LTC vs HH vs Hospitals for CNA seeking LPN

Students CNA/MA

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I'm not quite a CNA but my evaluations thus far have been very encouraging. As long as I don't screw up too bad tomorrow and Friday, I should get the certificate from the training program. It will be a few weeks before I can take the state test. I will be entering into a LPN program as soon as I can find an opening and I want to get an idea as to which types of employment are best. It seems like the three main categories are home health, hospitals, and long term care facilities.

My clinical instructor told me that LTCs (she said nursing homes - the same right?) are great because they teach you to do a lot of things and provide a great deal of experience. She's in her early 30's, and is an LPN who is in RN school now, so I think her information is pretty current, and she definitely knows her stuff (as opposed to just knowing more than the students).

At this point, I really don't care too much about what I get paid (all CNA's are underpaid anyway right?!). I just want to work in an environment where I will be able to see more and be trained to do more. In a nutshell the environment that will help me the most in LPN and eventually RN programs. I may have the opportunity to work at the facility where clinicals are conducted. Um .... yeah - no (at least not for more than a few months so that something can go on my resume).

Is LTC the best option for this? Will I get more training in LTC settings vs. hospitals? Which will I see more in? Is home health definitely not what I am looking for?

Also I am 1) new to this forum; and 2) very lazy. So if this topic has been discussed previously, I would love to see the thread.

Thanks much!

Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

It really depends on your area. If your area has hospitals that use LPN's, than maybe being a CNA in a hospital would benefit you the most, and also help you get a position there once you graduate. Working in a nursing home or assisted living facility will help you too though. You get to see first hand what an LPN does and once again like I said once you finish the program you may be able to work there as an LPN. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

muffinCNA15

37 Posts

I am not a lpn/lvn but am thinking about enrolling in school this summer for it...

anyway I am a cna and I work as a caregiver for home care companies. Most lpn/lvn in my area (ca) work in ltc or home health. Me...i would try to work in ltc to see what the nurses do there, and get used to having alot of residents/patients at one time. In home health you are lucky and only have one @ a time.

if you are able to get hired at a hospital as a cna, that's great exp too but in my area, there are only rn's @ the hospitals except rehab.

anyway good luck! And ask your instructor for advice & the people @ your lpn school :)

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