Curious about LPN clinicals vs. CNA

Hi! Last year I took a CNA course, and I'm now preparing to go to school for my LPN. I was just wondering if the first couple weeks of LPN clinicals are like that of CNA...i.e. having to make beds, that sort of thing. How long before you get into the more detailed, challenging aspects? Thanks!

[montinurse, BSN]

Good question! I start my LPN school next month. Was a CNA in high school, not looking forward to doing it all over again. At least it won't be 5 days a week like a normal job. First semester, I have one clinical day a week and then second semester 2 clinical days a week. I'm definitely interested in finding out the difference. I'm so anxious to start-my dream come true!

Hi! Last year I took a CNA course, and I'm now preparing to go to school for my LPN. I was just wondering if the first couple weeks of LPN clinicals are like that of CNA...i.e. having to make beds, that sort of thing. How long before you get into the more detailed, challenging aspects? Thanks!

[CashewLPN, LPN]

At times it can be similar, but you end up doing the same tasks for different means... (using bedbaths to learn to assess skin, et al)

Sometimes ya gotta pay your dues...

--Cashew

[underwatergirl]

Cashew said it right, in the very very beginning you will be practicing those skills as a CNA, however most colleges by pass current CNA's with a simple test out, find out about that...

But you will SLOWLY learn assessments and continue doing basic ADL's, nothing wrong with that but at this time you will begin to look at things different and assess pt.'s as you are doing that...

If your education is a year long, I would have to say you will not get into the full nitty gritty till the very end of your first semester if not the beginning of your second.

You need to learn theory prior to going out and assessing or doing technical skills, injections, cath's...etc. Be patient don't rush into it, or you will become over whelmed.

I was a CNA prior to LPN, I did have the thought, how much difference is it really...I will tell you this...you begin to look at everything in a new light, and that is how you need to proceed...however you must learn Body structure(A&P for PN students), different disease processes, body mechanisms, assessment theory and what to look for as WNL's vs abnormal...there are many parts...it will take time...you must be patient, you must transition your role as a CNA to becoming a PN student then GPN then LPN...learn it slowly...take your time.

Hope that helps...

Annette

[bianca]

help . i don't know where should i write this questions.i'll try here and maybe i'll find some help.i'm from chicago and i want very much to work in a hospital,even as a cna.can u please help telling me what college should i choose and how dificult is to get in?i red somewhere allmost all community colleges has a cna classes and everybody can get in.is that simple?i live in north chicago area.my problem is i'm imigrant and my english is not perfect,so that why i want to choose cna. please give me some advice.thank u very much.

[ocb_dave_ocb, LPN]

Our first couple of weeks in clinical was CNA stuff, but you start to do actual nursing stuff soon enough.....lol u will just love charting......haha

Good luck to you all with nursing..... i cannot wait to take my boards

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

NOt sure about other schools, but at my school, RN program, they start you making beds and CNA work. You have to take it even if you are a CNA or LPN. I am unsure as to why though. Best wishes to you in your program. :)

My program was first few months CNA + nursing assessment/charting, Meds and Tx's and Procedures didn't start until the second semester.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

We had 3 weeks of basic care clinical. We weren't actual CNAs, but we got assignments just like they did, and did the same care they did for that time.

[kelkel]

Hi! Last year I took a CNA course, and I'm now preparing to go to school for my LPN. I was just wondering if the first couple weeks of LPN clinicals are like that of CNA...i.e. having to make beds, that sort of thing. How long before you get into the more detailed, challenging aspects? Thanks!

Hopefully you didn't get into nursing thinking that you wouldn't have to make a bed or change a diaper. LPN or RN, that is part of being a nurse. I too work as a CNA putting myself through nursing school. Yes, you will start out with CNA tasks, but remember, there maybe people in your class who have never done that type of work before so be patient, maybe they can learn from you. You will see that more detailed things come quickly and instructors expect you to be on the ball, so as tedious as these other things may seem, think of it as a break before the ball really starts rolling.

[TaylorDeeLPN]

Thanks.