I need help in deciding whether to become an LPN

Jules A, MSN · Dec 9, 2009

Why aren't you interested in doing a community college? They are super quick and cheap. I'd give them a second thought.

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2009

There are quite a few LPN programs in DC. UDC , from what I hear has a really good program. Also, Sojourner-Douglass College in Baltimore has a LPN program.

cate0035 · Dec 10, 2009

Hello there...Thanks so much for the responses...I called my community college today and they do not have an LPN program, only LPN to RN...The woman suggested that I take a 6 week course to become a CNA ($1500), and at least I could work while I continue my education for either an LPN or RN certif. I just can't afford to stop working for 2-3 years while going to school. Do you think that this sounds like a good option? I looked into the Johns Hopkins free training program, but you have to live in Baltimore County for that to be a possibility...Thanks again for any and all opinions...cate

Jules A, MSN · Dec 11, 2009

What about CCBC Dundalk? Their LPN program used to allow students to get their CNA after the first semester just by paying the BON fee. I totally agree with you about not quitting work. I would not have gone to nursing school if I wasn't able to continue working. What kind of work do you do now? CNA wages are not great so I continued with my regular job. It wasn't easy but I was determined. Best of luck to you!

cate0035 · Dec 11, 2009

Thanks Jules...Here's my dilemma...I have been in the travel business for about 15 years. I was a manager at a law firm for 4 years when a new company came in and took over. The law firm wanted us all to stay on and I was with the new company for just about 2 weeks shy of one year. I had to take a leave for a hysterectomy due to endometriosis, and was not protected when the recession started. When I left, the travel business was booming, and now it has all but dried up. I have been on unemployment for about 1 year now. This is why I decided to go back to school and try to get in a profession that always seems to have a calling for help. Soooo, I was given advice by the local college to go for the CPN cert. so that I can start working and then continue my education for the LPN and hopefully an RN. It's so unbelievably hard to go from making $60,000 a year to $20,000 , but in the long run I think that I will be happier. I would love to go to ccbc, but they would be a good hour to 1 1/2 each way with no traffic. I was looking tonite on the Kaplan Univ in Frederick Md. for courses. One site mentioned that I should attempt to go to local hospitals and nursing homes to see if they have on the job training for CPN's. Can I ask if you're an RN, and if so, how long did your education process take to get there? Thanks again for your suggestions....Cate

Jules A, MSN · Dec 11, 2009

Hi Cate,

I'm a RN now but I did my LPN first. Because I loaded up my courses and took some toward my RN while in LPN school it only took me just over 3 years. FWIW I drove 90 minutes each way for my LPN program. :) Not ideal but what had to be done. Have you looked on the MBON web site for a list of all the schools offering LPN programs? You definitely should be able to find a facility that will train you as a CNA so I wouldn't pay to get it. If you can waitress or bartend you'd make way more money in a shorter period of time. How long does your unemployment go for? You are probably making more with that than a CNA also. If I sound down on CNAs that isn't what I mean its just that they do back breaking work for peanuts and in the scheme of nursing school once you are past your first semester there is very little benefit to being a CNA, imo. Good luck.

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Dec 11, 2009

http://www.mbon.org/education/nclex_pn_stats_fy09.pdf

A list of LPN programs & their pass rate for this year. I don't see Kaplan on there, did they mention if they are accredited by the MBON? Jules I have to respectfully disagree with you regarding becoming a CNA first. IMO I think it gives you a glimpse into the world of nursing & whether or not its "for you". Many times, people just decide to become a nurse without first seeing if they like the healthcare field or not.

Jules A, MSN · Dec 12, 2009

Jules I have to respectfully disagree with you regarding becoming a CNA first. IMO I think it gives you a glimpse into the world of nursing & whether or not its "for you". Many times, people just decide to become a nurse without first seeing if they like the healthcare field or not.

Yes, I think you bring up a popular point although I feel as if I got close to 2 years worth of CNA duties in during NS clinicals so I definitely had that glimpse before I graduated. I would have never become a nurse if I had to do CNA work prior. In large part its about the money. I was in my late 30s when I started nursing school so working for only $10-$12 an hour wasn't an option. FWIW while I love and respect my CNAs I wouldn't do their job for my pay.

MamaGyrl · Dec 19, 2009

DC has many LPN programs. You can go to their DC board of nursing to check out the listed schools that are accredited. I went to Comprehensive Health Academy and I think they have a website also if you just look in the Yellow pages or online and check out the nursing homes or hospitals in your area most places will pay you for training as a CNA as long as you give them 1yr or 2. LPN programs are very difficult but well worth it. At Comprehensive I paid $8500 and I went to the school for 15-18 months and when I have passed the comprehensive and NCLEX I will be doing my LPN-RN program at a community college since its cheaper. Good luck in whatever you choose.

cate0035 · Dec 23, 2009

Thank you so much for the feedback. I'm sorry that I didn't write back sooner but I didn't get an email notifying me of a response. Can I ask a question about CNA's? I seem to find different information on what they actually do depending on where I look. Do most CNA's take blood pressure, temperatures, sort of go fors for nurses and doctors, or are they the people that wash and bathe people, and clean bedsheets, orrrr all of the above...I have about 6 months left on my unemployment, and the biggest problem that I have is finding a job that does not require skills. When I apply for regular nonskill jobs I am considered overqualified, but when I try to go for a managerial type of job (which is what I was in the travel industry), I do not have the experience in that specific field. It's really tough right now which is why thought I'd go for the quick CNA certification and at the very least make what I am making on unemployment, and then continue along to the LPN. Although I've heard some great points for going right for my LPN and then onto the RN...Thanks so much for all of your help....I truly appreciate it...

Jules A, MSN · Dec 23, 2009

Yes, CNAs do all of the above. If you don't have other options once your unemployment runs out it might be a great job for you during school. Working as a sitter once you get your CNA is also popular among students and can often allow some study time. Good luck.