LPN or CNA?

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Hello everyone!

I've been waiting years with sleepless nights for this moment to come. I am finally graduating high school at the beginning of next month and I've always thought of being a nurse. I recently took a pre-entrance exam at a technical school and went to an interview with the LPN nursing coordinator. She seemed surprised at how decent my test results and school grades were, but she was thinking about how organized I am in high school to continue to the LPN program she saw that my grades are good, but my test results from the classes are bad, she worries because there a lot of tests she gives out through the program. I told her I can be at times disorganized and I am sometimes a little jittery in some classes already. She recommended me to become a CNA first, before attempting to become a LPN. I believe I am motivated enough to do the LPN course, but what if I can't do it? So what I am asking is, should I take the CNA course first then attempt to become a LPN? I understand a Certified Nurses Aide by legal terms is not a nurse, so would my CNA experience reflect on job applications and give me an advantage over new graduates that did not have any experience? I ask this, because I know there is no actual "shortage" if you look anywhere, new nurses are having a hard time finding a job. All the employers don't want to hire new grads they want the experienced nurses. I go through the job ads every week and they only seem to want to hire people with 1-3+ years experience. Another problem I have is I'll have to work and attend full time as a LPN student if I go. I don't think I would be able to mentally handle that type of situation.

So what do you all think I should do? Do you have any tips?

Sorry for my wall of text:o.

Thoughts are greatly appreciated!

- Ridge

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First of all, I'd say browse the LPN student subforum, it may give you some insights.

LPN / LVN Nursing Student for Nurses | Nursing Students

Secondly, I'd ask, is this a for-profit school? I'm wondering if they are trying to get more money out of you by telling you to take their CNA program then take their LPN program?

How are your test results bad but grades good? That seems confusing. If they accept you into the program, then I'd expect them to think you do well. If you go through a CNA program, I don't know how that is going to improve your test results for an LPN program.

I'd definitely look at your local community colleges and their programs. Often community colleges offer classes in study skills/test taking and that may be what you need if you have issues with taking tests. Their LPN programs also tend to be cheaper.

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Ok I will do that!

I don't think it is a for profit school. It has a partnership with our county high schools.

What I meant to say was, my pre-entrance exam, I ranked nearly superior in almost all the things I have been tested on, such as Biology, Chemistry, Math, medical word spelling, etc. My other test results in my high school classes aren't all that great. :/ I have a big problem with test taking, which is why she questioned it.

She did give me papers to a free program that "preps" us for taking the LPN course, so I am definitely going to attend whether I choose the CNA or LPN.

I believe this is the only place around my area that has the LPN course it seems like the average cost for the program which is $13,000.

Thank you for your response! :D

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I have very bad test anxiety as well so i can relate. As for me i never settle for less. If you want to be an LPN and you are accepted i say go for it ! On the other hand taking the CNA class first wont harm you. It will give you a feel for the hospital experience and allow you to network. Hospitals like to hire from within so who knows ..once you graduate the same hospital may be interested in hiring you as a Nurse ..Best of luck to you :-)

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That's what I was thinking, if I become a CNA first I would be familiar in a healthcare setting first and also have some networks too.

Thank you for replying! :D

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No problem..Hope everything works out for you...Im taking CNA classes over the summer too :-) so i understand

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Thank you and I wish you luck! :)

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