I am getting my CNA this semester while I finish my pre-reqs for the LPN program. Did you find your CNA experience was very helpful in getting your LPN? Also, in my state, we have a CNA II that can do the things listed below. Do you think it would be helpful for me to get my CNA II as well?
Any advice or suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks everyone!!
CNA II can do the following in NC:
OXYGEN THERAPY
Room Set-up
Monitoring flow-rate
SUCTIONING
Oropharyngeal
Nasopharyngeal
BREAK-UP AND REMOVAL OF FECAL IMPACTION
TRACHEOSTOMY CARE
STERILE DRESSING CHANGE (Wound over 48 hours old)
WOUND IRRIGATION
I.V. FLUID - ASSISTIVE ACTIVITIES
Assemble/flush tubing during set-up
Monitoring flow-rate
Site care/dressing change
Discontinuing peripheral intravenous infusions
ELIMINATION PROCEDURES
Ostomy Care
Irrigation
NUTRTION ACTIVITIES
Oral/nasogastric infusions (after placement verification by licensed nurse)
I'm a nursing assistant, taking the CNA boards tomorrow (yikes!); I will be taking my LVN pre-reqs starting 23 August, and starting the actual courses in May 2007.
So.. by the time I graduate from LVN school, I will have been a CNA for just about two years. Eek.
Am currently a CNA and had been one in the 80's, but planning on LPN in the next two years. Just completed CNA course and my instructor was 55 when she entered RN school in 1993. She's been quite an inspiration, to say the least!
Am focused and motivated to continue my education after raising kiddlettes, and working in the social work field.
My slant on it is that actually working as a CNA prior to nursing school is the best of teachers - once you've been there, you never forget and hopefully, as an LPN in LTC, my experience will make me a better team player. CNA's are the front line folks and worth their weight in gold.
I have been a CNAII for about 8 yrs before LVN school. I didn't want anyone to know because I was not trying to be a goody goody, btu it came out. I am able to do all things you listed and it has given me a bit of an advantage but I still get nervous. One of our instructors is very nit picky even doing something with her as simple as a bloob pressure made me nervous with her. I am working on it though because it is things that I am very comfortable with, it's just being by her.
Now another thing is I didn't do as well on tests as other students with no experince I owuld make anywhere from a 84-98 while there were 100's and things. But when those 100 test makers went to clinicals they werre so completely lot they knew the material word for word , but that does'nt always apply 100%
So I think it would give a bit of an advantage, but not one to take for granted.
SaraO'Hara
551 Posts
I'm a nursing assistant, taking the CNA boards tomorrow (yikes!); I will be taking my LVN pre-reqs starting 23 August, and starting the actual courses in May 2007.
So.. by the time I graduate from LVN school, I will have been a CNA for just about two years. Eek.