CNA or Phlebotomy/EKG to LPN

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I have seen so many people on here say that CNA training has helped them ease into LPN or RN classes. I originally wanted to do a quick few month course, but the more I looked at my options I seen I wanted to be an LPN. So I am wondering while I am waiting for a LPN class should I go for my CNA Or take a Phlebotomy/EKG class? Will I learn more at one or the other that will help me be a better LPN? I have seen a lot of people on here say how helpful it was to be a CNA or have hospital experience first. I an not sure I want to work in a nursing home, but I have several hospitals near me (Springfield, Ware and Palmer Ma).I would really appreciate your advice and experience. I also seen as a CNA there is a lot of heave lifting while assisting pts. I am not sure I am up for that. A CNA course at the Red Cross is about 825$ with home health care added on and the Phlebotomy/EKG is 1200-1500.One hospital in my area also does on the job training for phlebotomy. Has anyone done that? I am a little worried about try it. I just want to pick the one that will help me be ahead of the game later. I will have enough to learn as an LPN.Thanks!

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I was a CNA, phlebotomist, medical assistant and patient care associate. I do think that being in these positions helped me to deal with people. I am unsure about scholastically, because the courses I took in my path to becoming an LPN were considerably deeper, but in all, I was able to apply the knowledge. Also, I was not that naive to expect much out of nurses. This is not to say that nursing is a horrible career, or that all nurses are bad. It was just an observation of mine that life does not compare to the textbooks. Being a better LPN would come from experience from what I have encountered. The courses helped me to be a great student, but coming across the many things that I did as a nurse (and mind you, I have only been an LPN since June of this year) had to come from trial and error and dealing with things as they come. There is a great deal of lifting that happens with CNAs, and can be as nurses as well, especially if you are doing bedside care. Take the courses. Your new job may offer tuition reimbusment for LPN or RN courses, and the best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, Peds, LDRP.

Phlebotomy/EKG courses can be taken as short CEU classes once u get your LPN. Also, during my LPN course, after the 1st 6 weeks we got a Nursing Assistant Certificate and were eligable to take the CNA exam. You might want to check on that. Also, before you fork out all that money for the class at the red cross, call around to different nursing homes because many offer a free CNA class. Even if you have to pay, I know there are classes out there that are much cheaper. Just research your options. Also, most agencies will hire CNAs to work in home health even if they arent a HHA. Good luck!

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Thanks pagandeva2000 and luv4nursing for responding.It really helps to hear from people who have been there.

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