Saturday, August 13, 2011

CNA to LVN - Carving Out a Career Path

Do entry-level positions matter to you? Do you want to be on top? Do you think you have the right qualities to move up to the next level in your career? Are you aiming for a higher salary? Are you hungry for more knowledge, new challenges, and new experiences? Or are you the type of person who is willing to excel in a gradual manner (slowly, but surely)? If you said 'yes' to any of the above questions, that's great! Success in your career of choice always begins by dreaming big!

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Embarking upon a career path is not an easy task, especially in the medical field. However, those working in the medical industry find it to be a very rewarding job. It's a well-known fact that nurses are in demand at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. Thus, a good way to start pursuing a career in the medical field is to become a CNA.

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What can you gain by becoming a CNA first, then pursuing the LVN or LPN career?

If you become a CNA first, your clinical exposure will be varied, diverse, and intense. You will gain a first-hand grasp of nursing care and you will thoroughly understand the nature of the work. Therefore, it is always good to have gained experience before attempting to advance and move up in healthcare industry. Being a CNA can be a stepping stone in your career to more advanced nursing care duties and further career growth. You can advance from being a CNA to become a LVN or LPN, then from a LVN/LPN to a RN. The scope and depth of CNAs' duties are limited, but by gaining work experience and clinical skills, you can become a better health worker. It is a good idea to continue your education to pave the way for bigger career opportunities, income, and responsibilities.

Want to become a LVN or LPN as your next career move? Why not?

A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) works under physicians and registered nurses. They act as a support for the ill, injured, and disabled patients or residents. Their work focuses more on giving injections, applying dressings, and observing residents for any adverse reactions to prescribed medications or treatments. They are involved in providing basic bedside care to the residents, taking vitals (temperature, blood pressure, polls, and respiration), and also supervise the nursing assistants.

How to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

To become a LVN, you must complete a state-approved LVN training program and pass the licensing exam called the N-CLEX PN. The course will typically take a year to complete. Education and training take place in classroom settings as well as in hospital or medical facilities for clinical practice. The compensation ranges from - per hour and approximately 24,000 - 48,000 US dollars (USD) per year, which will gradually increase based on your experience. The LVN career is growing and the demand for LVNs is increasing, as the supply of nurses comes up short. In a market where supply does not meet demand, the LVN salary is made even more competitive to attract more qualified nurses, thus increasing the supply.

LVNs usually work at hospitals, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, doctor's offices, or surgical centers, and provide many of basic services also performed by Registered Nurses (RNs). If you want to pursue this career, don't forget to contact the schools or colleges regarding the requirements of the course. Qualifications for the course vary from state to state. Many CNAs, who pursued a career as a LVN, are happy with their title, pay, and positions.

CNA to LVN - Carving Out a Career Path

Suzanne is the CNA dedicated to http://cnatestcoach.com/ - A great resource for information on how to become a CNA, CNA training, and CNA State Exam Study Prep.
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