Nursing Student Career Questions

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Hello, I'm a student with the ultimate career goal of becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner working in the NICU. I've done all prerequisites for both the LPN and RN programs at my local community college, but my questions are regarding whether or not I have any other options. There are several programs in the Springfield area, but most others are 4-year programs and I would be joining in halfway or having to repeat the two years altogether. There don't seem to be any advisors or mentoring programs for nurses that are not biased. Also, I was wondering about different paths to get my degrees. I'm a little confused as to whether it's better to get the LPN license first and then go back for the RN and BSN and NP. I'm currently taking a course for the CNA (not that it pertains to the subject).

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Specializes in Primary Care; Child Advocacy; Child Abuse; ED.

I would say go for your RN preferably BSN first, since you are going to you want to go further with your education. Why add years to your dream. I understand where you are at, yes climbing from lpn, to adn, to bsn, and to msn will give you experience and knowledge. You will get experience after you finish school and you can to externships or student nurse work while you are in school. Good luck

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Specializes in NICU, High-Risk L&D, IBCLC.

I wouldn't even mess with the LPN if your goal is NICU. LPN are rarely used in the NICU anymore, period. I have only seen a handful of LPNs in the NICU, and they have all been there for years (grandfathered in) and can only take low-risk Level II patients (grower-feeders). If they were to leave, their positions would be replace with RNs.

Also, if you know that your ultimate goal is NNP, I would advise to complete your basic nursing education in a BSN program. The BSN is a prerequisite to entering any MSP/DNP program. It will cost more to go this route, but you will reach your goal much sooner than if you start with the ADN/ASN route.

Best of luck to you! I'm a NICU nurse myself - it's the best unit in the hospital! ;)

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Thank you both for the great information and advice! Do you know whether it's common for students to join a 4-year program that's already 2-years in?

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Specializes in NICU, High-Risk L&D, IBCLC.
Thank you both for the great information and advice! Do you know whether it's common for students to join a 4-year program that's already 2-years in?

Absolutely! I entered a 4-year BSN program after completing the first two years of prereqs at various community colleges (last two years of said BSN program were all nursing courses). You will want to check with the BSN programs in your area to be certain that this is an option for you, but it's definitely a common practice. You may face a waiting list, but that applies to any nursing program at this point.

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