C.n.a / L.p.n. R.n

Speculating · Dec 23, 2003

Originally posted by Medic 2005
Ok here is the great question on what to do, do i do a C.N.A to get a job @ a hospital then go up to L.P.N...

Are you talking about sleeping your way up the ladder? I don't think sleeping with a CNA will get you a job, but hey it's worth a try! :devil:

Medic2005 · Dec 23, 2003

ok recheck it sorry about the typing error . :chair:

Sarah Kat · Dec 23, 2003

There are a lot of factors to consider, so no one here can tell you what to do.

Yes, LPNs can do travel nursing.

My game plan is to go fulltime to get my LPN (start school in Jan). I may or may not work as a CNA after my first trimester is completed (depends how I am doing in school). I plan to go through Excelsior to get my ASN to take the RN boards. That way I can work full time as an LPN while I get my RN.

I would suggest reading around here on the various forums and maybe check out Discover Nursing. Good luck!

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2003

I suggest you decide what you want to do. Are you going to have financial help paying for school so you can go to LPN or RN. Is the wife willing to support the family until you finish your education? Are you just looking to get a job in a hospital? Whats your motivation, since you are working construction? Any way you look at it, you are going to go back to school if you are wanting to work at a hospital or in travel nursing.

MikeLPN · Dec 23, 2003

Originally posted by Speculating
Are you talking about sleeping your way up the ladder? I don't think sleeping with a CNA will get you a job, but hey it's worth a try!

Well, my wife works as a CNA and I've got two ladders.:)

jschut, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2003

I worked as a CNA for quite a while before I was able to get to school for my LPN license.

I am now working in the same facility as I did when I graduated to LPN, and am now working toward my RN.

I would suggest going through all the steps (CNA, LPN, RN).

I just think it makes for a wider "base" knowledge, if you know what each one does, and not simply on hearsay.

Yes, LPN's can go into travel nursing, but the usual wait to be able to travel is one year of licensure first.

Best of Luck to you!

Julie :)

bedpan · Dec 24, 2003

Can't speak for anyone else, just what I have been told (And this is a question I have asked many times)

I have found in talking with the nurses where I work that not a single RN who was first an LPN say they regret going that route and that many of the RNs who went straight through RN school say that they wish they had went through the LPN program first (Plus most say the LPN clinicals are a lot more fun LOL)

I can't speak personally but I have been told that the programs differ in what is stressed

I would love to hear more input on this

I have thought that maybe it would be good if it was even required - must have one before the other - CNA before you could enter LPN school and LPN school before you could enter RN school - One building upon the other as it were

Plus, it seems that having actually been there might make it easier for some to understand "what it's like" for the rest of the team they are working with

Hey - just had a thought - Maybe medical school should require docs to first become nurses so they could learn what it is like to really care for patients?

Nawwwwwwww - that wouldn't work, too many wouldn't be able to make it and then we would have a severe shortage of doctors

SteelTownRN · Dec 24, 2003

You need to determine what your career goals are and then the type of program will determine itself from your parameters. CNA certification is nice, but you don't need it if you wait to get a nurse assistant job after completing your first clinical in the RN or LPN program, as the nurse assistant essentials are covered in the first clinical course.

I teach nursing at the BSN level, and don't think it is necessary to have an LPN prior to starting the program. Any kind of healthcare experience is nice and it does serve to enhance your overall understanding of the healthcare picture. Some people start out as CNA's while working through the LPN program, and stop there. Or continue on working as an LPN while going through an RN program. Whatever your circumstances are will determine what is best for you.

Just for the record, the LPN curriculum and RN curriculum does not "build upon the other". They are not mutually exclusive, and contains some overlap, yet there are many topics that are mandated by state boards and accrediting bodies that must be included in RN programs. It does not mean that one program is "better" than the other, it just means that there are differences.

Be a smart educational consumer. Check out that website taht someone else mentioned discovernursing.com It presents a very unbiased view of educational opportunities.

STG

Trixxy, LPN · Dec 24, 2003

Here is what I am doing. I got my LPN and worked for many years before it dawned on me that if I take 1-2 classes a year to fill my CEU requirements..I will soon have my RN. Takes a lot longer, but

i think a good plan for me. Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

Medic2005 · Dec 24, 2003

Ok.

The overwhelming support on this site is great thanks to all that are here.

I'm going to go to a nursing home that is owned by a hospital in Ky, to see about a C.N.A position then work towards either my L.P.N, or the R.N.

I'm hoping that all will work out to be a Registred Nurse :) with school & work so.

I'll post more to my story when i know more so it will be just a matter of time butt i usually get up early every morning just to see what is new here Happy Holidays to all

Sincerely Jerry Prospective, NURSE