Anyone considered going from LPN to CNA?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in NICU, Peds, Med-Surg.

Hi, I'm brand new tonight and wanna say HELLO to everyone! I'm so glad I found this site! I've been reading lots of posts and have learned a lot already.

First, a short bio about me.....I'm an LPN who worked med-surg and NICU in a large hospital for years and LOVED it! (the only reason I left is because we moved). I am now finding it harder to find hospital jobs, and considered Nursing Home or Private Duty.

Many of you may think my question about being a CNA is silly- but recently, after some soul-searching, (and interviewing in a Nursing Home where I'd be in charge of 38 patients and 2 aides) I realized that I'd be perfectly happy going back to my days as a CNA........I LOVE to help patients and I LOVE to work hard and stay busy, but I am terrified to be a charge nurse in a Nursing Home.......I just don't have the personality to be "the boss"........

I worked as a CNA on a busy Med-Surg floor and an ER and I could seriously see myself going back. I just wonder how the State Board and prospective employers would feel about this?

Am I crazy or has anyone else wanted to do this? I am a thorough, caring LPN, but I've lost lots of confidence.......(as if that isn't obvious) :confused: **disclaimer**- I realize aides have a lot of responsibilities, too, I just don't want to be the one who deals with life threatening /supervisory issues.

I apologize to your eyes if you're still reading this.....LOL! .:eek: But here's a little more background- I recently had a job where EVERY time I had to suction a trach, I was sooooo nervous.......the patients were always FINE and I knew what to do, and yes......I even had trachs come out, and re-inserted immediately and the patients were FINE, but again- I was always so nervous and un-confident ........then the vent alarms would go off, and I knew what to do, and all was well.....But I also had an RN to help me immediately if I needed it, and in a nursing home, it won't be that way!

..But the truth is, my CNAs knew the patients better (they'd been there longer- so of course they did!), and I felt they were more knowledgeable (and they were!) .......I couldn't handle the stress and left after 9 months, which I sometimes regret! ......(doesn't look very good on the resume, and I felt I gave up too easily).....

Have you ever heard of an LPN becoming a CNA? I'd love to hear your thoughts and/or experiences! Thanks! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

How 'bout doing a bit of home healthcare nursing? Or a nursing position where things aren't so demanding?

Sounds like you're just a little shy on the assertiveness front, but competent in your abilities.

Keep your eyes open to other possibilities in nursing. Maybe once you get back in the swing of things you'll be more comfortable being a tad more take-charge.

Good luck to ya!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was tempted to take a LPN position last year. It was a position I knew I would enjoy. Trouble is, I am a RN...and even though I would be working in that lower position for lower pay, my license says RN...and with that come the extra responsibilities and the legal title RN, regardless of the job title.

I have a feeling that for you to take the aide position without nurse responsibility, you would have to give up your LPN license. If something went wrong on the job, the facility and the legal system could still hold you accountable as a NURSE. My BON told me I could technically be held liable as supervisor for all the nurses in the facility, being the only RN...(even though I was hired into a LPN position...see what I mean?)

Please think hard about what you want to do, write your state board if you want to be sure, but I suspect they may tell you what I have.

Why not consider a management seminar to work on your leadership skills..to boost your confidence a bit? Best wishes!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

OMG, your concerns is kind of what I'm afraid of. Thanks for bringing this up. I'm a graduate of LPN from the Philippines, waiting for my ATT. I've been considering applying for a nursing home since those who were ahead of me did. I am concerned about being the "boss" as well, esp. in the US where I am now staying. The CNA's in a facility where I would be working I assume are probably older than I am and much knowledgeable. I don't know how the situation would be when I am supposed to be in charge of those who have more experience than I have. Thanks for posing this. It makes me feel better because I thought I was having an odd thought but then it is nice to know that somebody else is feeling the same.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

This is a 3 year old thread, so, you may have settled in your mind what you planned to do by now. However, at times, I have missed the days of being a CNA because the responsibility and liability was so much less. However, I would not have gained the mobility and experience as a CNA at this point. This is the first I have heard of someone actually wanting to go backwards, but, there is nothing wrong with that. What makes some nurses remain in their positions is that they became accustomed to the lifestyle and money that being a nurse offers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In my state there is a position statement put out by the BRN concerning working at levels below the current license held. They state that the person is held to the higher standard of practice. I would think that as a matter of practicality to protect oneself from a legal standpoint, if one chooses to work at a lower level permanently, they should consider surrendering the higher license. Even then, in a lawsuit, it might be argued that one were educated and once licensed at the higher level, but if the higher license is surrendered, I believe they would have a more difficult time to hold one to the higher standard of care. A good question to pose to one's state board.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
In my state there is a position statement put out by the BRN concerning working at levels below the current license held. They state that the person is held to the higher standard of practice. I would think that as a matter of practicality to protect oneself from a legal standpoint, if one chooses to work at a lower level permanently, they should consider surrendering the higher license. Even then, in a lawsuit, it might be argued that one were educated and once licensed at the higher level, but if the higher license is surrendered, I believe they would have a more difficult time to hold one to the higher standard of care. A good question to pose to one's state board.

Thanks for reminding me/us of this; in fact, I am surprized I didn't think of that myself. It is very true; they will hold you to the higher standard of practice. My old professor told me that when she earned her RN license, her facility didn't hire her but wanted her to continue to work there. She mentioned this, and felt that if she was to be held to the higher license, she might as well get paid for it. I concurred with her. :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When I was in nursing school I had the plan to get each license and certification up the ladder and keep them all active. I intended to work at whatever level the newspaper want ad stated, or what I felt like doing at any particular time. I asked about this in class and was told by the instructor that it is not a good practice to work beneath your license because of the legal ramifications, although a lot of people do it. This reason alone is good reason not to do it, besides being taken advantage of by employers. I've worked as a CNA while licensed, and don't think I will do it again. It was too much trouble to go through just to be employed. The little bit of personal enjoyment I could have gotten, was marred by the circumstances where I was working at the time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment