CNA Before LPN and then RN

Nurse Ratched, RN · Mar 15, 2003

I actually didn't go through a CNA program per se - started before we had to be certified. I can tell you that being a nurses' aide prepared me for whether or not I could handle the "icky" side of nursing (body fluids, etc.) It taught me to value techs and aides to take care of my back (and my co-workers' backs.) And it taught me that the simplest things we do for patients (bathing, feeding, walking) often have far more value than the high tech stuff.

Good luck!

Disablednurse · Mar 15, 2003

The CNA program basically teaches you basic CPR, vital signs(blood pressure, pulse, resp, temp), bathing technique, peri care. Pretty much basic daily skills care. Teaches about confidentiality. Charting skills. Feeding skills. It is the "grunt" work as you call it, but in LTC, the CNA is the backbone of each facility. I always considered the CNA as my extra set of eyes and ears as she had such a close connection to the patients or residents. Good luck on your getting into LPN school. IN LTC, the LPN is also a great friend of the RN. The LPN is also a great asset to the LTC facility.

sjoe · Mar 16, 2003

My suggestion would be to go directly from the CNA to an ADN or diploma RN. You could do that in the same time frame that you could get an LPN.

GraceyB · Mar 16, 2003

CNA class postponed intul April 28th. I have seen in the college curriclum that LPN classes are completely different from RN classes. I would have to take LPN first as I need to work even part time and increase the pay gradually. If I go straight to the RN program I might not be able to work as many hours.

CTalmadge · Mar 16, 2003

Great idea, I was a cna for 7 years and honestly I had no problem in the LPN program, it was pretty easy because I already had the back ground. I have been working as a LPN for three years and just applied to the RN program. Waiting to hear if I got in. SO good luck

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Mar 16, 2003

I think you are SO smart for planning to do it this way. I was a CNA for a few years, doing LTC and home health. The classes were pretty much what Disablednurse said they were, and there is a lot of teaching of respecting one's dignity, which is so important in my opinion. I got my LPN a few years later, and my CNA cert. helped me along the whole way. Now I just received my RN, and both helped me immensely.

When I was a CNA I could always tell the nurses that had once been aides, and I hope that I act like one of those nurses.

Someone suggested going for your ADN rather than your LPN and it'd be the same amt. of time? I know there are some LPN programs that are assoc. degree, but most are 1 year, meaning there is a year difference between LPN and ADN degrees. Besides, once you get your LPN you could very well get a job in a facility that would pay for you to go back and get your RN. Lots of places do that, or at least help out with it.

Best of luck to you!

mario_ragucci · Mar 16, 2003

I have been a CNA for one year. I remember how challenging it was, but it was key to being employed anywhere. It was the first time I experienced severe gender bias. There are so many firsts you will experience, and you'll learn the right way to do things. Overall, my CNA training was positive, but it in no way prepared me for the REAL dangers that confront me which come from people who aren't in your care. If your a woman, it won't be so bad, but if your a guy, forget about it. You'll see. Best of luck to you, and please eat a hot dog and a kinish for me on 39th and Madison.

JacelRN, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2003

Hiya GraceyB,

Bear with me, I'm new to this board but I thought I could relate to your question. I was a CNA for 2 years in a hospital setting and what I wanted to add to the previous posts is that my certification took 2 weeks of 8-5 classes in a room packed with other people. Some were high school GED students, some were high school graduates and some were college students like myself so the teacher there kinda taught in simple ways. I thought you might wanna know this aspect of the training.

Also, it was taught by the book in my class, fold the washcloth like this, tuck in the bed corners like that, very tedious and old fashioned. I think they were teaching us the "right" way to do it so we could learn the "real" way to do it later =)

Anyway, thought this might help for what to expect...

Good Luck

GraceyB · Mar 27, 2003

UPDATE: I passed my interview and exam so I am in the class. WOOHOO!! I have purchased the textbook so I'll be reading it until the classes start on April 28th. We have 5 weeks of classes and 6 days of clinicals in a nursing home. Thank you so much for your support and info!! I'll let you know how the class goes.

Gracey

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Mar 27, 2003

Congrats! Get ready for smells like you have never smelled before.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Mar 27, 2003

Good luck GracyB!!