Going from CNA to LPN

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I'm just starting CNA training next monday, hopefully (if we can get a few more people for the class to begin, we were supposed to start today but had people drop out at the last minute).

I'm so excited! But I am planning on applying to Tennessee Tech. for their LPN classes as soon as I get my CNA finished.

How many of you worked while going to school for your LPN? And is the nursing entrance test difficult? Thanks

Amy

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Hi Amy,

good luck with the CNA program.

I was a CNA before going to LPN School myself. I found that being a CNA first really helped me a lot with school.

as far as working, here in VA, CNA school was only 8 weeks. I didn't work but I did work on a as needed basis as a CNA while in school for my LPN. I only worked every other weekend and sometime that was hard to do if I had a test coming up. Once you start school, you will be able to figure out what you can and cannot do.

Are you going to be working at Cookeville hospital? I used to live in Cookeville for 2 years and went to Tech myself (of course this was about 6 years ago and I wasn't into Nursing then) Just neat to see someone from a town that not to many people know of.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU

Kellie

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My family lives in Tennessee! I love it there! :p

Anyway, I think that working while going to school full-time is always hard, but I also have to say that the experience you can gain as a CNA is really REALLY valuable.

I didn't work while in LPN school, however, I am now working as a LPN going to RN school, and the on-the-job learning is an excellent companion to what I am learning in school.

Michelle

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I was a CNA/CMA before i went to LPN school, if one of the requirements is the COMPASS Test/NET i would study something like basic english, science, math, and practice reading, and make sure you really make good score. LPN school nowadays are very picky on who they're going to let in, also if it requires an essay, think about any topic regarding nursing so once they pop the question you'll be a bit prepared. hint hint... "Why do you want to be a _______?"

My classes started August and still worked full time till December, got sick and decided to lessen the hours but once clinicals started, i went part time coz its very stressull dealing with case study, 6hrs clinicals 3-4x/wk its too much.

hope this helps.... :)

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i'm doing the same thing as you. i just started a cna course and next year i'd like to get into the comunity college to become an lpn.

~michelle

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Hi Amy! Congrats on your interest in nursing. I also went from a CNA to LPN I also graduated from Tennessee Tech in Elizabethton. I can tell you, the NET test is hard. You need the book to study from. Dont just study the math study all of it. The trickiest part is your test taking skills. Also, if you need to work during the time you want to go to nursing school, for various reasons, I had to work as I have 3 children to raise, but Tennessee Tech does offer an evening class. It is an 18 month course. I took that route because I felt I had more time to learn, and absorb what I was learning. Anyhow, Good luck to you!

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I found out my hospital will hire one of its own nursing students as a NA after passing the first 2 of the 6 RN courses (quarters). Figure I may as well take the CNA exam and make $1.55/hr more. Then I found out at some further point (short of graduation) we can work as a LPN. What the heck!

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