In need of some healthcare experience

[Lpn2014]

I am new to the healthcare field and was just wondering how some of you guys and gals got your foot in the door (hopefully that makes sense). I am hoping to start the LPN program this fall and would like to end the program with some experience.

[Lpn2014]

Any tips would be more helpful then none

[ashley.wilson]

Go get your CNA you'll get great experience and volunteer looks great on apps call a local hospital and ask about the volunteer options they offer you won't do anything but like answer phones or help direct people there but you marketing yourself to potential employers

[jheath]

I would personally say if you are for sure starting the LPN program, while the CNA program would help I wouldn't do it. I know where I am it is a month long program that is 900 bucks and if you're going to be a nurse in a year anyway why spend the money? (I am cheap so just my opinion).

You can get some experience working in Long Term Care facilities as a personal care aid without the cna class, in my state you do the same thing as CNA's (NO LIE) I do the same thing now as a CNA as I did as a PCA, the only difference is the pay rate. Most assisted living homes hire pcas without any medical backgrounds.

[Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN]

I agree with the poster above, if you are starting the LPN program soon then getting your cna right now would be a waste. You will gain a lot of experince during clinicals and labs. If you feel like you would like a head start now then volunteer maybe 2 days a week at a hospital

[Wannabeeinscrubs, ADN, LPN, RN]

Most LPN programs will let you test for CNA after the first half of the class, wouldn't spend the money twice