, 2004

Look around...you may be able to find a position somewhere as a nurse aid, receptionist, or even dialysis technicican (that's what I'm doing now...they'll train you). Then many places will pay for your schooling. It'll give you experience too. I'm working for a dialysis center & the hospital is going to pay for all of my nursing school and books. It's a great gig. Plus, I've got my foot in the door with an excellent facility.

See that's what i'm trying to look for since i dont have money to pay for schooling myself. How can i go about that path?

Thanks

AmyLiz · Apr 5, 2004

If you're interested in doing CNA work, try contacting nursing homes, or look at their websites for job postings if they have them (hospitals are good for this too...most have up to date job postings on their sites). Check with hospitals for possible dialysis jobs as well. There are a few independent dialysis clinics around you could check with too. Davita is one that a friend of mine works for & he told me that they pay for his school too (he just has to stay with them for a couple years after he graduates as an RN). Their website is http://www.davita.com. They've got job postings on their site & I know for a fact that they've got a center in Cincinnati (and last I looked, they had a posting for a dialysis technician for that facility too).

RansS10princess · Apr 5, 2004

If you're interested in doing CNA work, try contacting nursing homes, or look at their websites for job postings if they have them (hospitals are good for this too...most have up to date job postings on their sites). Check with hospitals for possible dialysis jobs as well. There are a few independent dialysis clinics around you could check with too. Davita is one that a friend of mine works for & he told me that they pay for his school too (he just has to stay with them for a couple years after he graduates as an RN). Their website is www.davita.com. They've got job postings on their site & I know for a fact that they've got a center in Cincinnati (and last I looked, they had a posting for a dialysis technician for that facility too).

Do you know if i did anything with Davita do i need any experience/schooling or do they start me off at entry level?

Thanks

AmyLiz · Apr 5, 2004

From what my friend says, you don't really need experience...they'll train you to do everything you need to know how to do. The only thing I think you do need is to be certified in CPR, which isn't too much of a problem to get if you're not. All you have to do is call up the Red Cross or your local fire department & you can get set up that way.

Basically, they'll start you out as a tech trainee or something like that, then teach you what you need to know. After a year working there, you can sit for a certification exam & become an OCDT (Ohio Certified Dialysis Technician) and that gets you a promotion and a raise usually.