A now working LPN, but I wasn't a CNA prior

[ASPIRING2BGREAT]

Hello everyone!

Just wanted to get advice or insight from someone that is actually a recent(1-4yr) grad LPN now working and wasn't a CNA prior. Recent working LPN will give me a better outlook, because you are the one whom might have had difficulty finding work in this recession.

Reason for my questioning is beacause I'm in the process of applying/entering a LPN program. CNA isn't required for any, but I've been under the impression that it will help in the long run of getting a job. I really don't want to do CNA, because I currently work and have been on my job for 14 years. I can't really get use to the idea of quiting my job to do something I really don't desire and making way less than what I currently do. I have already taking a CNA class and am waiting to be test, so I will if it is beneficial for me in the future.

I don't want to waiste time, money, or effort where it isn't needed.

I know it all depend on what state one is in (FL), I just wanna know that I do have a possibility of getting work after I complete LPN, even if I wasn't a CNA.

Thanks in advance for insight that you may be able to offer, greatly appreciated!

[Okie36]

I am in the LPN program now. I think it's beneficial to gain the experience of a CNA because your first round of fundamental clinicals are usually in LTC and are all about bathing, ADL care and things that a CNA would do on a daily basis..

[pookyp, LPN]

It's good if you do work as a CNA first because in the facility that you work, they may hire you after graduation. The bad thing, is that you will pick up bad habits. I've been a CNA for about 11 years, and going to clinical doing a bed bath and making a bed was so hard compared to the 'proper' way of doing it. But it's good to get an idea on if you're going to like the nursing field! Don't wanna go out there and be like WHOA! Lol

[AZ_LPN_8_26_13]

My sister in law is an LVN, she just graduated, got hired into the LTC she was a CNA at. She encouraged me to get my CNA, only so I could a.) make connections, and b.) have respect for what CNAs go through. I put 6 months into being a PCT (fancy CNA lol), but school and work was killing me, so I'm just doing school now. Yes it can be worth it, but the pay is BS to anyone used to earning great money. That frustrated me as well, I'd get a 2week paycheck that was the same as what I used to make in a week.

I am a recent LPN graduate (haven't taken the NCLEX-PN yet) but I am currently working as an aide - have been one for almost four years. Like you I did it mostly for the contacts, being at ease with working with patients and patient care in a hospital. It's sort of a mixed blessing tho - the pay is low and you get treated like crap by a lot of people who blow off what you do. At least I will know what NAs and CNAs go through and I have a greater appreciation of their job - more so than if I'd never been one.

[ASPIRING2BGREAT]

Thanks EVERYONE for your opinion/experience on this topic. We are all very much different, but on some instances so much alike. Taking this all in I have a decision to be made. I think I will attempt my CNA certification to have when & if needed.

@ Fiona59, I'm very aware of the fact that grammar is very important in any setting and sure that your role/job is also. You negatively focused on my one mistake (waiste? waste) and offered nothing other than that. Which I found to be odd! Constructive criticism is good but there is a time, place, and why to voice it.

But moving forward, Thanks I appreciate it and for my own good I'll pay closer attention to it.

[Kimynurse]

I graduated in 2009, found a job in a Dr office pretty quickly , hated it, but got a job that same time in a sub-acute rehab. where I still work.

No CNA or medical experience at all.

I was valedictorian, and was told they hire new grads with no experience so the can teach you there way.

Good luck

[sbergmann17]

Not a recent grad.....LPN with 23 years experience...but when I entered nursing school I had never worked as a CNA either. Everything I learned was first hand knowledge as I went. There were girls in my class who'd been CNAs and had to unlearn a lot of bad habits. As a matter of fact, out of the starting class of 30, none of the 12 of us who graduated had been CNAs. The CNAs all flunked out when it came to the real nursing stuff.[/quote']

Now you said the ones that were CNA flunked out. I find that hard to believe. I was a CNA 3 years before I became a nurse I was top in my skills class. Also my CNA respect me more for being a nurse with a past as a CNA. I think ever nurse should be a CNA in LTC. Before they take nursing boards.

[T-Bird78]

I had zero medical experience prior to getting my LPN and it hasn't hurt me one bit. CNA is not a requirement to get your LPN or beyond, just like LPN isn't required to get your RN.

[missjboo08]

I have been a LVN since 2008 and I was not a CNA beforehand. When I was in the LVN program it wasn't a requirement, but now, in that same program, it is a prerequisite. My advice to you is to be very hands on during clinicals. My first job was at a nursing home and I would actually make rounds sometimes with the CNAs just so I could have some real hands on experience. Also, this made for a better relationship between me and the CNAs that worked my halls. I never went in with the attitude that "oh, they are just CNAs". I feel like it is a team effort and I learned a lot from them.