Need Advice About Nursing Career Plan

I am considering a career in Nursing. I had begun working on my bs degree in healthcare management and had about 1 yr to go, but I would like more direct contact with patients. Even prior to pursuing the degree I had thought about nursing, but had credits already and was feared taking a big step.

I am looking into nursing again before I move to finish my management degree. My long term goal would be to get my BSN, but I need to consider employment now financially and to get experience.

Is going the route of CNA to LPN then onto RN and lastly BSN a wise path to take? Or atleast CNA to RN then onto BSN?

Thank you!
Katharine Last edit by Katharine on Jan 24, '08
Don't wait to get your BSN, get it immediately! I am a 3-year diploma nurse and am job-hunting now. What I'm finding is that almost every employer is looking for a BSN degree.As for becoming a CNA first, I would reccomend it these days. At least you would get exposure to patients and possibly observe what nurses do. It seems that a lot of BSN programs today allow for little clinical learning, and clinical knowledge is invaluable!