Current CNA Considering LPN School

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Hello,

My name is Shayla and I work as a CNA at an LTC facility in FL. I have less than a year of experience as a CNA. I just recently finished an online phlebotomy class through Express Training in the Gainesville area. However, I am having a difficult time finding a job. I considered taking a medical assistant class at Express Training in Gainesville in March of 2016, but have read that the field doesn't seem worth it. Therefore, the idea to become an LPN has popped up. I enjoy working as a CNA and helping the elderly, but I'm the kind of person who is always striving for more. I just don't know what to do and need advice. I also have to work full time and I don't know how I would get funding for an LPN class. The LPN class at Express Training is around $11,200 and is 12 months long. I also wouldn't like my phlebotomy certification to go to waste and from what I've read, phlebotomists make more than CNAs starting out. I currently make $9.50/hour because of my lack of experience. But will soon (hopefully) get a raise to $10.50/hour. I apologize for the rambling, but wanted to be descriptive. Please help?

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I'm curious as to how one can learn to draw blood online.

I don't mean to put down the profession of LPN. I've met some great nurses who are LPNs and have taught me a lot. However, the way things are today, I can't understand why someone would willing train for a position that is actively being phased out. Where I live all hospitals have gotten rid of them and even nursing homes are beginning to phase then out in favor of registered nurses. So, not only is the job market shrinking, you have to compete for the limited jobs against experienced LPNs who have lost their jobs at other facilities. Anyhow, good luck to you. It's an honorable profession.

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Oh no, I did some of the class online and some in a classroom. It wasn't all online. Hmm. An RN class is hard to get into. I don't know. But thank you for the response.

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.
I'm curious as to how one can learn to draw blood online.

I don't mean to put down the profession of LPN. I've met some great nurses who are LPNs and have taught me a lot. However, the way things are today, I can't understand why someone would willing train for a position that is actively being phased out. Where I live all hospitals have gotten rid of them and even nursing homes are beginning to phase then out in favor of registered nurses. So, not only is the job market shrinking, you have to compete for the limited jobs against experienced LPNs who have lost their jobs at other facilities. Anyhow, good luck to you. It's an honorable profession.

Why would LPNs be phased out and replaced with RNs in a LTC setting?

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
I'm curious as to how one can learn to draw blood online.

I don't mean to put down the profession of LPN. I've met some great nurses who are LPNs and have taught me a lot. However, the way things are today, I can't understand why someone would willing train for a position that is actively being phased out.

I don't think what you are describing above is "actively being phased out" which is a myth with an astounding amount of longevity. What is happening in your location may not be happening in Shayla's location. If the day ever comes when states no longer accredit LPN programs and stop testing and licensing LPNs, I'll agree with your argument.

Shayla, in a nutshell, I'm thinking if you are motivated to go LPN school then you should go for it! Next step will be the information-gathering phase where you actively look for programs that can be tailored to your current circumstances as far as full-time job and questions about available resources (grants,loans, etc) which most schools will assist you with.

Just as there is a wide variability in the job market, your costs may vary as well. ($11,200 sounds low for my area). You may want to check out the LPN and LPN Nursing Student forums to get you started. Those forums and many others you can find here in the site map.

All the best to you!

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If it makes you feel better look at job offers in your area. In GA hospitals say BSN preferred. I've seen LPNs at a few OB offices and pediatricians. Just make sure it don't say RN preferred. While I was pregnant I was choosing between ADN or BSN. Places said either but small print BSN preferred. I decided to go straight to BSN instead of ADN bridge so I could compete with everybody else.

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

Since you enjoy your CNA job as well as working with the elderly, getting your LPN sounds like a logical step to me. Look around and see what options there are for schools for this. Go for it.

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Why would LPNs be phased out and replaced with RNs in a LTC setting?

Our facility is in the process of converting two RN positions to LPN positions. No need for the RN designation for a floor nurse who works under the supervision of the charge nurse (RN), so why pay the premium?

OP, I realize that you might be struggling to make it happen financially and there isn't a whole lot I can offer you there; however, LPNs are paid more and better respected than CNAs. I commend you for at least considering the upgrade.

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Thank you all for the replies. :) I talked to a new LPN at my job who just got out of school and he told me about his experience. He went to the Bradford Union Technical College in Starke, FL. It's considerably less costly than any other program I've looked at and not as long too. There's another school in Inverness that is even cheaper. Both are accredited. I'm weighing my options. I just have to get all of the requirements done if I really decide to do this.

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.
Thank you all for the replies. :) I talked to a new LPN at my job who just got out of school and he told me about his experience. He went to the Bradford Union Technical College in Starke, FL. It's considerably less costly than any other program I've looked at and not as long too. There's another school in Inverness that is even cheaper. Both are accredited. I'm weighing my options. I just have to get all of the requirements done if I really decide to do this.

One thing to look at too is their pass rate and their NCLEX pass rate.

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Hi I just read you message and I as well am a CNA and recently received my phlebotomy license from express in December of 15. I'm trying to go into LPN at Bradford or ctae as well and I know alot of ways to get help with school payments please inbox me for more info

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I can't understand why someone would willing train for a position that is actively being phased out.
Outpatient care is the wave of the future...remember that. Hospitals and nursing homes are not the only employers of LPNs, especially in the wave of healthcare reform and the push for most care to be rendered in the community.

Home health, hospice, private duty, psych, developmental disabilities, adult daycare, personal care group homes, jails, prisons, clinics, doctors offices, assisted living facilities, insurance companies and other outpatient employers still utilize LPNs heavily.

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