CNA or LPN program: I was accepted for LPN, but should I switch?

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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I was recently accepted to the LPN program at CTC in Florida... however, I know of one local hospital (of 3) is NOT hiring LPNs at all, instead, RNs or CNAs. This is the new trend apparently. I was also told by my cousin, who is an RN (BSN) in SW Florida, that I should drop the LPN program because hospitals aren't really hiring them so much anymore; they'd sooner hire a CNA and help her through school, than an LPN. AHHH. She did the LPN to RN now to NP... but she got her LPN 10 years ago. She insists that times have changed. I need to decide ASAP! I'm supposed to start LPN school in July!

I'n pretty sure the school is going to tell me to do LPN, mostly because the program is $5,000 more... lol.

I'm here to gather some opinions.... Should I get my foot in the door as a CNA and work toward my RN, or should I start the LPN as planned and go for RN then?

HELP!

My only concern is that while I work as a CNA, I fear that it may take me 4-5 years to finally get my RN! Seems like such a long time... :/ Is that an unreasonable expectation or am I spot on?

errrrr.

Thanks all. I appreciate any advice you could offer! ;)

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If you accept that the hospital may not be your first job, then go for the LPN license. It offers more in the way of career progression. You can more easily enter a LPN to RN transition program than to go straight for the RN program and have to wait. But these decisions should be based upon your investigation of the RN program situations where you want to apply. If you find out that the waiting time for the RN program is 3 to 4 years, but only one or two semesters for LPN to RN, act accordingly.

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Specializes in MedSurg, Clinic, ER.

food for thought - might not apply in your state, but worth checking in to...

At Victoria College (in Texas), LVN students can sit for certification as a CNA after the first semester... as potential to get a foot in the door down the road... I honestly don't know that your friend was entirely accurate, but a good measuring stick is the job postings and classified ads in your area... what jobs are available in those mediums?

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Same here in TN. You can sit for your CNA after first semester. Here are some of my thoughts.

I know that hospitals don't hire many LPNs so I know that I won't work in a hospital to begin my nursing career. I plan on doing an LPN-RN program. I have been told that it is harder to get into the LPN-RN transition at my school than just the RN. It's all based on points, no wait list. But that's the route I chose because I am a single mother and need a decent income ASAP...CNA is not decent when you have 3 kids.

You may not be able to work in a hospital, however there are nursing homes, doctor's offices, health dept, and clinics that will hire you. Some also offer tuition reimbursement to complete your RN.

Everyone chooses a different route based on their own personal circumstances. I'm sure you will make the best decision for you. Good luck

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Same here, the first couple weeks of our LPN program is CNA and we can sit for the test after that. Don't be so quick to listen to others either. Look into stuff for yourself thoroughly. People will quickly try to rain on your parade just because you are trying to better yourself. Just my two cents. :)

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Specializes in psych.

Like ZiggsGal said, look at job postings for your area to see who is hiring LPNs. Also, don't discount LTC. Patients are far more acute now than in previous times, and if you are on a skilled floor, you will get a good opportunity, as an LPN, to do assessments, dressing changes, IVs, tube feedings, and sticks (depending on state and facility), along with dealing with dementia/psych issues-All kinds of interesting "nursed up" stuff.

CNA work is very rewarding, but backbreaking work. Your pay as a CNA will be considerably less than an LPN, your scope of practice is very limited, and there is much less chance for advancement.

I am a recent LPN grad, and my fellow classmates currently working as CNAs until they pass the NCLEX cannot WAIT until they pass it and get to be nurses.

LPN school is one year of your life. An extremely intense, frustrating, tiring, but rewarding and life-changing year. You can earn a good living as an LPN if you choose the right facility. If you are already accepted to LPN school, and already prepared to deal with a year of reduced income (working full time is very difficult), go for it, and don't listen to the nay-sayers in your life. When I announced that I was starting LPN school, I found people tended to project their insecurities onto me. I stayed the course, graduated valedictorian, and have an NCLEX date next month.

Good luck, whatever path you choose!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

If money is an important consideration, keep in mind that you might not be able to live comfortably off the typical CNA salary. I was able to earn a good income while working as an LPN/LVN every weekend while attending school full time for my RN license.

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While I've enjoyed my time as a CNA-- if you've been accepted into a LPN/LVN program... do it! Out here in CA the most I made as a CNA was $9.50/hr until I reached my on call position in a hospital and that was $15/hr but still not a liveable wage.

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