Nursing Program Questions !!!?


This Question From LPN Nursing NCLEX | 5 Answers


I just got accepted to a nursing program at my local community college. It’s a two year program and after the first year, you are able to take the NCLEX-PN state licensure exam to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). After completing the nursing program, I’d be able to take the NCLEX-RN state licensure exam to become a registered nurse (RN).

I start in the program next Spring. Since I have time til then, should I take an 7 week CNA class or get me general eds for my nursing program ? I’m also pregnant.

Whats a NP? How long do I have to go for that?

THANKS!

5 Comments so far

  1. HEATHER on June 22, 2010 2:38 am

    I would to the CNA as soon as possible if you can just to get yourself into the business. NP requirements vary by state so do a search for that but I think it is about 6 years.

  2. Diane A on June 22, 2010 2:50 am

    You will need to get the general eds done before you start so plan that one out–you do not want to lose your place in the program, and not all classes are given every semester. As th the CNA–that is up to you if it is not required; kinda depends on your due date as well.

    NP comes after a BSRN + experience, so you have plenty of time to think about that.

  3. jazziegirl8751 on June 22, 2010 3:09 am

    SKIP BEING A CNA!! Go right to getting your general eds!
    I am a CNA and let me tell you, it’s a terrible job! It’s physically and mentally demanding and stressful. You don’t have to be a CNA to be a nurse, so go ahead and get started on your nursing schoolwork!
    My mom is an LPN studying to be an RN and nursing school will be the worst years of your life, so gear yourself up! If you want my moms opinion, she said she’d wait until your child is a few years old before going to school full time. Nursing school is demanding. Not only do you have your full week of classes, but you’ll have A LOT of studying to do. You’re gonna miss a lot of your baby’s first year. I’m not being judgmental or discouraging you, I just want you to perform your best and nursing school is less stressful with the least amount of distractions so if your child was older, it’d be easier. I wish you the best of luck though, with whatever you plan to do!!
    Btw an NP is a nurse practitioner, I think it’s a masters degree, but I’m not positive.

  4. Earth Queen on June 22, 2010 4:00 am

    The CNA program really helped me with the Block 1 content. Plus, then you can work as a CNA while going to class for your LPN. But the Gen eds are CRUCIAL. I know people who failed out because they could never remember which was acid and which was base. Have a solid foundation in the requirements, first. If you have to choose, go with the Gen Eds.

    NP or Nurse Practitioner is also called Advance Practice Nurse, and the ones I’ve worked with have been referred to as “Dr. ______ .” They have Master’s degrees in their fields, and can prescribe medications and see/treat patients much like a family practice doctor. A BSN should be two years after you graduate, and an MSN might be 3 or 4 years on top of that.

  5. Solidus_Snake on June 22, 2010 4:15 am

    go directly for the RN, dont do anything else. if you have spare time on you, do some general ed to get out of the way. NP is nurse practitioner. it requires a BSN since it is an MSN though many NP programs are changing to DNPs. you go for an NP after getting a BSN with experience as an RN. take the NCLEX-RN too. don;t do the CNA, you’ll learn everything in the nursing curriculum.