Looking for guidance...

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2015

Working as a CNA prior to becoming an LVN is not necessary. Although it might be helpful, it is not needed.

I had no CNA certificate or experience when I enrolled in an LVN program 11 years ago. You will learn CNA skills during the first few months of an LVN program and be given the option to take the state test to become a CNA if you're interested.

Farawyn · Oct 16, 2015

CNA has nothing to do with going to school for being a nurse, outside of hospital experience, etc.

You do not need to be a CNA as a requirement for school.

Gcossio · Oct 16, 2015

I've enquired in several schools,tech schools to be specific , and each stated that I needed my credits from being a CNA in order to qualify for the LVN courses, Is that because, maybe it being a tech school...???

RN403, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2015

I've enquired in several schools,tech schools to be specific , and each stated that I needed my credits from being a CNA in order to qualify for the LVN courses, Is that because, maybe it being a tech school...???

Might be the specific requirements of that school. I have noted that some schools do require you to be a CNA prior to starting the program. If you are not wanting to obtain your certification (CNA) then perhaps you can look into other schools. Not all require you to be a CNA prior to starting.

quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN · Oct 16, 2015

The Community Colleges near where I live all require you to have the CNA class and be certified as a prereq for either LPN or ADN school. It is not necessary to work as a CNA while in school, though if you want to, it will help you to become more comfortable around patients and caring for them.

It seems like the schools around you have the same requirements regarding the CNA certification as they do around me. The first semester of nursing school will focus on nursing skills that CNA's don't do. You will already have learned how to perform ADL's.

Gcossio · Oct 16, 2015

So in y'alls opinion which would be the best course of action, do I work as a CNA for a bit then continue with school for LVN, or just continue on with school...I'm assuming the experience I'll receive as a CNA would be beneficial, like a step ahead so to speak, once I start the LVN courses, my goal is to be a licenced nurse by the golden age of fifty,I'll be forty eight this December...:/, but not giving up

middleagednurse · Oct 16, 2015

Find out what you school requires, then do it.

canigraduate · Oct 17, 2015

Here's what I think:

You should get your CNA first. It is not necessary to become a nurse, but it is very helpful in getting your first job as a nurse after you graduate. It also helps you get into school.

Once you get into nursing school, being a CNA will help you in Fundamentals. It will also help you not be that scared-to-touch-a-patient student that gets on everyone's nerves in clinical. But that's it. After the first semester, you really don't have an advantage, except on your resumÃ© when you graduate. Try to get into a hospital and work as a CNA while you are in school. You will have a much greater chance of landing a first job in acute care.

From the y'all, I am assuming you are Southern, like me. In the South, a lot of trade schools and community colleges require you to be a CNA first. They believe it weeds out the people who are too grossed out by bodies to be nurses and saves them some effort.

I was a CNA first, nurse second, and it opened a few doors for me that were closed for people who didn't have any healthcare experience. In the same context, working as a medical assistant or unit secretary is also beneficial for getting that first job. Just make sure that if your program requires the CNA certificate that you get it.

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Oct 17, 2015

I think you should do CNA work first. Its not only helpful to know what those guys go through, but to also know that what they do is part of your job as a nurse. You should know how to do it well.

SleeepyRN · Oct 17, 2015

CNA has nothing to do with going to school for being a nurse, outside of hospital experience, etc.
You do not need to be a CNA as a requirement for school.

Some schools do require you to be certified first :-/

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Oct 17, 2015

Either way is fine, do whatever works for you. In my area, after the first semester of LPN school, you are a CNA. Given your age and your eagerness to get your LPN, I would probably just plug right through to the LPN, but do what works for you.