LPN: is it worth it? Can you work in a hospital and what do you do?

Jmarty31 · Nov 2, 2015

Unless you are in a RN program that offers an option for LPN then I don't see LPN being practical. LPN programs are typically one year and would really not shorten your time much in a BSN program. They would in an ASN. Most people that are LPNs either are in an RN program that allows testing out as an LPN OR they go to an LPN program and then bridge over to RN later. CNA is a different story. CNA programs are much shorter and many states allow nursing students to waive those requirements after 1 semester of nursing school. I absolutely think either would be helpful to you down the road, however, unless your school offers an option to test out as LPN it would not be worth it to me. Going to a separate LPN program and then BSN (if you have the ability to go straight for BSN) would be silly.
CNA though, I think would be very helpful to you. I am a newer nurse and I wish I had been able to work as a CNA during school. I think it would have helped me a lot. Yes, they can work in the hospital, but any experience would be helpful to you.

Alright thank you! Now to find a good time to schedule my CNA classes.

PulmNP25, DNP, RN, APRN · Nov 3, 2015

So in my state hospitals will hire you in a CNA position after your first semester of nursing school. Also my state allows you to sit for NCLEX-PN after your first 3 semesters. Now whether you have the time to study is a whole different ordeal. Before you spend the time and $ on a CNA program check w your local hospitals as well as your local BON. Good luck !

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2015

well obviously if I decided to go for my CNA I would go in a time which wasn't during classes; eg, class in the fall, CNA class in the spring. I would work as a CNA while attaining my RN. But thanks.

No. Do NOT delay nursing classes to take CNA classes. That is absolutely foolish. Why would you want to delay graduating from a BSN program to work for slightly more than minimum wage?

You are already in a BSN program. Many places will hire nursing students who have completed one clinical rotation into a CNA role.

Jmarty31 · Nov 4, 2015

Alright thank you! I wouldn't delay classes for CNA I would just find like summer classes for CNA if the places that hired CNA didn't hired students

nobodywarnedme · Nov 4, 2015

I know in my state the first few classes of nursing school could be used in place of CNA classes & you just have to take the test. Also, around here hospitals hire PCAs, which is a different class. Cnas work in LTC.

SouthernBelle85 · Nov 4, 2015

I'm currently working towards my LPN Licenses. Getting my LPN licenses at a community college is just cheaper for me, I've been to college once and in debt already. So I plan on bridging over to RN. In my program for LPN, we take the courses for CNA, so after my 1st clinicals I will be a CNA and then continue on with getting my LPN. It's 18 month program. I think it will be helpful for me and according to my instructor, mostly the nursing homes are the jobs that LPNs get. You won't get a lot of money as a LPN, in doctor offices or hospitals. I plan on still working for a doctor's office or hospital because I want to work in that setting especially after I get my RN...and want to have that experience.

mom_coach_nurse, LPN · Nov 6, 2015

Is getting my LPN or CNA while I work for my RN worth it. What does a LPN do? And then I accidentally typed work for my CNA as I get my CNA when I meant RN.

I don't understand. You're already getting your BSN and you are asking whether you should get your LPN or CNA? How would you go to LPN school while in college for your BSN. if that's not what you mean, you know there's a difference between working as an LPN and CNA, I'm assuming. Maybe I read it wrong.

Jill w. · Nov 8, 2015

You should concentrate on getting your RN degree, but know how the LVN and CNA fields relate to RN. It is a waste of time to get your LVN or CNA license due to the changing medical field that is trying it's best to wipe out the LVN population by not providing employment opportunities, especially in the state of Texas. Clinics hire only CNA's and RN's. The RN's not only manage, but do the job that the LVN does so they are cutting out the middle man. It will be much more profitable and easier to find a career as a RN with a vast sea of opportunities to choose.