Should I become an LPN!

Published

Hello, currently I am a CNA working in an Assisted Living/Memory Care setting. I am having a hard time deciding if I truly want to become a nurse. I love my job as a CNA but I don't know what to do next. I am a sophomore in college pursuing a degree through Pre-health Science. I was planning after getting my A.S. Degree I would try the Ultrasound Tech. Program but now I am debating whether to do that or try an LPN Program. If feel if I do try the Ultrasound Program it feels that I am hiding or too scared to join the LPN Program. My career dream is to become an RN in a Nursing Home Setting but it Mau seems that o am too afraid to really push myself in doing something different. I been a CNA for about a year, I used to work in a Skilled Facility Nursing Home and now in an Assisted Living. My residents and co-worker tell me I would be a great Nurse but I am so confused as to do next. Many people tell me to becoming Med. Tech. Or go work in a hospital setting. I just don't know what to do. Ah, this is stressing me out. Please help! I have taken Vet Tech., Pharmacy Tech., and then CNA. Out of all of them I loved being a CNA.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

For the record, being a LPN is nothing like being a CNA. Sure, we can do all of the things CNA's do but they're two totally different levels of healthcare. You may want to "interview" LPN's to get a clearer picture of what we do before you decide.

That being said, the best advice my dearly departed Dad gave me was "Feel the fear and do it anyway."

Best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks, I truly love that quote. I hope I can face my fear and go through whatever comes my way.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I love being an LPN, I work in a skilled nursing unit my pts are from 40 and up. I get to take care of the same pts for a few weeks and all the way up to 6 months. So I get to use a wide variety still, I do everything from basic nursing care such as bed bath, toileting, helping with there ADL's, thankfully I have the help of cna's we usually split the program load, passing meds, performing treatments. I perform a wide range of treatments such as accu-checks, skin and wound care, care of tube and drainage systems, Cath insertion and care, iv cannulation and blood draws, injections, helping with a lot of range of motion exercise and equipment, use of polar packs, cpm machines, ekg, vitals. That's my average day a little and I pick up in our long term care center from time to just to use a different skill. With nursing the options are open and limitless on where you can go and what you can do with it. All the way form a school nurse, teach man or call classes, jails, prison nursing, long term care, rehab, sub acute hospitals, home health, pediatrics, clinicals and Dr offices, and hospice just to name a few . Compared to an ultrasound tech you are limit and a smaller pool of jobs. Hope this helps with your decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much. Can I ask what steps you took to become an LPN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't know if it's possible, but would you be able to shadow an LPN at your facility on your off day?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I loved being a CNA but I'm certainly glad I made the transition to becoming a nurse. You mentioned med tech, pharm tech, and ultrasound tech. Where I work they don't hire med techs. I discourage you from pursuing that title...it's very limited.

A pharm tech has a somewhat secure position but an actual pharmacist requires a lot more schooling.

I'm not sure there's many available job openings as an ultrasound tech. But an x-ray tech (radiology) may have secure, easy-to-find job openings.

Whatever you choose, you should move beyond the CNA field.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion