Should I become an LPN or stay CNA?

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I am currently enrolled in a CNA program. I wanted to become a nurse and thought I should try out CNA just to make sure nursing and I were meant for eachother. I do not think I can become an RN, I do not have the time to put into school for all those years to make it happen. I could however put in 12-15 months to become an LPN. Question is: I do not want to work in a nursing home, long term care setting so is becoming an LPN a waste of time? Are hospitals done with hiring LPN's? and does an LPN make much more salary than a CNA? Where could I work as an LPN? Thanks In Advance!!!

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Why are you giving up without even trying?

Go to school and become an LPN. You can take some courses at a community college, or do a bridge LPN-RN program after you become an LPN. LPN-RN programs are usually 9-12 months at a community college, or online.

Some hospitals are still hiring LPN's in certain floors. You should call the hospitals in your area and ask them if they still hire LPN's.

CNA's make around $9-13/hr and LPN's around here make at least $20/hr before differential and benefits. The nursing home or hospital can help you pay for school, after you become an employee.

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I am currently enrolled in a CNA program. I wanted to become a nurse and thought I should try out CNA just to make sure nursing and I were meant for eachother. I do not think I can become an RN, I do not have the time to put into school for all those years to make it happen. I could however put in 12-15 months to become an LPN. Question is: I do not want to work in a nursing home, long term care setting so is becoming an LPN a waste of time? Are hospitals done with hiring LPN's? and does an LPN make much more salary than a CNA? Where could I work as an LPN? Thanks In Advance!!!

I think hospitals hiring LPN's depends on your area. Check out the want ads and look to see who hospitals are looking for....or call and speak with a nurse recruiter at your local hospitals.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

where are you from? LPNs are still in some parts of the hospital here. you can work in assisted living, nursing home, work at home with a patient, work in psych, become a scrub tech, there are so many options out there. I am currently in LPN school and I am sure everyone has told you this: it is so time consuming. It requires at least 2-3 hrs studying every night if not more. I work 5-10hrs/week and that is a lot for me and gets in the way of school. Go for your CNA, try it out. talk to other nurses to gain there insight. It is challenging but very rewarding at the end!

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Specializes in Neuro, ER, Acute, Home Health.

become an LPN definately

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

I guess it all depends on your area. Out of all the hospitals in my area(and I'm including a 25 mile radius), I can only think of 3 that hire LPNs. But you can also do home health as an LPN, so that is another option too.

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

If you can devote 15 months to a LPN program you can definitely become an RN. Many community colleges offer ADN/ASN RN programs that you can finish in 5 semesters which is approximately the same length of time. Call your local schools; It is possible you just have to want it.

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Specializes in acute.

My friend just graduated with her LPN and works in correctional. She loves it and makes 17 an hour. Go for it. CNAs work hard and do not get paid for what they do. I know. Good luck.:redbeathe

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Where I live you have to do the same pre-requisit course work for an LPN and an RN. At my local community college, LPN is 4 quarters, RN is 6 qaurters. Here a CNA starts around $11-$12 an hour, LPN starts around $16 an hour, RN starts at $25 an hour. If you can devote time to an LPN program, you can probably finish an RN program! Don't sell yourself short! If you want to be a nurse, then you should absolutely do it. Good luck!

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Where I live you have to do the same pre-requisit course work for an LPN and an RN. At my local community college, LPN is 4 quarters, RN is 6 qaurters. Here a CNA starts around $11-$12 an hour, LPN starts around $16 an hour, RN starts at $25 an hour. If you can devote time to an LPN program, you can probably finish an RN program! Don't sell yourself short! If you want to be a nurse, then you should absolutely do it. Good luck!

OMG! Where do you live? CNA starts at $11-12 and LPN At $16!! That's terrible. Wow.

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I am in New Jersey, Thanks so much for your answer

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I guess it depends where you are as for the salary. I actually made more as a CNA 10 years ago then I am going to make as an LPN. (We moved to an area with much lower salaries). However, for me I know that I have more options open to me in the future as an LPN no matter where we move. I was a CNA for a few years & loved it...so I personally think you should try out CNA before throwing yourself into a very fast paced program not knowing if it's even for you.

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