4 answers
Emily
Student
Crete, Nebraska
1
Question
Asked
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Where should I start if I want to become a nurse?
I'm trying to get my CNA at the moment but after that I'm not sure what to do.
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4 answers
Tiberius Skywalker
Licensed Practical Nurse
4
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Tiberius’s Answer
Hey Emily,
Good question! I agree with Tyler- CNA is the best way to begin the process. With CNA training and specifically the work experience after certification, you will be able to see what nursing really looks like. You will get to know the frustrations that both patients and other staff have with nurses, so that you can be the best nurse that you can! You will learn all the basics required to make your patient comfortable while they're getting treatment, and you will be a bit exhausted, but will be doing a great service. Considering that you are in Nebraska, you should make sure to keep updated on which disciplines/schooling of nursing jobs are required. In WA state, BSN is becoming the new standard, over Associate's RNs; and LPNs are left with very few job options and much lower pay. BUT! Nebraska is different, so make sure you're familiarizing yourself with the trajectory of education requirements in your desired state. A Bachelor's is always a great idea if you can afford it! If not, doing a community college AA or DTA is a good idea, to keep everything affordable and quick so that you can start making money to pay for more schooling. (A Direct-transfer-agreement: allowing you to streamline to a BSN program after an AA, without having to apply to a university and wait forever in a lottery). Good luck!
Good question! I agree with Tyler- CNA is the best way to begin the process. With CNA training and specifically the work experience after certification, you will be able to see what nursing really looks like. You will get to know the frustrations that both patients and other staff have with nurses, so that you can be the best nurse that you can! You will learn all the basics required to make your patient comfortable while they're getting treatment, and you will be a bit exhausted, but will be doing a great service. Considering that you are in Nebraska, you should make sure to keep updated on which disciplines/schooling of nursing jobs are required. In WA state, BSN is becoming the new standard, over Associate's RNs; and LPNs are left with very few job options and much lower pay. BUT! Nebraska is different, so make sure you're familiarizing yourself with the trajectory of education requirements in your desired state. A Bachelor's is always a great idea if you can afford it! If not, doing a community college AA or DTA is a good idea, to keep everything affordable and quick so that you can start making money to pay for more schooling. (A Direct-transfer-agreement: allowing you to streamline to a BSN program after an AA, without having to apply to a university and wait forever in a lottery). Good luck!
Tyler T. Herchian
Executive Operations
2
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Tyler T.’s Answer
Your already on the right path. I recommend a community college or tech school as it will get you in the workforce with less financial debt.
If speed to RN is your concern then there are accelerated colleges that will get you there at the cost of a much higher price point.
If speed to RN is your concern then there are accelerated colleges that will get you there at the cost of a much higher price point.
Nicole Crowder
Nurse Practitioner
18
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Emily,
If you are a High School Student and there is a program in your school offering CNA training, then that would be a good place to start. If you are looking for CNA programs after high school, may I suggest you try a nursing program instead? CNA's do honorable work, but if your ultimate goals is nursing, then pursue nothing but Nursing. You can become a Registered in Nurse in as little as 2 years (Associate degree) or 4 years (Bachelor's degree). Look for programs in your local community college that offer the 2 yr programs or your local university for the 4 yr program. Depending on the schools in your area, entry criteria may differ - please research entry criteria, cost, application fees, and application deadlines.
Don't shoot for anything else except your goal - anything else, may be a waste of time (not always, but sometimes).
If you are a High School Student and there is a program in your school offering CNA training, then that would be a good place to start. If you are looking for CNA programs after high school, may I suggest you try a nursing program instead? CNA's do honorable work, but if your ultimate goals is nursing, then pursue nothing but Nursing. You can become a Registered in Nurse in as little as 2 years (Associate degree) or 4 years (Bachelor's degree). Look for programs in your local community college that offer the 2 yr programs or your local university for the 4 yr program. Depending on the schools in your area, entry criteria may differ - please research entry criteria, cost, application fees, and application deadlines.
Don't shoot for anything else except your goal - anything else, may be a waste of time (not always, but sometimes).
Tiberius Skywalker
Licensed Practical Nurse
4
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Tiberius’s Answer
This might be a good resource for you: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder.htm?pay=&education=Bachelor%26rsquo%3Bs+degree&training=&newjobs=&growth=Faster+than+average&submit=GO
US Bureau of Labor & Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: shows you which education is required, what income looks like, where training might come from, shop for the highest/fastest projected career growth, and even the number of jobs available.
bls.gov/ooh
US Bureau of Labor & Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: shows you which education is required, what income looks like, where training might come from, shop for the highest/fastest projected career growth, and even the number of jobs available.
bls.gov/ooh