LVN to CNA?

[nf69]

Hi, I'm an LVN, had my license for 15 months and have little experience. I live in northern California and having a hard time finding work. I've applied at LTC facilities, everywhere that hires LVN's and they all want experience. What I'm thinking of doing is going backwards and get my CNA certificate and try to get experience that way. But then again, that would be CNA experience!! I feel like I'm running in circles! Also, I considered applying with caregiver agencies. Would that be a plus for experience for my LVN career?? Bottom line, I need a job soon. I would appreciate any and all advice. :)

[leinasmom]

Have you applied to Corrections? Like State Prison? Or Contra Costa County? I don't know where in CA you live, but I live in the bay area and I know that they don't require experience. The prisons start at $4400 a month and Contra Costa Count starts at $20 an hr.. Try applying to doctor's offices also.

[caliotter3]

Most employers that will hire you as a CNA will accept the LVN license. CA will not issue a CNA certificate to an LVN, as far as I know, since they took CNA certificates away from all licensed nurses almost 20 years ago. Caregivers earn less than CNA/HHAs, so I would try extra hard to get employment otherwise, before settling for such a position, but if you have to keep the wolf from the door, a caregiver position is better than something not in healthcare or nothing at all. You might want to check out the employment websites for openings in other areas of CA if you are able to relocate. Good luck.

[blkbrd215]

I believe depending on where your licensed at that if you are a LPN you should be okay to do CNA work because we as LPN's did all of that in school which makes us certified for it already.

[malenurseFl]

Florida doesn't allow lpn to work as cna. I don't know about other states

[ionatan]

That is rediculous. Why would you want to get a CNA license? I don't even think most states would allow that. Just keep looking for LPN positions, there has got to be something out there for you. Have you looked into home health or doctor's offices? Some doctor's offices may hire you as a medical assistant with an LPN license. Just keep trying. You don't want to be a CNA.

[luv-of-kids]

In my state (IN) LPNs can work as cna's because the first 6 weeks of nursing school is learning cna stuff so you don't have to get certified. What you could try if your desperate for work is if a LTC tells you they do not have any LPN openings, offer to work as a cna until a position opens up. That gets your foot in the door, gives you a chance to get to know the patients and facility before taking the floor and gives them a chance to know you well and want you to be their nurse. There are usually more cna openings because they have a higher turnover rate.

[Topaz7]

I don't know how it works where you live, but you don't have to be licensed or even have any experience or education to work in Assisted Living and that is basically a nursing home. I did 8 years in assisted living before getting my LPN. It gave me great experience as you do everything you would as a LPN anyways. I would say try that out and then apply for LPN positions if it is that hard to get one there.