C.N.A Thinking about going back to school to get LVN

Good morning,

I currently have my C.N.A cert. I have had the Cert since I was 18, I'm 33 now. I've worked as a CNA, however I always felt I wanted to do more in the medical field. Unfortunately I never went back to school to further my career in the medical field. Now, more than ever I feel ready. I DO NOT have any prerequisites for the LVN program. I live near Visalia, CA and I know of SJVC and the Visalia Adult School having the LVN program. Any advice or suggestions as to what I should do. I will very much have to utilize some type of financial aid services due to working part time.

Thank you in advance to those willing to answer my post.

Hello there,

What are your goals as a nurse? What is your dream job?

How is the job market for LVNs in your area?

Get an idea of your goals after licensure and how far you can achieve them as a LVN. Is the clinical area you are interested readily accessible to LVNs? If not, do you have promising job prospects and nearby continuing education opportunities (like LVN-RN bridge programs) that will enable you to achieve your goals?

The following is only my experience: I became a California LVN in 2005 but found that many of the clinical areas I am interested in favor RNs. Also, even before the recession the job prospects of new grad LVNs were not in abundance and mostly limited to clinics, long term care facilities and a very few areas of acute care hospitals. I have enjoyed my time as a LVN immensely, consider it key in my development as a nurse but I had to advance to increase my prospects, particularly in critical care (one of my dreams).

I found the RN program much easier than my LVN program for 2 reasons: One, I had a stronger foundation of knowledge and clinical skills compared to when I was in school without prior healthcare experience. Two, the schedule of my RN program was actually kinder than my LVN programs. My LVN program was 5 days straight of 8 to 12 hour days and back to back semesters. My LVN to RN program was 2-3 days/week of campus or clinical commitments. I found it easy to fit full-time work while in the RN program but I do not think I could have done it in my LVN program. Of course, the schedules of nursing programs will vary and may be a huge consideration in your decision.

I hope this provided some insight and good luck in your path!

Thank you Cuddleswithpuddles for your reply,

In my area its clear to see the higher demand for RN rather than LVN. However, I was simply considering LVN as a stepping stone to eventually obtaining my RN. My goals are rather simple. I enjoy working with people. And I thought to myself, "what could I do as a career that would allow me to work with a variety of personalities, as well as provide some kind of help to comfort or all around well being?" Medical! OK, now what could I see myself doing that would be rewarding to oneself. Nursing!

I understand that Nurses go unappreciated and rarely receive any recognition for the services they give. That's NOT why I want to be in the medical field. And it's NOT the pay..though I can appreciate the fact that I could better provide for my Family. NO, it's I want to do something that makes a difference in a positive way. As corny as it sounds, "I want to help"

Thank you Cuddleswithpuddles for your reply,

In my area its clear to see the higher demand for RN rather than LVN. However, I was simply considering LVN as a stepping stone to eventually obtaining my RN. My goals are rather simple. I enjoy working with people. And I thought to myself, "what could I do as a career that would allow me to work with a variety of personalities, as well as provide some kind of help to comfort or all around well being?" Medical! OK, now what could I see myself doing that would be rewarding to oneself. Nursing!

I understand that Nurses go unappreciated and rarely receive any recognition for the services they give. That's NOT why I want to be in the medical field. And it's NOT the pay..though I can appreciate the fact that I could better provide for my Family. NO, it's I want to do something that makes a difference in a positive way. As corny as it sounds, "I want to help"

You're welcome :)

Check your local schools' LVN to RN program requirements. Not all schools have such bridge programs and the ones that do may require you to have six months to a year of LVN work experience. Some in my area even specify that the experience has to be in acute care. I have always found that requirement odd considering that I, as a LVN to RN bridger, joined students who had zero health care experience and took on the same course work as they did... but oh well. That's the reality of nursing programs. If the job market in your area is dismal, it may be hard to fulfill the entrance requirements for LVN-RN programs.

Kudos to you for wanting to pursue a greater cause :)