Certifications

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

I just was hired at a SNF/Rehab facility for my first job as an LPN. I'm going to be starting an online LPN-RN step up program within the next few months (once I get settled in the new job).

I'm interested in attaining some certifications such as ACLS, wound care, trauma care, and any others that will help give me a leg up when I move on from this job with that magical year of experience everyone is looking for, and start applying for ED positions as an RN.

I'm just wondering if it is worth it form me to get those certs as an LPN and if employers generally give credit to certifications attained while licensed as an LPN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

To be honest, I think the certificates you mentioned would be of much use in a hospital setting. At nursing homes or SNFs BCLS is needed pretty much. I doubt you will come across trauma cases in nursing homes. IMO, all the certificates you mentioned would be of better use if you were working in a hospital setting. I mean you're going to get the certificates sooner or later since you mentioned your plans of becoming a RN. Keep in mind that you have to renew your certificates. I think most are good for around 2 yrs. So if it is going to take you more than 2 yrs to get your RN, maybe wait? Just so you're not wasting your time/money renewing certificates that you aren't really using at the moment.

Idk, thats just my personal take on it. Hope it helps..somewhat :)

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yeah, like I said in my first post, I'm looking to move from my current position at a rehab facility to an emergency dept. once I attain my RN (within the next 12 months).

I'm not sure how I would achieve those certificates via an RN program though. It is my understanding that certifications are outside of standard licensing that I would be awarded by graduating and taking the NCLEX-RN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I wish. We could do online nursing studies in South Africa. I'm interested in working on a Cruis Liner but are only allowed to do the ACLS course if I'm permanently stationed at a ICU or Emergency Unit. Because I'm a Staff Nurse, same as your LPN it's very difficult to study anything in nursing. We even struggle to get onto the bridging course to become a RN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Yeah, like I said in my first post, I'm looking to move from my current position at a rehab facility to an emergency dept. once I attain my RN (within the next 12 months).

I'm not sure how I would achieve those certificates via an RN program though. It is my understanding that certifications are outside of standard licensing that I would be awarded by graduating and taking the NCLEX-RN.

I don't think those certificates are gotten in school. Usually you take separate classes or do it online once you have graduated and have your license. I don't think any schools offer classes like that. The only one they would probably offer is the CPR/BCLS.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yup that's what I thought as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment