CNA to LVN in work environment

[jla1972]

Hello, this is my first thread, so please excuse any mistakes I may make. I am currently a CNA and I have just graduated from a LVN program, now waiting to take the NCLEX. I wanted to know if anyone has found success in entering the work environment as a CNA then moved into a LVN position. Although I wish to specialize in a few years with a MSN, I am open to any LVN opportunities to gain experience and to work on my "soft" skills. I am also open to volunteer work on the side.

Some background information, this is my second career, I used to work in corporate environment as an administrative/exec assistant. I have previous college education. I am married, in my forties with three small children. I decided on nursing because of the challenges it can present and the fact that there is always an opportunity to learn new skills, information, etc. But most of all, I want to help people learn how to help themselves, to provide them with the knowledge to make better choices in regards to their health.

Thank you for any advice you can give!

[KRODD]

Hello, this is my first thread, so please excuse any mistakes I may make. I am currently a CNA and I have just graduated from a LVN program, now waiting to take the NCLEX. I wanted to know if anyone has found success in entering the work environment as a CNA then moved into a LVN position. Although I wish to specialize in a few years with a MSN, I am open to any LVN opportunities to gain experience and to work on my "soft" skills. I am also open to volunteer work on the side.

Some background information, this is my second career, I used to work in corporate environment as an administrative/exec assistant. I have previous college education. I am married, in my forties with three small children. I decided on nursing because of the challenges it can present and the fact that there is always an opportunity to learn new skills, information, etc. But most of all, I want to help people learn how to help themselves, to provide them with the knowledge to make better choices in regards to their health.

Thank you for any advice you can give!

I went from CNA to LPN in one year its workeed out pretty good a little resentment from co workers. Very stressful work I might add. Its been about 4 months and Im just starting to get comfortable. Good Luck to :kiss

[LeeLeeTheGPN]

There is always going to be a little resentment, but that's not for you to worry about. Your coworkers complacency is not your fault. If anything, you should be motivation for them to want more for themselves. I am in nursing school also. Once I get all of my credentials, the way other people feel is going to be the least of my concern. Just wish them well and keep pushing! I love it when I see people progress from beside patient care to more skilled nursing care. Congratulations!

[Fiona59]

I belong to the opposite school of thought. Move on. It never works out well when someone advances and then returns to where they began.

[Maremma]

I am still in the same facility as I was when I worked only as a CNA. As a matter of fact I am now even working as the LPN down the same hall I worked as a CNA while in school. It does not always have to go badly when you "move up". Quite the opposite can be true if you had good relationships with the people you were already working with.

My patient were happy for me when I finished school and were thrilled for me when I passed the NCLEX. One was quite fatherly even and kept "bragging" about it as if I were his own child. LOL it was rather cute. They were outright excited when they found out I was going to be "coming back to our home hall" as their nurse.

The other staff it can go either way on also but for the most part the staff is even good about it. I have one aid that I worked with STILL even after a year later that just HAS TO tell all new aids coming in "Hey she used to work as an aid with us and now she is our nurse!" She is HAPPY about this. Almost all the aids are. They prefer to work under a nurse that has first hand experience doing the job they still are doing. I KNOW what they are going through, I KNOW what they are talking about when something is going wrong. I know tricks to dealing with problems that other nurse's do not.

I also am able to work as an effective CNA as well as an LPN. The scheduler loves me because I did not suddenly become "to good to work as an aid" when I got my LPN and am willing to cover shifts doing that job as well. I already know the way things work at this facility, the routines etc.

Granted there can be a few that get nasty about it but if you keep a good attitude and refuse to get dragged into their pettiness they eventually give up, move on themselves or get themselves fired. After all, given enough rope they all hang themselves.

[jla1972]

Thank you for all of the advice and information! I am still waiting to take my exam, so I am going to start applying to facilities as a CNA, then move into an LVN position after I become a nurse. I just really want to get out there and work, try to do some good!