Some advice on the best way to start nursing career? From professionals plz....?

I am a single mother and i have a few options before me as far as my education...I'm 21 and have a few options before me...(1)should i go to job corp for cna 1st and the the lpn program at a local college 2nd..(2) go for cna through job corp and let employer possibly pay for my lpn classes?...(3) still go to job corp for a trade and then while working go to community college to obtain adn...or (4) do number one and go through fasttrack program for rn....I want to progress the fastest way to become a rn...any help or input would be great...

If you want to become an RN faster, skip LPN and any bridge programs. You won't save any time going that route. You will still need the same college credits to earn your degree regardless of whether or not you went straight for the RN or bridge from LPN to RN.

I teched during my summers while attending school. Never have been a CRNA. My employer only requires that certification for certain departments such the skilled nursing unit. Call potential employers and ask about requirements such as CRNA. If not required, ask about the difference in pay between credentialed aide positions and regular nursing assistants.

Your third option sounds like the best one for someone how wants to progress quickly.

Don't worry about not having a spouse to 'support you'. No, I didn't go this route. My worries and stress in regards to the support a spouse can provide were eased. But, a spouse is not necessary to be a good student.

Before applying for anything, go talk to your local colleges' financial advisors and ask advice about financing and supporting your family during your education.

Also, try to get in to see the colleges' nursing dept director or dean and have them help you plan out your future.

You can do this! Good luck.

The fastest way to become an RN is to go to nursing school for your RN.

CNA/LPN will not fast track you to getting your RN. RN Requires an Associates Degree (Or bachelors, depending on the state). CNA is a certificate, I believe LPN is as well.

In the end you're going to have to take the 2 years of classes after you gain your prerequisites at your local college anyway, so you might as well go straight for your R.N.

I am not a nurse but i work in the community care sector in Australia. I am not familiar with the programs you are talking about (being from a different country and all) but i would recommend this to you

Have you considered doing an aged care certificate or diploma, they are screaming out for qualified people in that field over here and if your demographics are anything like ours are you would be bound to get a job in that field.

Fastest way is to go to school to be an RN or LPN. If you start working as a CNA then you are trying to work full-time and go to school on top of taking care of the family.

If you need the income, start as a CNA, then work your way through school, but note it will be hard to see your family.

My mom worked her way through school to become an LPN when I was younger. She worked as a CNA and went to school nights. I had to babysit a lot(2 younger siblings), so it might be best to consider the age of your kids.

the first answer is the best. Why would you go to school for something that you don't want to be?

You didn't say how many children you have or if you have cheap child care. We had students who worked as a CNA while doing the RN program and had a family. They made it but they really had to schedule their time. You learn to prioritize. I would talk to the school counselor and the nursing department adviser. Then figure out your finances and time allotments. You will have general education requirements (math, anatomy, chemistry, physiology, biology, psychology, English,, etc) in addition to the nursing courses. I know they recommend that for every hour of classroom time, you spend 3 hours of home work time. Then if you are working, you add the 4 to 8 hours of work time. then of course your family time... Sleep? You want to do that too? lol... It may not be bad... and not wanting to discourage you, we need all of the new, young nurses we can get, because many of us older ones are looking at retirement in a few years (10 or 15 or maybe more). Nursing is a great career and one of the few that you can go anywhere and get a job. It also offers a diversity of opportunities and interests for just about everyone. Good luck!

hi
i agree, go to nursing school. dont waist time as an lpn. i know some who did it and they r still lpns, never became RNs. or the ones who got stuck being lpn too long.
prepare urself for a journey of hard work, bitching nurses, lazy staff and stupid doctors. patients usually the least of the problem, unlike their families.
good luck, u very young, u will like it.