CNA or LPN?

pagandeva2000, LPN · Aug 31, 2009

You can probably look into community colleges in your area and ask where the LPN programs are. Also, google or contact your state board of nursing...they usually list the schools as well.

You can do both, become a CNA first (because that is a course that can be completed in a couple of months) while searching for LPN programs, then, enter a nursing program at a later date. Good luck!

caliotter3 · Aug 31, 2009

Becoming a CNA first will be to your advantage. You might be able to find out right away if you completely don't like the medical field, before you waste time and money pursuing a nursing program. I also recommend that you get your CNA certificate first, while you look for an LPN course. If possible get a part time job as a CNA that coincides with nursing school. Best of luck to you

Scorpio,LPN · Sep 5, 2009

I started as CNA and it gives you appreciation for what you are asking others to do for you, even as LPN you still do alot of CNA things in LTC anyway. I recommend it, but pursue nursing as far as it takes you, its a wonderfully rewarding experience. most programs require you to have your CNA first i think.... Good luck, it's a challenging but rewarding journey..(school and the job)

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2009

As the above posters have mentioned I can't say enough about also doing your CNA first. It helped me tremendously in LVN school, as the whole 1st semester was all CNA work anyway. It will get your feet wet and you will see if you really want to be a nurse or not.

DebanamRN, MSN, RN · Sep 6, 2009

If you get your CNA and go to work in a facility, that facility may pay for part or all of nursing school. BTW, I was never a CNA and wish I had been, because it was a difficult transition to nursing w/no bedside experience.

CharlieT · Sep 6, 2009

Parker,

Most LPN and RN schools will require you to complete CNA classes first. The CNA will take a short amount of time, The LPN will normally take a year. More training = more $. The CNA is a good stepping stone for the LPN. The LPN is a good stepping stone for the RN. The RN will take about 2 years. Good luck with whatever you go after.

Charlie

VM85 · Sep 6, 2009

I found that being a home health aid(HHA) and a PCA had helped me. You can also look for a job like that- I worked at clients homes and made some life long friends with them, so there are more options than a CNA(although it does give you experience in a hospital), but just so ya know. I then went into nursing school last year and when clinicals started, like other posters have said, it was so much easier knowing how to interact wiht a patient. I do recommend you do it first, but where I went to school, you didnt have to- but I am sure the people that were already in the field had gotten themajority of the spots. And I would say 5/6 that had failed out werent(apprx) then othe one who was, was only on thw job for less than two weeks, so I am not sure how good of a feel she had anyways.

You can try chekcing out technical highschool( vo tech) thats a place a practical nursin program is taught where I am from, along side community colleges. Anyways, goodl uck with your decision!