As a certified nursing assistant (CNA) with some experience, you may realize that nursing is the right career for you and that you are ready to train for the next level. This article will point out why becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is advantageous, briefly describe the primary levels in nursing, and describe how to make the transition.
Should I Go to Nursing School?
Definitely! Becoming an LPN opens doors to broader professional horizons and significantly higher pay. You can start by checking out some nursing schools. A deeper understanding of your field and expert skills prepare you for a changing world.
Invest in Yourself: Benefits of Advancing from CNA to LPN
Why invest in the training to become an LPN? Reasons can range from boosting your earning potential to fulfilling your career goals. If you need a higher income or are considering building your career, consider transitioning from CNA to LPN.
Your Annual Salary Can Leap from $39K to $60K
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs earn a mean salary of over $60,000 yearly (more or less depending on the state and the facility). In comparison, CNAs receive an annual mean income of approximately $39,000. That’s a difference of over $20,000—about 50 percent more.
Adaptability and Resilience
In a rapidly evolving work environment, professional growth helps you stay ahead of the curve and adapt to new challenges. Embracing ongoing learning enables you to acquire niche skills and expertise, making you a unique and valuable asset. Adaptability equips you to navigate challenges and contribute positively to organizational transformation.
Challenges and Considerations
Aspiring LPNs face obstacles along the way, but persistence leads to success.
Financial Issues
The cost of LPN programs can vary by thousands of dollars. You can find programs that fit your financial possibilities and look for scholarships or financial support. If you already work for a healthcare facility as a CNA, find out from human resources if there are any reimbursement programs. Keep in mind, the difference in pay as an LPN will cover the debts you may incur.
Self Doubt
Many doubt their capacity to complete a more rigorous academic program successfully.
These are typical concerns, and here is a true story of a nursing assistant who overcame doubts and persevered.
Doubt to Determination: Her Journey from CNA to LPN
As a child, she dreamed of being a doctor. However, after high school, she hesitated and enrolled in a community college to study Business due to tormenting doubts about her capacity. Realizing that Business wasn’t for her, she decided to change careers and pursue a CNA program.
Her journey was filled with challenges; she failed her CNA skills test on the first attempt but persevered and passed on her second try. Her first shift as a CNA was nerve-wracking, and she even called her mom in tears. However, over the next four years, she grew to love the role and gained confidence in her abilities.
She enrolled in an LPN program but faced setbacks that disheartened her, including a failed pharmacology class. Determined to move forward, she returned to nursing classes in the spring and passed all three. With one semester left, she knows her path is challenging, but she is committed to her dreams and excited about the journey ahead!
4 Major Levels in Nursing
Each of the following levels and roles is essential to the healthcare system.
1. Certified Nursing Assistant
CNA responsibilities include hands-on care and assistance with patients’ most intimate needs, including baths, hygiene, and other daily living activities (ADLs) like dressing or feeding while ensuring patient comfort and safety. Their job often involves helping patients in and out of bed or changing positions. They work under the supervision of licensed nurses.
CNA certification involves one to six months of training and passing the state competency exam.
2. Licensed Practical Nurse
LPNs—also called LVNs—have a more advanced and broader scope of practice than CNAs, including administering medications, changing wound dressings, collecting samples, and reporting any changes in a patient’s condition to RNs and physicians.
The term LVN stands for licensed vocational nurse and is used only in Texas and California, where it refers to the same role as LPN. For further information on LVN vs. CNA, see Licensed Vocational Nurses Pick Up PRN Jobs.
Training to become an LPN usually takes one to two years, and licensure requires passing the NCLEX-PN exam.
Although the LPN scope of practice is broader, both CNA and LPN positions are considered entry-level nursing roles because they have relatively short educational pathways, allowing for accelerated entry into the healthcare workforce compared to RNs.
3. Registered Nurse (RN)
RNs take on greater responsibilities in comprehensive patient care, including detailed assessments, individualized treatment plans, administering complex medications and treatments, and coordinating care among the members of the healthcare team. RNs also play a vital role in patient education, health promotion, and advocating for patient rights. Becoming an RN requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
4. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
To become an APRN, a nurse must complete a master’s or doctoral program. With this preparation, APRNs work with greater autonomy than RNs. The degree of autonomy regarding independent APRN practice (independent of physician supervision) varies from state to state.
The development of the nursing levels—CNA, LPN, RN, and APRN—throughout the 20th century shows the profession’s adaptation and relevance to community needs and the increasing complexity of healthcare.
Practical Nursing vs. CNA: Each Level Leads to the Next
In nursing, each level provides a foundation for the next. The skills and knowledge acquired as a CNA directly apply to LPN practice, giving you a head start in your nursing career.
Considering CNA vs. LPN, both share responsibilities such as monitoring vital signs, changing dressings, and documenting patient information. However, CNAs also often assist in cleaning and preparing patient rooms and help patients with general hygiene. In contrast, LPNs have a broader scope of responsibilities, engaging more directly with RNs and doctors, undertaking tasks like blood draws, catheter insertion, and other invasive procedures.
How Can I Become an LPN?
Transitioning to a career as a licensed practical nurse involves a series of critical steps, from finding the right program for you to gaining experience in the field.
- Choose an accredited LPN program: Candidates can research a program’s accreditation status with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or their state board of nursing.
- Meet admission requirements: An applicant must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and may need to pass a background check and demonstrate basic skills.
- Complete an approved LPN program: Aspiring practical nurses must enroll in an accredited LPN program at a community college, vocational school, or hospital, typically lasting one to two years and covering nursing theory, patient care, pharmacology, and hands-on clinical experience.
- Take the NCLEX-PN: After graduation, candidates must pass the NCLEX-PN to obtain nursing licenses.
- Apply for state licensure: After passing the NCLEX-PN, candidates must submit an application for a nursing license in their state. This typically requires a fee and background check.
Passing these milestones will position you for a career as an LPN, ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of this level of your healthcare profession. Your experience as a CNA is a valuable asset and makes it much easier to find your first LPN job.
CNA-to-LPN Bridge Programs
CNA-to-LPN bridge programs provide a fast track for certified nursing assistants to become licensed practical nurses. These cost-effective programs allow CNAs to transfer previously earned training credits and experience and save time.
To find a program in your state, check with local nursing schools or your state nursing board for approved options. Remember, some LPN courses may be state-approved but not nationally accredited, affecting credit transferability if you later pursue an LPN-to-RN bridge program in another state.
How Much Do LPN Programs Cost?
LPN programs cost $4,000 to $30,000, not counting uniforms, books, or instruments like stethoscopes. If you do not have a job that offers financial support for further education, you can also look into scholarships or financial aid. Check out ten of the top scholarships and grants for LPN programs.
Many healthcare organizations will cover the training costs for their CNAs to become LPNs. This opportunity may be open to you and is worth looking into.
Can I Continue to Work during the LPN Program?
Yes, you can! As mentioned above, you may already be working for a healthcare organization with a policy that covers tuition costs. However, if that is not the case, another option beyond scholarships is flexible PRN work.
Nursa understands that becoming an LPN is a significant milestone in your nursing career, and we’re here to help you achieve your goals. While focusing on your LPN training, take advantage of Nursa’s per diem opportunities to maintain a steady income. Sign up with Nursa and find shifts that fit your schedule, ensuring a smooth transition from CNA to LPN.
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