Should I become an LPN or stay CNA?

tokidoki7, ASN, RN · Dec 10, 2009

CNA's are overworked and underpaid. I wouldn't make that a career option. Go for your LPN.

rbytsdy · Dec 10, 2009

I'm not positive but I think most LPNs work in LTC facilities. I just did my 1st semester of clinicals at a local hospital and didn't run into any LPNs. However, there were plenty of CNAs and many of them get trained to do things like draw blood, etc. If you want to work in a hospital, there are probably more opportunities as a CNA but hopefully some other people will pipe in with opinions!

CNA2day · Dec 10, 2009

GO for at least your LPN. Rn's can go for jsut an associates degree thats only 2 years!

ctmed · Dec 10, 2009

GO for at least your LPN. Rn's can go for jsut an associates degree thats only 2 years!

True, but most ADN RN programs have a year of prereqs while most LPN programs have none. In my area, the RN programs have a pretty long wait list as well. Although many LPNs that went RN tell me in hindsight they wish they went straight RN, that wait list and prereqs are a something that is a deal breaker for many.

LPN seems to start off only slightly higher than a very experienced agency CNA pay in my area, but has a much higher top end. LPN also gets much more respect and less physical work load than CNA.

Just be prepared for a long, epic battle with your mind right. LPN school is hell from everyone I have talked to.

Main thing: CNA is a stepping stone, not a destination.

TruNurse86 · Dec 10, 2009

I personally was in the same boat as you. I could not decide whether or not to go the cna route or the lvn route(i'm in texas). So what I did was look inside myself and ask what I really wanted. I know myself well enough to know that becoming a cna prior to becoming a lvn would not be the best decision for me. That being said I applied to a lvn program, took the test and got in! I am the type who is willing to dive head first into a year of pain and heartache that will hopefully end in joy.

What I did do to make up for the little amount of knowledge that I have about nursing is read many, many, many, postings on allnurses. They gave and still give me insight on what is in store for me. I know that everywhere will not be like the places the nurses describe but I currently have an optimistic view with a bit more knowledge of the truth behind it.

Look inside yourself and ask the big questions. Only you can truly answer this question. :smokin: And about the job thing, try not to sweat it as much. There are many places that we will be able to work when we get out, we just gotta be creative and ready to use a little elbow grease until we get to the place we wanna be. :nurse: :up:

kimmy436 · Dec 10, 2009

True, if not for the year of prereqs I might consider RN, but being that I have a new baby, I can only go part time which means that year of prereqs turns into 2 years and the 2 years of nursing turns into 3 (if I was lucky). Sounds right about CNA being a stepping stone, I really want to be a "nurse" but when I look on all the hospital websites in NJ they have very little jobs for LPN (that are not in nursing homes). Maybe after I do the CNA I will find out if LPN if worth it, I will see if there are any LPN's actullay working in any of the hospitals, etc. Wish I had done this years ago (I am 39 ! ) Thanks for all your responses.

kimmy436 · Dec 10, 2009

I am already registered for the CNA, but it cost close to $1000.00 So I was on the fence about it. Considering the LPN program is about $4000.00 so why waste an extra $1000.00 if I am going to go LPN anyway. I can't start LPN until sept CNA starts in Jan. So confused. I really want to be a "nurse" and can't do the RN it would just take too long (did I mention I'm 39?) But I also don't want to work in nursing homes and I am just afraid that that is where I will end up as an LPN. Thanks for your answers

kimmy436 · Dec 10, 2009

I was sort of thinking that if I also took an EKG Phlebotomy that might open more doors as well thanks for your response.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2009

If I had a choice between remaining a CNA or becoming an LPN, I'd become an LPN. Sorry, but I could not comfortably live off the pay rates that are typically paid to CNAs. Their work is backbreaking, and the compensation is simply not enough for all that they do.

axiousguy · Dec 10, 2009

I am already registered for the CNA, but it cost close to $1000.00 So I was on the fence about it. Considering the LPN program is about $4000.00 so why waste an extra $1000.00 if I am going to go LPN anyway. I can't start LPN until sept CNA starts in Jan. So confused. I really want to be a "nurse" and can't do the RN it would just take too long (did I mention I'm 39?) But I also don't want to work in nursing homes and I am just afraid that that is where I will end up as an LPN. Thanks for your answers

Hey 39 is not old! Some of my ADN classmates are in there 40s and 50s. So you got plenty of time to work on your LPN and work towards your RN. Dont let your age hold you back! Skies the limit!

acireg · Dec 13, 2009

I think you should go for LPN/LVN. I am a CNA right now and I am going for LVN @ a community college. Even though my sister (a RN) told me that where she works @ they are not hiring LVNs/LPNs at this time. But there are places you can work instead of nursing homes and LTC (i really dont want to work there myself but I will)like docs offices and clinics if the hospitals are not hiring once you finish school...Good Luck

coookie · Dec 14, 2009

$16 dollars an hour for an LPN???.....unbelievable!!!...where is that?...thats the lowest ive ever heard..its usually around $20-25 an hour