Should I become an LPN or stay CNA?

[kimmy436]

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!!!

[SaraSmile3]

hey sara,

i graduated from middlesex votech piscataway lpn program in 2008 (am program). i just want to wish you luck. our school is very good with preparing us for the nclex and the job. i think we had 100% nclex passing rate as well. and you can't beat $3500 tuition for the whole program. maybe they increased it by now?

is ms. p still the program coordinator?

angel, rn

hi angel,

thanks!

yes, ms. p is still the coordinator. for a&p, i have ms. l, and for fundamentals, a different ms. p. the tuition did increase slightly; for in county it's $4350, which is still so affordable, especially compared to the cc's and trade schools. only thing that stinks is no financial aid (but i make payments every 2 months, so at least i'll graduate with no student loan debt).

were you able to get a job right after graduation, if i may ask?

-sara

[SaraSmile3]

Sara,

Going through the motions in Monmouth/Ocean.... Classes for us m-f 730-330 I believe.

I believe the ratio of M-F patients will be similar but since a change in the economy there has been a greater male turn out. One of my concerns is that there seems to be a little lul (maybe more than a little) in the opprtunities for all health care workers. I truly believe health care is changing drastically at all levels. I have had a very inside connection to health care from those that have gone through RN programs to having strong close professional ties to Dr's and administrators. Huge changes are taking place. I think some are due to the economy now, the "Unknown" health care initiatives coming down the pike and the politics involved, technology and advancements in health care as a whole. I do not think I want to be in the "hospital" setting (although that could change). I think there will be great political influence's there and I have some opinions about that. I am hoping there will be more "real care" opportunities at the LTC level. So that is my story in a nut shell other than I have wanted to be in health care for a long time but other immediate priorities took place. Lastly, I really had enjoyed working nights in the past and I hope that will increase the odds of obtaining a position quickly in the future and that may also allow me to continue with future educational growth during the day.

Now not to be rude...... The reason you have chosen the health care field is?

I've always wanted to go into the health care field. I love the caring aspect of it, and I am absolutely fascinated by the human body and it's various processes, ailments and diseases, and I love working with people. I was actually admitted to this same program about 8 years ago, but at the time, I had just gotten promoted in my current field, and was comfortable where I was. I decided this year it was time to go back to following my dream of becoming a nurse. I wish I had gone 8 years ago, as it is so much harder now with a mortgage and bills to pay, but like they say, hindsight is 20/20 right?

[agldragonRN]

hi angel,

thanks!

yes, ms. p is still the coordinator. for a&p, i have ms. l, and for fundamentals, a different ms. p. the tuition did increase slightly; for in county it's $4350, which is still so affordable, especially compared to the cc's and trade schools. only thing that stinks is no financial aid (but i make payments every 2 months, so at least i'll graduate with no student loan debt).

were you able to get a job right after graduation, if i may ask?

-sara

that's good. ms. p is awesome!

yeah i applied at 3 jobs (lpn) and i was offered the position on the spot. however, this was in march 2008 before all the "hiring freeze" started. but our school has a very good reputation with the nearby nursing homes so you may have a bit of advantage when you go for interviews. make sure to mention that our school is very good at providing us excellent clinical sites and skills.

$4350 is still not bad. i would have paid $10k if i had to because our school is so worth it and really gave me excellent clinical and critical skills. i did the same thing with the tuition payments and my previous job reimbursed me with most of it as well so it was good.

good luck sara!

angel