You Can Easily Transition From A CNA To LPN - Learn How
Do you currently work as a certified nursing assistant and are hoping to advance your position? You can, and without much effort with one of many CNA to LPN courses. A CNA is a stepping stone and it's natural to want to improve your future and find a way to the next level, but I also know that with a busy work schedule and a home life, it doesn't seem easy to make any time to further educate yourself. Luckily you can do both, work and study, and you can fit it all into your schedule with the flexibility that many online courses offer. All you need to do is look into the resources available to you and discover what a future as an LPN can do for you.
How Can I Prepare for a Career as an LPN?
Working as a licenced practical nurse requires more responsibilities than a CNA so it is necessary to obtain additional training and certification, but there are many bridge programs available online through accredited institutes that allow CNAs to study part time on a flexible schedule and still get the necessary training.
Classes include additional skills like administering IVs, collecting samples, adminstering medication, assisting in operating rooms, teaching CNAs about sterilization and reporting to registered nurses. The work load is therefore much heavier than a CNA job description which mostly includes the daily care of patients, helping them with moving, eating and bathing among other things.
After training is complete, future LPNs need to also get additional certification by passing the NCLEX-PN exam which is a national certification exam granting nurses the ability to then work as a licensed practioner. Studying to become an LPN is the natural step up from a CNA and a step away from training to go even further to become a registered nurse. Aside from CNA to LPN bridge courses, some employers will even grant leave to train and sometimes even pay for it, so with the many available options, it is a worthy decision to take.
The Benefits of Working as an LPN
CNA careers can be found in a variety of medical institutes, but the CNA salary is the lowest in the nursing industry, with an average range around $27,000. An LPN however can earn a lot more, with an average pay scale at about $40,000, and with the flexible CNA to LPN study options, there is no reason not to strive for this higher position.
Like a CNA, LPNs still report to the registered nurse, but they also have more responsibility and authority, with many of the CNA duties being reported to them. For any ambitious nurse, it is the best move to make, and can open many more doors, including the opportunity to train and move into other medical positions besides nursing.
Becoming a CNA is the easiest and fastest way to start a nursing career, but for most people it's simply the first step in a long career. It gives you many of the skills and experience that you need to progress in the field, but after obtaining some on the job practice, it is worthwhile to enrol in a CNA to LPN course to further your career. With minimal effort you can gain maximum results.
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