Apply for CNA or go to LPN school?

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Hi! I am new to this and am looking for some advice. I am a single mom and I get no child support so it is a must that I work FT while I go to school to become an LPN. I was thinking of getting my CNA certificate now and then going to school for my LPN. At my current job, I make a little over $17/hr (Mortgage industry) and I know CNA's don't make that much but I am willing to take a small pay cut. I read on here that CNA's can make up to $15/hr for working weekend shifts. I can deal with this by cutting things out in my budget. Do you think I should do this? I also read that CNA experience helps with school. I need all the help I can get. I don't mind the vomit, blood, urine, etc. I've seen it all, done it all. I am just concerned with the money because I have a mortgage and all the other bills that come with it. Thanks in advance!

same here. I can only work weekends with the CNA job though. I live too far for the Lakeland school, I am closer to Tampa.

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Congrats yall =]..Im sooo happy for yall. Last night someone made an annoucement to me that a cna was a "glorifed butt wiper" ...It really hurt my feelings =[. And then this person was encouraging me not to try LPN , im confused...i thouht this person was on my side . They said imputting tooo much on myself , this is my dream ..and its awfulto feel it trying to be crushed. any advice from my future nurses??? :crying2:

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

being a CNA is valuable experience. It would help you greatly. When I went to nursing school I worked 3 jobs and went to school full time. If I can do it, honey you can do it.

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I really wanted to do something in the Nursing specturm. I had taken most of my pre-reqs for a ADN program. After the long haul, of going to school and having little finance I stopped going. I then decided to get my CNA. Now I'm certified and start my 1st job on the 14th of this month at a nursing home. I had a opportunity with a hospital as well. I declined the offer because my long dream is to become a RN. At the nursing home I was offered full benifits paid health insurance, working on the weekends with 1 8hr shift( sat-sun 7am-7pm and 1 8hr any day during the week). Now with my working schedule and making time and a half during the 24hrs I'm able to go back to school. So I plan to work at the nursing home and go to school fulltime for my LPN or RN during the week M-F. The LPN program is M-F from 8am-2:30pm. So I will have a lot of time to study and persue my goals. So I advise to get your CNA if you can find something of this nature for your scheduling. Everyone wish me luck on the NET exam!

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Good luck =]..and thank you!!!!!!!

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great advice FutureNurse, sounds like an idea for me too! Good luck to ya!

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Specializes in OB - RN, nursing instructor.

NurseDeb2B -do you have any previous medical experience?

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CNA work is hard, but I would not trade the experience and knowledge I have gained for anything. Hopefully this will help me with the LPN program this fall. I would apply for the LPN program and if you do not get in, use that time for prerequisites or do the CNA classes. CNAs do not make that much in NC, I think we are overworked and underpaid.

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CNA work is hard, but I would not trade the experience and knowledge I have gained for anything. Hopefully this will help me with the LPN program this fall. I would apply for the LPN program and if you do not get in, use that time for prerequisites or do the CNA classes. CNAs do not make that much in NC, I think we are overworked and underpaid.

Hi =].... Im thinking this will be invaluble experiencetoo .Im excited and have met so many wonderful nurses through allnurses .It and you are a blessing!;)

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I do not have any medical experience but I would like to start somewhere.

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Ok folks=]

Hi.. I am excited for my second cna class ..this sat .yay! I will be going on sunday all day as well.Hoping to get some more skills learned too. I can now make an occupied bed ... how about that?lol.... well, how is everyone doin??? Oh .. I have been studying for the TABE test too. I admit IM HORRIBLE with math .. a bit concerned !!:banghead:!

Just praying :saint: I can pass the TABE level a ... if not , I wont gve up . I need to accomnplish this sooo bad!!:rolleyes:

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Specializes in Emergency.

cna then lpn is my goals also, sounds like the way to do it

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