Is it better to become a CNA or LVN before entering into a Nursing Program ?

[sovarah]

I'm currently a senior in high school and I'm planning to attend community college for the next two or three years. While attending a jc and taking Pre-reqs, I am thinking of becoming an LVN but University of Washington (dream school) suggests becoming a CNA. I live in California and still have time to go on mission trips, volunteer, study hard, get good grades and create myself as a nursing student. Anyone applying or accepted to University of Washington have any tips? Anything would help! Thank You ! :)

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

I would only consider the LVN program if you're having trouble getting into an RN program. That's a lot of money.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

I don't think it's a bridge program. I think its just a program from a private college to obtain your LVN. Yeah I'm in no rush to make money, just wanted to know which one appeals more to University of Washington's Nursing Program, but they did suggest becoming a CNA. Wasn't sure why they didn't suggest becoming an LVN.

If your goal is to be an RN, I advise against going to a for-profit school for your LVN. (I'm assuming that's what you mean by private college)

For profit schools that are vocational in nature rarely have credits that are transferable to an university based RN program. So, once you decide to go on for your RN, you'll have to start from square-one.

If your sole reason for becoming an LVN is because you hope it will help you get admitted into an RN program, I advise re-thinking your plan. That seems like a very expensive and unnecessary stepping stone if your capable of just going directly for an RN program.

But, if you really need for some reason to be a LVN before starting an RN program, I recommend attending a community college that offers practical nursing. Many of the pre-reqs for the PN program will transfer to those for the RN program.

[sovarah]

Thanks Brandon! Yes definitely rethinking it, but I do think I'll become a CNA as a stepping stone into applying for a nursing program.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

Being a CNA is an excellent way to get a job as a new grad RN. Where I live, hospitals often select their own aides/techs who have proved themselves before they consider external applicants.

[loriangel14, RN]

If you take an LVN program that IS nursing school.

[jenam2you]

It's much better going into an RN program, brand new with no prior experience. I say that because many people who were lpns in the program. They relied on past experiences or "real world/ life nursing". Nursing school is much different than working as an actual nurse aka " real life nursing ". Exam wise especially, it's better coming in with no experience.

FYI. . . just be prepared to wipe someone ass.

I totally disagree... I worked as a CNA and also an LVN before becoming an RN, and I feel that my experiences helped me transition more easily into my role as an RN. I understand the responsibilities and can delegate more efficiently. Plus, new grad RN's are more likely to let their CNA do all of the ass wiping instead of getting their hands dirty. I am speaking from experience. I work with new grads and I can always tell who has real experience and is not scared of a Code Brown.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

University of Washington (dream school) suggests becoming a CNA. I live in California...

If you live in California, why aren't you considering the myriad of wonderful and affordable nursing programs found within the extensive California State University system?

Nursing is not a profession in which the name of your school matters that greatly. The major exceptions to this rule are the investor-owned schools of questionable repute (ITT Tech, West Coast University, Brown Mackie, University of Phoenix, Kaplan, etc). Otherwise, no one's going to care where you attended nursing school.

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

I totally disagree... I worked as a CNA and also an LVN before becoming an RN, and I feel that my experiences helped me transition more easily into my role as an RN. I understand the responsibilities and can delegate more efficiently. Plus, new grad RN's are more likely to let their CNA do all of the ass wiping instead of getting their hands dirty. I am speaking from experience. I work with new grads and I can always tell who has real experience and is not scared of a Code Brown.

Well if her goal is to become an RN-BSN & she doesn't need to work, then she should just head straight to a university. There's no reason to waste time at a community college & spend a year becoming an LVN when she really wants to be an RN-BSN. She could've been spending that year working on pre-reqs.

[jenam2you]

Well if her goal is to become an RN-BSN & she doesn't need to work, then she should just head straight to a university. There's no reason to waste time at a community college & spend a year becoming an LVN when she really wants to be an RN-BSN. She could've been spending that year working on pre-reqs.

Can skip the LVN but should have some CNA experience. Most schools now are requiring at least 6 months of some kind of Healthcare experience to even be considered for a program.

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

Can skip the LVN but should have some CNA experience. Most schools now are requiring at least 6 months of some kind of Healthcare experience to even be considered for a program.

I've never heard of required CNA experience for any nursing program.

[thecool1Nscrubs2no]

Hi,

So your planning to become an additional member within the health care field. Since you already know you want to be an RN and the way nursing school cost continue to rise, I would do the CNA then the RN. As a CNA it is hands on care from oral feedings,bathing to dressing, vital signs and changing depends or diapers (its other stuff to but this is just the basics). The work is not easy so keep your back strong and keep a healthy body and mind. But also you could get your foot in the door at local physicians offices and work there as a CNA. I did it the long way because I didn't have anyone to ask or give advice at the time (CNA, LPN and the RN). Also since your in high school volunteer at the hospitals or outpatient offices as this could help landing a job later on....even if you just do it say 3 times a month for 3 hours. As a tip get involved in local advocate groups that do wellness programs within the community or address members in the community whom are at risk health wise (as you could volunteer with setup) this also could be a way of meeting local nurses in the area. ******Since you plan to attend Jr. college you can become an RN at that level with an associates degree and attend the university for your graduate degree. So you could do a associates and then go straight for the Masters/Post Masters...then the doctoral. Using myself and an example I didn't do the BSN because I was looking at the cost. I did the associates then I did the Masters/post Masters and now I'm starting my doctoral in nursing (June 2015). I wish you the best. Also now you should be looking to see what credits will transfer from your high school to the Jr. college as a way to reduce cost along with discussing your plan of study. Also depending on where you work you will still have hands on care if your a bedside RN....just an FYI. Please contact me for any additional advice happy to help. Also check various nursing school...the main thing is looking at the accreditation's, Pass rates, Cost,....the program it self (student plan for success). If your using any type of student loans cost is a big factor....you want the best for the bucks that are being issued to the school. Really it doesn't matter if you go to a top school or one in the top 10....you will arrive at the board to test for the NCLEX exam the same. So don't just focus on one university check out some others too....don't become short sighted on your quest to become an RN. One last thing many hospitals want nurses to be pursuing higher levels of education....as I know some will not hire unless you plan to advance your studies.

[Tigerlily8]

I would suggest investigating the job market in your area to determine what types of opportunities are available to CNA's vs. LVN's. Depending on your clinical interests and the local job market you may find that CNA's may have more opportunities than LVNs. The geographic area in which I currently reside has lots of job openings for LVNs but at different times I have lived in areas where LVNs have difficulty finding employment in acute care. But then again, I don't know where your interests lie.