Not sure where to start?

Your teacher gave you good advice. Get certified, work as a CNA, and start taking classes at your community college. Talk to an advisor for nursing to figure out the best way to sequence your classes and get into the nursing program. You can get there, you just won't do it in five minutes. It will take time. Community college is much more affordable than university and for nursing education, I don't see the point of spending more. (Spend the money later on your RN-BSN program.) By working, you can pay some of your tuition yourself and minimize debt, or if you can get financial aid to cover all costs, you can start saving money and build yourself an awesome nest egg. Is continuing to live with your parents an option? You'd be much more able to save money if you do, even if they want you to contribute to household expenses.

Schedule a meeting with an advisor at the community college. Talk to them about the best course to take in order to get into the program. Some programs look at candidates with previous healthcare experience as a better fit for the program, so it may not be a bad idea to take a CNA course and start working. Good luck!

I agree with your counselor and the two previous commenters. I would take the CNA course and try to get a job at your desired hospital, if possible. Start taking nursing prerequisites at your local community college (CCs are SOOO much cheaper than universities, and professors are usually a little more in touch with reality... I.e. You are taking other classes than theirs and probably have a life outside of classes too). Check the degree program online and double check with your nursing advisor that you aren't taking unnecessary classes for your prereqs... Each college is different. Plus, if you get your RN from a community college most hospitals will pay for you to complete your RN-BSN, or at least a good portion of it... And a lot of universities have an online program, making it easier for you to complete while working. Bonus, some universities have a RN-MSN program if you are looking into advanced nursing.

Your counselor gave you good advice and it boils down to where you are. Starting your nursing career as a CNA is a great way of getting yourself exposed to how nurses work on the floor, and giving basic care to the clients you serve. Never feel that you are not smart enough you are just as capable of doing whatever you choose. We are only limited by what we think in our heads. If taking several stages to become a RN feels right for you then go for it. Learn from all those nurses you will be working with. I was a LVN before I became a RN I can say it really gave me a solid foundation.

Working as a CNA is good health care experience and gives one a taste of nursing and let's be honest, exposure to real live patients and their bodily fluids! The latter can make or break people so it would be a good idea to get some exposure. No pun intended. It would do you well to learn about accreditation and if the school you're looking at has it, along with their NCLEX pass rate. If it's not accredited then run! Also look at what the nursing schools in your area want for a successful candidate such as the wanted scores for such tests as the TEAS or HESI. Each school is different in what they look for when sorting through potential candidates so do your homework. Some will get wait-listed and some will get chosen the first time around, I personally got chosen the first time around while others waited up to 2 years or more for a chance. Always, always stay humble but don't do yourself a disservice and not believe in yourself either! Look at the market in your area to see what the trends are leaning towards for ADN's and BSN's because we are at a point in time where every advantage helps drive our job security and you may find the option to do the BSN instead (at a reasonable tuition price) will serve your individual needs better. I say this as a ASN to BSN nurse. Best of luck!

You guys are awesome!! This is why I love this place, it helps give me the courage I need! I've already talked about becoming a CNA by the end of this year, I'm just worried ahead of when I advance as an LPN, I still won't be accepted into getting my ADN, and then transfer over to a university for my BSN, or MSN (still debating on the hospital and if they'll help me).