Starting as a CNA and working your way up the ladder

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I plan on starting my career path in the nursing field, however I will be starting off at the bottom of the chain by doing CNA work first. My question is how likely are the chances of me advancing my career in the nursing field by starting off as a CNA? I know there is always the options of going to school for MA or LVN but those courses are pricey and would put me in debt. A CNA course is alot easier to get into and less expensive than other courses to take in the nursing field but it is also alot of work. Are there any nurses out there who started off as a CNA and worked your way to something higher?? If so did you go back to school for that or did you get hands on training in the work field??

I've been a CNA since '81 (long before certification was even required) and am now entering my 2nd semester in an RN A.A.S. program. Knowing the basics that being a CNA teaches is invaluable. I was one of the few students that didn't need my professors holding my hand through the 1st semester clinicals. I already knew how to do vitals, patient care, and transfers. Not to mention many other usefull things like oxygen management (equiptment related), feeding systems, and general pt assessments (safety, pain, etc)

As others have said it's a great way to start and to get an idea of if you even like what nurses have to do day in and day out. (lots of paperwork vs being with the pt's as much as you really want to be)

You will also get an idea of the difference between and LPN (LVN) and an RN. The have different restrictions and skills. In NY LPN's are working mostly in Nursing Homes vs. RN's working in hospitals.

I'd also recommend working for a company that does tuition reimbursement. My company has 2 programs. One is just reimbursement based on employment and the other is full tuition with the requirement that you work for them for a set number of yrs following graduation.

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This is exactly what I did. I got my CNA last year and just received my CMA last week. I'm doing my pre-reques for RN too. At my college being a CNA actually exempts me from a class and a clinical. It's hard to work and go to school but I love it!

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what type of place do you work at "

try to find a job in a place that has a career ladder program or at least has tuition reimbursement" quoting your statement there. where is the best place to get your first cna job where you can easily move up?

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What type of place do you work at " Try to find a job in a place that has a career ladder program or at least has tuition reimbursement" quoting your statement there. Where is the best place to get your first CNA job where you can easily move up?

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"try to find a job in a place that has a career ladder program or at least has tuition reimbursement" quoting your statement there. where is the best place to get your first cna job where you can easily move up?

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The good thing about starting off as a CNA is to see first hand what you would like to do and not like to do in the future. I know some CNA's that went on to become RN's, surgical techs and unit clerks.

Best of luck.

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Specializes in Med-surg Telemetry, Leadership, Education.

Being a CNA gives you the opportunity to observe the work of other health professionals. That in itself will help you determine what you'd like to do in the future.I work at a hospital, so I get to observe RNs, respiratory therapists, radiology techs, phlebotomists, and so on. When I worked in long-term care, I observed RNs, LPNs, physical therapists and so on.Good luck with your new career.

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I agree, although I know I want to be in the be in the medical field. It is something I have always wanted to do. So to become an LPN from CNA would just be fantastic. Thank you, and everyone for the advice and words of encouragement!

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Specializes in Geriatrics and LTC.

I have been a CNA for a year or so and im currently in school now, i will be starting LPN in a few months, at a vocational school in the state of PA, i am very excited to take the next step, my passion for the nursing field is very big. any advice...?

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So once you become a CNA and get a job can you work for a year for the company and have them help, and then become a LPN (this is what I was told) without having to go to any schooling? Or maybe limited schooling? Or is it not that easy..

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Specializes in Peds OR as RN, Peds ENT as NP.

I started as a CNA! I knew I needed some experience so I became one while working on first bachelors degree. Very smart decision. I graduated in December with my BSN and just got offered a new grad job!

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I'm looking for an inexpensive CNA course in the Pomona area. Do you have any leads?

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