new student, not sure whether to start as a CNA or LPN while in school

As long as you set aside some time to study,you should be able to work around your school schedule. I know here in Chicago there are alot of nursing students working as cna's mostly part time and some full. I will be getting into an RN program in the spring and Im gonna work as a nursing assistant too,its best to get out there and gain experience while you can. It will enhance your resume and you get a chance to get your feet wet!! Lol

you rather go make 10$ an hr for 9 months of school or rather make 22$ for 12 months of school ????

I'm confused. If you're in an RN program, you may not be able to work as an LVN at any point.

i’m in an associates program that gives us the option to test out to become a cna after the 2nd term, a lpn after our 4th term, and then after the 7th term we can get our rn. i eventually plan on working once i get to the lpn level either way, i just cant decide if i should get a job as a cna first for the extra experience. (sorry should have clarified that)

so basically what i’m asking is if it is really worth it for me to start a new job as a cna where i really don’t know what to expect and when i still have a lot of my schooling to get through, or would it be better to just wait till i’m at the lpn level so i’m closer to the end. i wouldn’t mind having the experience but i don’t want to jeopardize my schooling either. is it really going to make a difference either way in terms of me getting my rn later?

CNA to RN for sure.

You'll make way more money if you work as an LPN instead of CNA. I'm in a BSN program and work as an LPN. You will need an employer who is willing to be flexible w/ your schedule.

I was wondering the same thing, I'm a current CNA but will be an LPN in May, then RN next May. I think a CNA job would help if you were to get hired in a hospital (for the acute care experience), even though it pays less. I've only been seeing LPN jobs in LTC, but the advantage is the pay. It's still experience too, especially experience passing meds that the CNA wouldn't get, so I think I might go the LPN route.

I'd skip the CNA stuff, test for the LPN, and work as a LPN while getting my RN, if my school had that choice. More money and you still get experience.

thanks for the advise everyone, i really appreciate it!