Should I become an LVN?

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Hi all!

I decided to go back to school last year to pursue becoming a vocational nurse. My plan was to be a CNA while going to nursing school. I have been a CNA for about 4 months now and I find it very stressful. I work in a SNF on a rehab floor AM shift (6:30am - 2:30pm) where the residents are very demanding, I don't get any breaks besides my 30 min lunch, and get behind at times and cannot clock out till 3/3:30pm. Time management is difficult because we are not allowed to pass any call lights w/o checking on them. Every day I am exhausted and mentally and physically drained. I am having second thoughts about becoming a nurse. I got accepted at a private school for the vocational nursing program. I would be done in about 1 year. If I don't like being a CNA should I not become an LVN? :down:

Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

While being a CNA is great exposure to the field and potentially a foot in the door for future employment as a nurse the job actually has a lot less in common with being a nurse than a lot of people might think. I speak from experience here as I was a CNA for several years before going on for my RN.

Now as to your concerns about pursuing an PN [or VN in your area] degree I would say you really need to look at the job market where you are and not rely on what the school is telling you. Look in the local papers, check the job postings online for local facilities, look on job sites like indeed to see how many positions are listed for your region and ask other nurses how hard of a time they had finding a job.

You also need to factor in the return on investment for your education no matter which path you choose. Whether it is in nursing or another career path altogether it just doesn't make much sense to spend a small fortune on a degree that either results in such a low paying job that paying back the student loans will be a hardship or worse yet results in a degree that doesn't make you employable at all.

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I am an LVN (LPN) now. The unfortunate truth is that CNAs do the most work but the healthcare field in general is demanding. If I get a break, its usually not at the same time everyday.

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I have been a LVN for 13 years.. Never thought I would go back for RN..not because I couldn't find a job or phased out.. As a matter of fact I work as a campus nurse/itinerary.. I decided to go back to set the example for my daughter and myself... I've been blessed without the title.. As far as nursing home.. I've never worked at before.. Very demanding.. Go for it if you want!!

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

1. You're fortunate to get your 30 min lunch. In some facilities, nurses frequently go without a lunch/dinner break.

2. I'm not sure I understand your comment about not being able to clock out before 3:00-3:30. Of course you can't, you're expected to work your full shift. Again, as a nurse you may need to stay past your shift for one reason or another.

3. If you're in So. Cal., I would be very leery of the overly optimistic job outlook your school is giving you.

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It is Brightwood College also know as Kaplan...I was going to do the Junior College route, but the waitlist is 2 to 3 years. I know of 2 people that went through the Kaplan program and were hired immediately. I had thought i wanted to be a nurse, but I am having 2nd thoughts. Like I said I am a CNA now and don't like the stress, how will I be a good vocational nurse? I really have to figure things out...look into other medical careers.

Please, please, please don't feel so discouraged, especially this soon into your job as a CNA. I even remember feeling that same way you just described when I first started out as a CNA myself. It gets better with time for sure! Trust when I tell you. You will find your rhythm and what works for you and what doesn't. Don't be so quick to write yourself off from nursing altogether, especially if this is what you want to do. Hang in there

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Now as to your concerns about pursuing an PN [or VN in your area] degree I would say you really need to look at the job market where you are and not rely on what the school is telling you.
I concur. The OP is in San Diego...the southern California LVN employment market is not as booming as the people at the investor-owned school make it out to be.
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