Thinking about becoming a CNA but...

[shabish]

Hello, I live in Atl, Ga & thinking about becoming a CNA. I am not sure if I will enjoy it but looking for a way to get into the health care field, perhaps p/t first and see where it goes from there. I was considering an LPN program but got discouraged when many told me that I would have to quit my full time job in order to be successful in nursing school. I am curious about the following:

1. What reputable places besides the Red Cross can I take the CNA course?( I understand it is a full time program but I work nights & can deal with short term day time school situation)

2. Is it reasonable to believe I could find a position with no exp working only weekends, night pref, or days?

3. I read that CNAs do not take blood but if I take a phlebotomy class would this work in my favor?

4. Could I make at least $10 an hr as a CNA?

5. I read that CNAs are hired at hospitals but LPNS are not (or they're moving away from this) do you know why?

Thanks in advance for answering. I really appreciate your help.

[LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN]

I got my CNA cert after my first semester of nursing school and didn't pay extra for the course. I got a letter from the program head stating how many clinical hours I had and then I just paid to take the CNA test and get certified. They say that LPNs are being phased out, but judging from the job postings I would say they are definitely not. I worked part time as a CNA in LTC during my ADN program but had to cut down to PRN in the last two semesters because it was too much. But that's just me, I had to study up to 30 hours for one test so I had to prioritize, and school had to come first.

[shabish, CNA]

They say that LPNs are being phased out, but judging from the job postings I would say they are definitely not.

So good to hear you say that. It appears in GA from the postings, LPNs are very much in demand. I hope it's like that in 2-4 years. I plan to get my CNA cert then start taking preq for LPN next year.

[Red Kryptonite]

So good to hear you say that. It appears in GA from the postings, LPNs are very much in demand. I hope it's like that in 2-4 years. I plan to get my CNA cert then start taking preq for LPN next year.

LPNs are very much in demand in Arizona, as well. I laugh when I see claims that they're being gotten rid of, because I work with tons of LPNs and the job boards are full of postings.

[betm, CNA]

1. I took my CNA course at a community college in 2011. I'm not familiar with other avenues of obtaining certification.

2. Yes.

3. CNAs do not take blood in my state and I don't think one class would qualify you to do so, but it may be different in GA. I would ask your instructor once you find a good CNA program. Sorry I'm not very knowledgeable about this.

4. In my state, most aides make at least $10/hr. I did work for a facility that wanted to pay me $9/hr and I didn't work there long.

5. I'm not sure why this is. I know in my area, they aren't even hiring ADNs anymore. You have to have your BSN to even get an entry-level job as an RN.