Cna 1st or go straight to lvn/rn

raywelby · Aug 5, 2005

I cant answer the fact about moving and cert being accepted, but I went directly into RN program with never having any healthcare background at all, I was a stupid state prison guard for years and only went to a hospital for the birth of my kids! I made it through but it took alot of "catch up" work on my part as most were either already LPN/LVN's or CNA's and I had to work alot of extra hours on all the little things, especially vocabulary. It can be done without any previously healthcare experiance but rest assured, it will be alot easier if you could spend less time on the basics that you will pick up as a CNA.

AuntieRN · Aug 5, 2005

ray...

I am going into my third semester in the RN program. I was a CNA for 20years first. From what I am hearing from my classmates who had never even stepped into any kind of healthcare it is easier my way. It can be done either way. I do however feel that I have an advantage over some of my classmates because I already knew how to do some of the basics ie: bedbaths, vital signs, charting, cathing etc. My niece asked the same question you did and I suggested the CNA route. It also helps to be a CNA in school, most healtcare facilities will work around your school schedule, help you with your tuition and books and the nurses love nursing students and you will have the advantage of more hands on learning. This has been my experience anyways. Well good luck in whatever route you choose. :)

PBAJS · Aug 5, 2005

First - let me welcome you to allnurses. :balloons:

We are know by various names ... NA (nurses aide, nursing assistant), CNA (certified nurses aide, certified nursing assistant) I found out from reading here at allnurses: in Ohio, we would be a STNA, (State Tested NA); and have also seen in some states - CNA1 / CNA2. >> Not sure if I have this correct >> some of us, if we work in a hospital, might be called a PCA or PCT (Personal Care Assistant / Tech).

It appears, from those posters who have previously answered this question, most do think that it might be best to become a NA/CNA. Also, working in the field may help you in the future to be a better supervisor (been there and done that :chuckle ).

About the moving from one state to another ... best to check with the state you are moving to. My niece moved twice to different states. The first time, all she had to do was show the first state's license and the second state issued her a license for that second state. When she moved again, (she did not have to take a course), however, the third state did require her to take a test to get here license in that state. Hoping that wasn't too confusing.

Found this information online for you about New Mexico ... (I noticed some differences in address and/or phone numbers ... hoping that you will be able to contact the right place).

http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/caregiver/NATD/NADotherStates.htm

NEW MEXICO

NM Nurse Aide Registry

1421 Luisa Street Suite R

Sante Fe, NM 87505

(505) 827-4200

FAX: (505) 827-4203

http://www.asisvcs.com/publications/pdf/074117.pdf

NEW MEXICO

Nurse Aide Registry

1421 Luisa Street

Suite R

Santa Fe, NM 87505

(505) 827-1453 or 1418

FAX: (505) 827-4203

http://nursingassistantcentral.homestead.com/NurseAideRegistries.html

NEW MEXICO

NM Health Facility

Lic. & Cert. Bureau

525 Camino De Los Marquez Suite 2

Sante Fe, NM 87501

(505) 827-4206 or 827-42

Best of luck to you.

aegirl · Aug 10, 2005

I have no medical experience whatsover and i'm going into my last semester of PN school and most of the students in my class aren't CNAs. I think the ones who were CNAs had an advantage at first, with the bed making, personal care, and already having interaction with patients.. But we soon passed the level of what a CNA does and we were all on the same level. I haven't had any problems in the program and I don't think i've had to work harder because I didn't have the experience of a CNA. It's your decision what you want to do...everyone is different. You should be just fine going straight for your LPN.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Aug 10, 2005

Hello,

I say if you can get your CNA it is a good thing. Experience is always good, but if you can't then it is doable either way. Just might take a little extra studying from your part. Good luck to you. :clown:

vcannon · Aug 11, 2005

I have no experience in health care. I want to be a nurse. Should I get my CNA first,work in the field, then go to night school go for LVN. I am in Los Angeles now and will be moving to New Mexico soon. Does the CNA certificate in California work in New Mexico. I cannot find anyone to answer this question. I have left messages with people all over Ca and New Mexico.
Help.

I had no experience in the health care field when I started my nursing program. In the program I went through, we caught up as far as learning what the CNA's knew within the first six weeks of the program. I believe starting as a CNA or going right into the program is a personal choice. Best of luck to you.

Valiere RN