A couple of important questions regarding LPNS and PCA's

[Angela.RN2B]

I am currently living in St.Louis, I have been accepted to St.Johns PCA program. Is the PCA the same as a CNA? (PCA Patient Care Associate?) Has anyone went through this program? I liked it because it allows m to learn and Earn Im planning on attending Nursing school at St.Lous Community College I though this would be excellent experience for me. I really like St.Johns and I would like to work my way up from a PCA and still work there as a RN. Any one from St.Johns can clue me on what to expect? and what I can do to be the best so I can continue my career with this hospital?

2. I have a question regarding all the comments aout getting rid of LPN's is this happening in Missouri? and if so what will they do. I have friend who is a LPN went to st.louis college of health careers and St.Louis community college says they do not deal with that school none of the courses are transferable. I guess she'll have to find a new career if she loses her job? Most LPNS are working in Nursing homes correct? So are they being phased out of the Hospitals?

[caliotter3]

PCA is another term for CNA. You usually find the fancier terminology in hospital settings. Hospitals in general have been moving away from using LPNs. In some areas it is impossible to find an LPN position in a hospital. The literature/texbooks started taling about doing away with the LPN job category more than 40 years ago and it hasn't happened yet. But the LPN role has been limited since then as evidenced by the lack of hospital jobs. In today's environment, it is generally best to obtain a BSN and RN license to minimize time, expense of returning to school and to maximize one's job prospects and avoid problems. LPNs working in hospitals have, in some instances, been given a deadline to obtain RN licenses to keep their jobs. Just easier to avoid all of this by getting RN license and BSN degree from the beginning.

[cosmo24]

I am an LPN and wish I would have just gotten my RN instead of going the LPN route. I work in long term care and really enjoy it. If you have the chance to get your RN-- do it. Good Luck.

[WDWpixieRN, RN]

As for your other question regarding working as a PCA, my main suggestion would be to remember you are going to work as a part of a team. You will have your job -- to support the RNs and assist patients, and RNs will have theirs. Sometimes some of these duties overlap. Some staff will be more helpful than others. Some people will be nicer than others. You mention going to nursing school soon. Keep that goal in mind....

Watch the good stuff; take note of the less-stellar activities and employees and figure out which you choose to be. Offer to help others when you can and hopefully when you need help those same folks will be there for you. You will figure out soon enough the true "team players".

The job won't be easy. I wish for you a good floor with a lot of helpful and friendly staff. Not everyone will want to be your friend and there is some of that "nurses eat their young" mentality that will extend to the PCAs. Don't take it personally. There is a tremendous amount to be learned in this position that will serve you well in nursing school and in to your career as an RN. Try to keep that thought first and foremost. Your position as a PCA will also serve you in good stead when you graduate and are looking for jobs in the hospital. Often the existing staff has a bit of a leg up on outside hirees!

Best wishes!!!

[mama_d, BSN, RN]

I'm a LPN and work in a hospital, but we're few and far between. Most of the major hospital systems won't hire us except the rare psych position. I was lucky to get in where I did when I did, but am now stuck there.

I was looking at sites for local home health companies and it looks like some of them still hire LPNs, but in general I think that long term care is about the only available area in this area for LPNs as new hires.

[autumn_twilight]

About how long did it take for them to respond once you had applied? I applied (it was only a couple weeks ago though) and I was wondering what their response time was. I had applied to Barnes as well over 2 months ago and still haven't heard anything, so I decided to expand my search. Also did you apply online or in person? I'm worried the online application didn't won't go through, there was no confirmation number/code/anything, just a "thanks for applying, someone will contact you" blah blah blah. Also, how often do they have their PCA training classes?

Thanks :)