How to move on in a CNA career?

[lendytexas]

I've always heard you need to work first in a nursing home or LTC facility before applying at hospitals.

I am working at a LTC now, but would like to work at a 24-hour medical clinic (such as a Care Now, etc). Do these places hire CNAs? I am proficient at taking vitals and all that.

[sunniern]

Where I live, they hire medical assistants. You may want to check into taking a course if that's possible for you. I think it's 6-8 months maybe shorter. They work with physicians assiting them with different procedures, writing diagnostic orders, a lot of talking on the phone and so forth. It really does require some formal learning. I'm an RN and worked in a clinic/urgent care setting along side medical assistants for a few years. Our jobs were very much the same except the RN's Started the IV's and helped the MD's in more severe emergencies.

[OldBroad]

lendy, what's stopping you from pursuing an LVN diploma? You would have so many more opportunities. A CNA is a good way to start your nursing career, but if possible you should move on. When I started school to become an LVN way back in 1999, there was a sign on the door that read, Warning: Your life will only be changed for the BETTER by becoming an LVN. They were so right.
Then, what you do is up to you. An LVN can be a stepping stone to an RN, or you may find contentment with being an LVN. Regardless, don't limit yourself to being a CNA.

[AngelinnaS]

You might want to consider a Certified Medication Aide course or a Licensed Vocational Nurse program. It depends how much money and time you are willing to invest at this point. Medication Aide courses are shorter and less expensive than a Licensed Vocational Nurse program. I agree with the other people responding to your post that an LVN program is a great career move that will provide increased opportunities in the future (from here you can move on to obtaining an RN degree and earning a lot more).

[lendytexas]

I would love to go through an LVN program eventually. Only thing stopping me right now is that I have a small child. I am not sure how that would interfere with LVN studies, as I've heard its a very tough curriculum. How many hours a week do you have to study in an LVN program?

[nettie17]

I would love to go through an LVN program eventually. Only thing stopping me right now is that I have a small child. I am not sure how that would interfere with LVN studies, as I've heard its a very tough curriculum. How many hours a week do you have to study in an LVN program?

I graduated from an LVN program, I paid for a private program 1yr long. I won't lie, It was very accelerated and i went to school for 6 hrs from mon to fri and would go to starbucks to study with others right after school until they closed. But this was a full time coarse. But there were other students who had children and worked full time and graduated. I studied that way because i didnt have as many responsibilities. I think you will be fine. Don't doubt what you can do. If you are worried about the hours try a part time coarse, may take 6 months longer but atleast you will be getting it done. My mom is a CNA and i am encouraging her to get her LVN. I encourage you to do the same. Best of luck to you.

[ofynancy]

I'm in the process of getting my Cna will take the state exam this month. I'm also signing up for Lvn I know is a long journey a years worth of hard work! It takes effort and total dedication, but I'm certain the feeling of completing this course would be outstanding, my goal was to become an Rn and ultimately an Emergency Dr. but I'm also very interested in being a Psychologist. I'm hoping I get accepted as an Lvn. There is a school close to where I live Mission Hills they are charging 2,300 for the program. The private school that I went for my Cna is charging 26,000 so space is limited if I don't get in I just might go straight for being a Psychologist or an Emergency Dr. Congrats to those who are Rn and Lvn's very amazing career!