Should I become an LPN or stay CNA?

May2011Grad · Dec 15, 2009

It may just be the areas. In my nursing class (I am going into second semester) there are many students that are completing prereqs and taking the nursing class at the same time and still do not attend class daily or all day long. Inquire.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 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

Low cost-of-living states such as Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Iowa are going to offer pay rates to LPNs that are in the $16 hourly range, and in some cases the pay is lower.

However, keep in mind that you can rent a 2-bedroom apartment in these states for less than $500 monthly. Or you can buy a decent house in many parts of these states for less than $90,000. This low cost-of-living wouldn't happen in places such as NYC, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Philadelphia.

caliotter3 · Dec 16, 2009

Imagine yourself still working at the age of 68. The physical demands of the CNA job will be a lot harder on you then, particularly if you have developed any health issues. Physical work wise, it is easier to be an LPN at 68, than a CNA. And even easier to be an RN, or an NP. Get as high up the employment ladder now while you are young and can do the work, physically as well as academically.

Trophy.Nurse · Dec 17, 2009

As someone else mentioned earlier, 39 is not old! In five years you will be five years older than you are today (44) whether you invest the time in yourself & attempt to make an improvement or not. Why not give yourself & your child(ren) a fair shot?

Student nurse 73 · Dec 22, 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

If you really want to become a nurse become one. The LPN AND RN preregs are the same except for RN you need

CHEM and micro BIO (in Chicago).

stacy0906 · Dec 24, 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.

I am in an LPN program right now and the class is made up of mostly thirty-somethings. The youngest is 18 and the oldest is 58. Nursing is an exciting career that opens the doors to many opportunities regardless of your age. The most important concern other than finances should be if you want to make the commitment to enter a program. You can do anything you want. Don't let age stop you.

kimmy436 · Dec 26, 2009

Wow, thanks so much for all the replies, you all seem to be on the same page become an LPN, I think you are all right so I just submitted my application for Sept now I just need to pass entrance exam!! lol, I need to brush up on math I guess. Thanks to you all. Any advice on entrance exam will also be greatly appreciated :)

monters · Dec 26, 2009

Hi there... I don't have any advice to give but just wanted to say I am the same age (39) now and debating the same thing (I have two toddlers and a husband who works long hours).There is a CNA program that begins in Feb and a LPN program that begins in September.

I keep going back and fourth with which route to take.Right now I think I will be signing up for the CNA program (2 nights a week)and also taking a Prep course for the LPN entrance exam (TEAS).

I am on the fence about entering the LPN program(should I pass the entrance) since I have been hearing that once you become a CNA and work for a year or so for a hospital or LTC they are actually willing to pay for your schooling. Which sounds awesome to me rather then taking out a loan for LPN. (LPN here is $17K Boces NYS)

Good luck!

kimmy436 · Dec 26, 2009

Monters:

where did you find a prep class for the entrance exam? and have you looked in the votech schools for an LPn program they have one here NJ and its only $4000.00

monters · Dec 26, 2009

I wish there was one here for that price! I am in long island and there aren't any. As for the prep course, Boces offers the program for around $400

presey · Dec 30, 2009

I have been a cna and home health aide for the past 28 years, and will be going to a vocational lvn school here in ca. soon, $34,000.00, for the school, and i'll be stopping at lvn, the pre entrance exam is a snap! there are books at barnes n nobles book stores to brush up on the math *wink* :yawn: :heartbeat:redbeathe

alexg524 · Jan 2, 2010

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

Only $4000 for an LPN program!!??

That is so cheap...

Mine will cost about $15,000...

UGH!