CNA vs. LPN vs. RN

jenmlee · May 17, 2006

What a lot of people who are in similar situations do is work as CNA's while going through nursing school. You can work on prereqs a couple of classes at a time toward your ultimate nursing goal. That way you get a chance to get out and start working.

As far as wages go, it depends upon the facility. I know in my area, the nursing homes train their employees as CNAs (for those who want to be CNAs) and they work in their facility.

Whatever you choose to do, good luck and don't give up.

saskenn0910 · May 17, 2006

Well here's the thing. Yes there's CNA training everywhere, but because it's so easy to obtain, there are more CNA's which means less good paying CNA jobs. Yes you can work in a nursing home, been there done that. But it's really hard work. If you're going to do CNA do your pre-req's while working as a CNA. I can say working as a CNA gives you some insight into some of the nursing field. That way you can find out if taking care of others is really for you. Let's face it, anything worth having is going to require hard work and determination. You'll also have some sacrafice to be made. Just in case you're still looking at LPN, there's a school in Ohio called Brown Mackey College, you're done with LPN in like 10 months. If I don't get into the RN programs that I'm applying for soon, I'm going there. Best Wishes.

phluteloop · May 19, 2006

Hi Finola,

I've been a CNA for fives years now, and am working my way through nursing school. I agree with saskenn0910, the experience is always helpful, espeically once you enter clinicals.

Just some things to keep in mind:

As a CNA, you may not be making as much as you'd like right off the bat. Most places need some experience, but nursing homes usually offer good training and raises quickly, depending on where you go. I was lucky to work in a very large nursing facility (the same one I did CNA clinicals at) where I was able to learn many skills, which eventually helped me into a hospital.

Hospitals still hire LPN's. I worked with many CNA's at Select Specialty Hospital in Mt. Clemans who were first getting their LPN before RN. The great thing about SSH was that you could gain great acute care experience as an LPN. The DMC also has LPN openings, I work with a handful.

If you want the feel of patient care first and an immdiate income is in need, try CNA while working through nursing school. From there I would start on the ADN route, although I know for some becoming an LPN first is more pratical. Completely understandable.

Good luck to you! :)

Chandra