amandax

@applesxoranges - Hi and thanks for your reply. My college doesn't require any health care experience (they do however give extra points and preference to people who are LPN'S.) Should I maybe look into becoming an LPN before an RN? I just think that would take up a lot of time and more money. The only reason I was thinking about becoming a CNA is mainly to get some experience and prepare myself more for school. I also think it would look better on a resume in the future for a RN position as opposed to having no experience at all. Maybe I'm just thinking too far ahead of myself What do they look for in someone/a resume when hiring an RN? I would have thought that they would only look for people who have either CNA or LPN, even volunteering experience at least. If you don't mind, could you share some tips or personal experiences on how you guys successfully got an RN job as a new grad? I really want to become a nurse and will do anything I possibly can to reach my goal. Thanks so much everyone.

Thank you for your replies. @VivaLaVespaGirl - Yes, my college goes by a point system based on your GPA and NLN test score. They give you additional preference/points if you have a LPN License, but nothing if you have your CNA. So really, I don't think the CNA would help me much into getting into a RN program, it would just be for health care experience and more income towards the RN program. @cracklepop - Yes, there is only 1 state college in my area. I can take my pre reqs and the program both at the same place, they also offer a BSN program there, because I don't plan to transfer to a University. Also, my college does not offer any bridge programs whatsoever, so I would have to be careful in making a decision as to what program I'm going to chose. Is it a bad idea to head straight for a BSN without any type of health care experience? I'm just worried about the future and that it may look bad on my resume.

Hey everyone, I've been reading on this site for a few months now and just recently decided to post on here. I'm sorry if my post is in the wrong category, I only had a couple of category choices and I didn't know which would be best for my topic. I have several questions/concerns. I really want to become an RN, it is my dream job...I just don't know where to start. I'm 19 going on 20, single and no children so I have a lot of options, but money is tight for me since I only work part time at a restaurant and I try to support myself the best I can. I thought about becoming a CNA first, it's an 8 week program and costs $1,500 which I think is a bit expensive. I would have to save up for a few months before I could attend the program. I would also need to find a way to work the CNA program around my work schedule since the classes are in the day mon-fri. I just started this restaurant job about 4 months ago so I can't really quit so soon. My RN program is also very competitive (no waiting list though, which is good). There is no guarantee I will get into the program after I complete the pre reqs, so I would like to have a 'back up plan'. I don't want to waste too much time, is it even worth the time and money to become a CNA and to work as one? Should I volunteer at a hospital instead to gain some health experience before trying to enter a RN program? Or I guess the most simple option would be to start pre reqs now and head straight for the RN program without gaining any type of experience. I'm not sure if this is the best way to go though. Sorry for being all over the place with my questions, I'm just so lost Lol. What path did you all take to become an RN? :)