Working as a CNA in Hospital, going to school for LPN

[lina.561]

Not yet, but this is my goal, I think about it everyday. My info session is Oct. 28th.

I checked around local hospital's and I have a general idea of the hours for CNA's. SO my question is, if I am working at a hospital and I work mainly 7pm-7am, do you think my employer would work with me on hours if I want to continue my education? If not I don't see how I would be able to work and go to school.

Thanks you for reading my thread and any reply would be grrreat!

[canigraduate]

If you want more flexibility, you may want to check into LTC - they usually offer both 8 and 12 hour shifts. Also, try to get PRN status so you can sign up for just the shifts when you will be available. It is very doable, many people have done this to get through nursing school. Don't get focused on just hospitals, look at home health and other nursing facilities, and you will be pleasantly surprised by how many options you have. I was unable to find a job in a hospital (d/t inexperience) but was offered several by LTC's and home health agencies and was able to pick the schedule that went best with my classes. Good luck!

[lina.561]

PRN ? I can do this as a CNA. I know PRN's work a limited amount of hours and they float around and pick their own schedule, no benefits. But I would have to be a nurse right?

[canigraduate]

Nope - PRN just means "as necessary", it's not really a title. We have about a dozen CNAs in my facility that are PRN and they come in as little as one shift a week or as much as 40 hrs, depending on their availability. Most of them are in school.

[kaiasunshine]

Where I am (BC, Canada) most CRN's are hired on casual, so if you could arrange a casual position or offer only to be available on weekends then you should still be able to work!

[rouqie]

It all depends on your employeer. But if you are going to be a lpn, you may want to look into LTC, because most hospitals, at least in michigan, have stopped highering LPNs.