Bluemoon576

Hello there, I am excited to start as a CNA. I'm waiting on the results of my interview on the local nursing home, and I'm eager to start! I'm kinda nervous too... Anyway, I wanted to take the LPN course in the local vocational center, but a lot of people are telling me to go to RN school instead. Some others tell me go first to LPN because RN school is too hard. Also, I could never afford RN school. I have many doubts in my mind to what I really want to do. It's hard when you hear too many opinions and you can't decide! But I'm happy enough to have passed my state board as a CNA and be able to have this interview. I was looking into Nuclear Medicine Technology, but it's out of the question financially for me. I love to study and do research. Someone told me to work in the local hospital (they are not hiring CNAs, only PCTs now) and work my way there, maybe they would like to sponsor me one day. Wouldn't it be nice? What can you guys tell me?? Thanks a lot for your words!!

I have recently graduated a CNA program in Lakeland- FL and last week took my State Board Exam, to which I passed. I went to a local nursing home to apply for a job, and already had a drug test done right there. They are working on my background check now, while I'm waiting for my certificate to show in the mail (11 business days after my exam). I will be going to the orientation on Jan. 17-18, and I am very eager to start! They seem very nice there, happy faces, very tidy and clean environment. That really impressed and encouraged me! Well I am thinking of taking the LPN course next yr at the local Votech. Classes start in July. I must still take my TABE and the registration to the LPN course is at the end of Jan 08. So I have to have everything ready for it. I have 4 questions: 1st one is - I read that there is a federal law that the nursing homes have to pay you back for your CNA tuition and State board fee, is that true? 2nd question - I am planning on continue working as a CNA on that same nursing home after I start my LPN course, but I imagine I will have to work part time because of the school hours/ study schedule, etc. Do most nursing homes pay for your LPN course if you sign a work contract with them? 3rd question - What is the difference in pay between CNA and LPN? 4th question - how is the transition from CNA to LPN, in terms of study (obviously LPN is longer and more details, etc) and job stress level? Thank you so much for reading my post. I am new in the healthcare sector, and I do not know what to expect!!!

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I'm sorry to be invading this post... but last night I opened a new post "recent grad CNA" and I had no replies and they moved me somewhere else I don't know. Can anybody help me, please?

Hello, I'm new in this forum and new in the nursing field as well. I'm 31 and finally decided to pursue a passion to help people. I just graduated a CNA course 2 weeks ago, and waiting to take my FL State Board Exam soon. Today I decided to go to a local Vocational Center that offers the LPN course. I'm going to try to get a Pell Grant for that, but at the same time I will try to save enough money for this course, because I'm really interested in progressing as a nurse. I plan on start working soon... what do you experienced guys/girls suggest is the best place to start off? Nursing home, hospital, home health? Any suggestion is kindly appreciated. I'm still a little lost because I'm brand new and just moved into the city, so I don't know anybody around here. My husband is supporting me 100% always. He said "if you want to go for it, I will support you all the way". Thanks for reading!