What is it actually like being a CNA & LPN?

[kittytree]

I'm finishing up my first semester of college and I am interested in becoming either a NP or Physicians Assistant. A huge prerequisite (for a PA school) is obtaining 500 hours minimum of direct patient care. I would like to become an LPN but the program near me takes 16 months of full-time school to graduate and I do not think that putting my education on hold for that is worthwhile. The only program that I am able to do is CNA since it is more affordable and takes 10 weeks of part-time classes. However, I heard a lot of bad stories of working as a CNA in nursing homes from my friends who are CNAs. So, what is it like being a CNA in a nursing home? Is working in a hospital a huge step up? What are the good and bad things that I should expect from being a CNA? Do you think that I should put my University education on hold to become an LPN since it does more and pays better?

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

Depends on where you live and how staffing is. When I first started as a CNA in a nursing home I loved it. On evenings we had five CNAs for 50 residents plus a float CNA to help out. After a few months we only had 3-4 CNAs and it was a lot tougher. We eventually got a raise though so it became worth it but it really hurts mentally and physically over time. I'm current a hospital aide (ED tech) and it's not nearly as tough physically and since I moved, the pay is the same but higher than what nursing home aides get paid in my area. If I were you I would be a CNA before being a PA vs being an LPN because of the time it'll take to get into PA school