CNA to LPN Training?

Marlene39 · Jul 29, 2010

There are LPN programs at Gateway Community College, Maricopa and Soutwest Skills centers and maybe some at diploma schools (not sure about this though). Since you need a CNA to go to Gateway, I'm assuming the program skips the skills the CNA already gives you, but I will know more after I start in a couple weeks. The skills centers don't require a CNA so I'm sure you would spend a very short time re-learning these skills.

Banner Health is phasing out their LPNs in the hospital setting, but will still have LPNs in long term care and home health. I'm sure there will still be opportunities for LPNs in those setting as it costs the LTCs and home health agencies far less to have an LPN pushing PO meds than an RN. Jobs are few and far between for any nursing jobs at the moment, but that may change with the wind (it usually does).

I've talked to a lot of seasoned nurses and they all say that you have to ride the wave. For 30+ years they have said they were phasing out LPNs and that BSNs were going to be required instead of ADNs, but it hasn't happened yet. Not saying it won't in the future, but for now it's just not the case.

AzDeb · Jul 30, 2010

Thank you so much for the reply! Very helpful information. :)

rzyzzy · Jul 30, 2010

I'm currently finishing block 1 of the Fast-Track LPN program @ Gateway. The jobs outlook isn't great currently, and there's a slight wrinkle in The logic of the post above - Banner's LTC facilities are currently employing LPN's, but they aren't hiring new LPN's, and they've strongly recommended that current LPN's in their employ go back and get RN licenses.

Further, the BON has been working on an "experiment", whereby CNA's take 100 hours of additional training and then they too, can dispense meds - so the LPN could conceivably be rendered unnecessary at the whim of the BON.

The study was bought and paid for by LTC facilities, who were looking to cut costs - the results are what you would expect when someone "buys" a study... Supposedly, "Med Techs" are more accurate with meds than RN's.

Ha!

The BON clearly looks at LPN's as the "black sheep" of their "flock", so I wouldn't count on an LPN license being valuable long-term in AZ. If you're just "passing through" on your way to RN, go for it. Otherwise, consider another path.

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geup6sW1NMXSEBx2tXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTE0dXQ5M3ZtBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMwRjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkA0FDQlkwMl83NQ--/SIG=13bjld234/EXP=1280617772/**https%3a//www.azbn.gov/Documents/misc/FINAL%2520REPORT%2520TO%2520THE%2520LEGISLATURE.pdf

http://www.hdmaster.com/testing/othertesting/arizona_cma/AZ_CMA_Home.htm

Marlene39 · Jul 31, 2010

I'm currently finishing block 1 of the Fast-Track LPN program @ Gateway. The jobs outlook isn't great currently, and there's a slight wrinkle in The logic of the post above - Banner's LTC facilities are currently employing LPN's, but they aren't hiring new LPN's, and they've strongly recommended that current LPN's in their employ go back and get RN licenses.

I don't know if Banner will eventually hire new LPNs to replace LPN who quit (although they have LPN jobs posted on their website), but I would think that other LTC facilities around the area will continue to keep hiring LPNs or possibly these new CMAs you mentioned to keep costs down. BTW, I didn't come up with Banner's slightly wrinkled logic, I just was posting what I know from working there and reading the employee website. :clown:

I agree that an LPN program is better if it is just a stepping stone to an RN. That is my plan at least.

AzDeb · Jul 31, 2010

Thank you everyone for your help and advice! I have lots of thinking and evaluating to do it sounds like. I appreciate your honesty and your replies!!