A now working LPN, but I wasn't a CNA prior

LisaLPN7 · May 21, 2013

Not a recent grad.....LPN with 23 years experience...but when I entered nursing school, I had never worked as a CNA either. Everything I learned was first hand knowledge as I went. There were girls in my class who'd been CNAs and had to unlearn a lot of bad habits. As a matter of fact, out of the starting class of 30, none of the 12 of us who graduated had been CNAs. The CNAs all flunked out when it came to the real nursing stuff.

ASPIRING2BGREAT · May 21, 2013

Thanks Lisa for your response! These days are just so bad when it comes to work.

Fiona59 · May 21, 2013

I've just reread your post. You are in the process of applying to a PN programme?

I suggest you work on your proof reading skills and grammar. I know people post from their phones and auto correct a lot of things but the errors are there. You need to pick them out so they don't wind up on your application paperwork and class work.

waiste? waste

Alisonisayoshi, LVN · May 21, 2013

My sister in law is an LVN, she just graduated, got hired into the LTC she was a CNA at. She encouraged me to get my CNA, only so I could a.) make connections, and b.) have respect for what CNAs go through. I put 6 months into being a PCT (fancy CNA lol), but school and work was killing me, so I'm just doing school now. Yes it can be worth it, but the pay is BS to anyone used to earning great money. That frustrated me as well, I'd get a 2week paycheck that was the same as what I used to make in a week.

HippyDippyLPN · May 21, 2013

Honestly I haven't seen being a CNA help get a job in most cases. I was a CNA and it did not help get me an LPN job but I was however much more comfortable on the floor than maybe others who did not work as one before.

bugya90, ASN, BSN, LVN, RN · May 21, 2013

Graduated lvn school in 2011 with no healthcare experience. Was a waitress before nursing school. Was offered a LTC job 2 weeks before graduation, first day was the Monday after graduation and was on the floor on my own 3 days after passing boards.

ASPIRING2BGREAT · May 21, 2013

I've just reread your post. You are in the process of applying to a PN programme?
I suggest you work on your proof reading skills and grammar. I know people post from their phones and auto correct a lot of things but the errors are there. You need to pick them out so they don't wind up on your application paperwork and class work.
waiste? waste

Thanks alot for nothing! You had nothing intellectual to offer, so did you just come to criticize my grammar?

All that you read was clearly what I intended to say. Yes, applying to a LPN (PROGRAM), not programme!

Sweep in front of your door before you sweep mine!

Thank you!

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · May 21, 2013

In some cases, especially tight markets, working as a CNA might help you network if you make a good impression. In other cases, it might not make a difference. You also have to think about the stress of starting a new, unfamiliar job with a different schedule and trying to do well in school at the same time. While I was in school, my employer worked around my crazy schedule, let me leave early, come in late, call in at the last minute, etc. I would NOT have had the same flexibility at a new job.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 21, 2013

I'm not a recently graduated LVN because I started working as one in 2006, but I never was a CNA. In my honest opinion, CNA experience is helpful for basic bedside care, but it is not absolutely necessary to become a good nurse. If you're persistent and establish connections, you should be able to secure employment. Good luck to you!

Fiona59 · May 21, 2013

Thanks alot for nothing! You had nothing intellectual to offer, so did you just come to criticize my grammar?
All that you read was clearly what I intended to say. Yes, applying to a LPN (PROGRAM), not programme!
Sweep in front of your door before you sweep mine!
Thank you!

Actually, I do offer something to offer.

I am a preceptor and would have to discuss your use of the English language in your charting as it is legal documentation and can be reviewed by lawyers. Our hospital auditors will flag poor charting and you will be contacted by a CNE to discuss "problems".

You are only an LPN after you pass either NCLEX-PN in the US or CPNRE in Canada. Until then you are either a SPN (student practical nurse) or a GPN (graduate practical nurse).

Oh, and programme is the Queen's English. I was educated in the UK and work in Canada.

So, my doorstep is quite clean, thank you..

libran1984, ASN, RN · May 21, 2013

Actually, I do offer something to offer.
I am a preceptor and would have to discuss your use of the English language in your charting as it is legal documentation and can be reviewed by lawyers. Our hospital auditors will flag poor charting and you will be contacted by a CNE to discuss "problems"
Oh, and programme is the Queen's English. I was educated in the UK and work in Canada.
So, my doorstep is quite clean, thank you..

Fiona does make a point. Proper grammar is very important. I post a lot from my phone and am a poor proof reader, but practice makes perfect. Even one such as myself!