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If you are a student who is looking into becoming a nurse, there are many paths you can take. But two popular choices for an entry-level nurse are to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Licensed PracticalNurse (LPN). Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it can be difficult to decide which route to take. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast the two positions so that you can make an informed decision about your future.
What is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?
A Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, is a vital member of the healthcare team. CNAs provide essential services to patients, including bathing, dressing, and eating. They also take vital signs, collect information about patient symptoms, and communicate this information to the nurse in charge, typically a Registered Nurse (RN).
In addition to providing essential care, CNAs also play an important role in promoting the health and well-being of their patients. They provide support and encouragement as well as help to create a positive environment for healing.
As a result, CNAs play a ubiquitous role in the delivery of quality patient care. If you are interested in working in healthcare, becoming a CNA is a great place to start. It is a rewarding career that offers opportunities for growth and advancement. And best of all, it allows you to make a difference in the lives of others.
What is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide basic nursing care. They work under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. LPNs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.
Licensed Practical Nurses are responsible for taking vital signs, monitoring patients' condition, providing personal care, and helping with medical procedures. LPNs also educate patients and their families about health conditions and how to manage them.
To become a LPN, one must complete an accredited practical nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
What is the Difference between a CNA and LPN?
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A CNA and a LP both play important roles in the healthcare system. CNAs typically work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or home health agencies, providing direct care to patients. Their duties include taking vital signs, assisting with bathing and eating, and providing emotional support.
LPNs also work with patients, but they have more responsibilities than CNAs. In addition to providing basic care, LPNs may also administer medications, start IVs, and change dressings. They often serve as a liaison between the patient and the RN.
Because of their additional training and skills, LPNs can provide a higher level of care than CNAs. As a result, they are often responsible for more complex tasks.
What are the Benefits of Becoming a CNA or LPN?
Becoming a NursingAssistant can be a great way to start a rewarding career in the medical field. CNAs provide essential care for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
CNAs can often find work with flexible hours, which can be ideal for students or parents who need to balance work and family obligations.
In addition, CNA certification is typically less expensive and time-consuming than becoming a Registered Nurse. For people who are interested in working in the medical field but are not sure if they are ready to make a long-term commitment, becoming a CNA is a great option.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide essential care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings. Becoming an LPN can offer many benefits, both personally and professionally.
On a personal level, LPNs can take satisfaction in knowing that they are playing a vital role in improving the lives of others. They also enjoy a sense of camaraderie with their colleagues, as they work together to provide quality care. On a professional level, LPNs can enjoy career stability and growth potential. With the right qualifications and experience, they can advance to positions of greater responsibility, such as RN or management positions.
In addition, LPNs typically earn competitive salaries and benefits packages. For those who are seeking a rewarding and challenging career, becoming an LPN is a great option to consider.
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant
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Nursing is one of the most important and rewarding careers that you can pursue. If you have a passion for helping others and want to make a difference in people’s lives, then becoming a CNA is a great place to start. CNAs provide basic patient care and perform essential duties such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients. While the job can be demanding, it is also incredibly rewarding. Seeing the positive impact that you can have on someone’s life is an incredible feeling. If you are interested in becoming a CNA, there are a few things that you need to do.
First, you will need to complete an accredited training program. You can find a CNA program near you by using our Free CNA School Finder to find classes in your state and city. Once you have completed the program, you will then need to pass the state-mandated certification exam. Use our Free CNA Exam Study Guide to prep for your state test. After you have passed the exam, you will be ready to begin your career as a CNA!
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse
Becoming a LPN requires completing an accredited practical nursing program, which typically takes about 1 year to complete. Upon graduation, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), which is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Once licensed, LPNs must maintain their license by completing continuing education credits. For those interested in becoming a LPN, below is a step-by-step guide on how to make this happen.
First, you'll need to earn your high school diploma or equivalent. While in high school, it is recommended that you take classes in biology, chemistry, and other sciences. You should also consider volunteering or working in a healthcare setting to get first-hand experience.
Once you have completed high school, you can enroll in an accredited practical nursing program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, and some four-year universities. You can also use our Free LPN School Finder tool to find LPN classes near you. Just select your concentration as Nursing - Licensed Practical Nurse and type in your zip code.
During your training, you will take classes such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and nutrition. You will also complete supervised clinical rotations in medical-surgical units, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and psychiatry/mental health.
Upon completion of an accredited practical nursing program, you will then need to pass the NCLEX-PN exam to earn your license. The NCLEX-PN is a computerized exam that consists of multiple-choice questions covering various topics related to practical nursing.
Once you have passed the NCLEX-PN and obtained your license, you can begin your career as an LPN. jobs are typically found in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, physicians' offices, and home healthcare agencies. Job duties vary depending on the setting but may include taking vital signs, administering injections and medications, dressing wounds, and providing patient education. LPNs work under the supervision of RNs and physicians and report any changes in patients’ conditions to them.
Becoming a LPN is a great way to start a career in healthcare. It offers the opportunity to provide basic patient care while working under the supervision of RNs and physicians. If you are interested in becoming an LPN, be sure to follow the steps outlined above to get started on your path today!
About the author: Diane H. Wong is a content writer at essaywritercheap.org. She works out different marketing strategies. In this case, she has an opportunity to share her experience with others and keep up with advancing technologies.