Transitioning from CNA to LPN – Should I Make the Switch?
For Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who are seeking career growth and increased responsibility in the nursing field, transitioning to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) role can be an excellent option for you. LPNs and travel LPNs play a crucial role in healthcare settings, providing more direct patient care and working closely with registered nurses and other medical professionals.
Let’s dive into the differences between CNAs and LPNs; the benefits of becoming an LPN after working as a CNA; the requirements to become an LPN; resources to help you start the process; and learn why a career as a travel LPN should be your next move!
CNAs vs LPNs
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) have different roles and responsibilities within the healthcare system. CNAs primarily assist patients with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. They also monitor and report changes in patients’ conditions to the nursing staff. On the other hand, LPNs often also referred to as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), have a broader scope of practice. They administer medications, start intravenous (IV) drips, provide wound care, and assist in developing patient care plans. LPNs often work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and can take on more complex tasks than CNAs.
For Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who are seeking career growth and increased responsibility in the nursing field, transitioning to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) role can be an excellent option for you. LPNs and travel LPNs play a crucial role in healthcare settings, providing more direct patient care and working closely with registered nurses and other medical professionals.
Let’s dive into the differences between CNAs and LPNs; the benefits of becoming an LPN after working as a CNA; the requirements to become an LPN; resources to help you start the process; and learn why a career as a travel LPN should be your next move!
Benefits of Becoming an LPN after Working as a CNA
Expanded Scope of Practice: As an LPN, you will have the opportunity to perform more clinical procedures and interventions, contributing to a higher level of patient care. With increased responsibility and a deeper connection to patient care, LPNs often experience higher levels of job satisfaction. Plus, becoming an LPN can serve as a steppingstone towards pursuing higher levels of nursing education, such as becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) or pursuing specialized certifications.
Increased Earning Potential: LPNs generally earn higher salaries than CNAs due to their advanced skills and additional responsibilities. The investment in yourself can really pay off! According to 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) licensed practical and vocational nurses earn a 54% higher average salary than nursing assistants. Plus, you’ll be able to repay student loans or education costs faster with higher pay rates.
Greater Job Opportunities: LPNs are in demand across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health agencies. You’ll be open to a larger pool of job opportunities in all kinds of settings.
Duties of an LPN
- Assist patients with bathing
- Record fluid/food output and intake
- Monitor and cleaning equipment
- Assist RNs with procedures and tests
- Provide basic bedside care
- Assist patients with moving in bed
- Collect samples
- Report changes in a patient’s condition
- Oversee CNAs
- Administer oral and intravenous medications
- Chart in the medical record
- Change wound dressings
- Collect specimens
- Insert and care for urinary catheters
- Care for patients with tracheostomy tube and ventilators
- Insert and care for patients with nasogastric tubes
- Give feedings through a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube
- Care for ostomies
- Call the physician if needed
- Perform CPR in emergencies
Benefits of Becoming an LPN after Working as a CNA
Expanded Scope of Practice: As an LPN, you will have the opportunity to perform more clinical procedures and interventions, contributing to a higher level of patient care. With increased responsibility and a deeper connection to patient care, LPNs often experience higher levels of job satisfaction. Plus, becoming an LPN can serve as a steppingstone towards pursuing higher levels of nursing education, such as becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) or pursuing specialized certifications.
Increased Earning Potential: LPNs generally earn higher salaries than CNAs due to their advanced skills and additional responsibilities. The investment in yourself can really pay off! According to 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) licensed practical and vocational nurses earn a 54% higher average salary than nursing assistants. Plus, you’ll be able to repay student loans or education costs faster with higher pay rates.
Greater Job Opportunities: LPNs are in demand across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health agencies. You’ll be open to a larger pool of job opportunities in all kinds of settings.
Requirements to Become an LPN
It’s important to note that the specific requirements can vary depending on the state in which you plan to practice as an LPN. Some states may have additional requirements, such as continuing education hours for license renewal. It’s crucial to check with your state’s nursing board for the most up-to-date and accurate information on becoming an LPN in your area.
Prerequisites: Prospective LPNs must have a high school diploma or GED.
Education program: Complete an accredited LPN/LVN education program. These programs are usually offered at vocational schools, community colleges, or technical institutes. Depending on the locations and type of programs they can typically be completed within 6 to 18 months and cover essential nursing skills, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical experience. Some schools may accept credits from previous CNA training programs that may be used toward the LPN degree.
Clinical experience: LPN programs typically require clinicals as part of their education criteria. Each state requires that students complete a minimum number of supervised clinical hours in settings such as clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities to provide hands-on experience in patient care. It may also be a requirement of certain states to complete a clinical rotation in a community care or family heath setting.
Licensing Exam: After completing the LPN program, graduates are required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), also known as The Boards or State Boards and is administered by individual State Board of Nursing. Its purpose is to determine if it is safe for you to begin practice as an entry-level practical/vocational nurse. It’s essential to prepare thoroughly for the exam by utilizing study guides, practice tests, and review courses. Once you’ve passed you can then apply for licensure in the state they wish to practice. Maintaining licensure often requires continuing education, renewal fees, and verification of out of state licenses being in good standing. LPN licenses are fairly easy to transfer from state to state through an endorsement process.
Resources to Help Start the Process of Becoming an LPN
State Nursing Boards: Check with your state’s nursing board website for information on LPN educational requirements, licensing procedures and exam details.
Accredited Programs: Research and choose an accredited LPN program that aligns with your needs and location. Ensure the program is approved by your state’s nursing board.
Financial Aid: Explore scholarship opportunities, grants, and financial aid programs that can help alleviate the financial burden of LPN education.
Study Guides and Practice Tests: To prepare for the NCLEX-PN, consider using study guides and practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and content.
Professional Associations: Join nursing associations like the National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES)or the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN) to access networking opportunities and additional resources.
Why you should travel as an LPN
Contribute to the healthcare system
With the current and projected continued shortage of healthcare professionals, travel LPNs play a crucial role in filling the gaps and ensuring that patients receive the care they need. By choosing a career as a traveling licensed practical nurse, you’ll be making a significant contribution where patient care is needed most. Additionally, travel CNAs and LPNs help provide continuity of care in remote or rural areas that have a high demand for healthcare professionals.
Many healthcare facilities use travel LPNs to try out potential permanent hires, as well. This can be a great opportunity for travel healthcare professionals to secure a long-term position at a facility they enjoy working at and in a city or state they love. Maybe you’re looking for a place to call your forever home but haven’t figured out where that is yet. Make your mark on the industry by finding an assignment today! (*SEARCH JOBS FUNCTION)
Higher Pay and Stipends
When hospitals and facilities are in high demand for healthcare staff, they will typically offer higher pay rates in order to fill the demand faster. Travel LPNs typically earn higher pay than their permanent counterparts, due to the added costs of housing and travel. Most travel LPN contracts come with tax-free housing stipends and Meal & Incidental stipends! So, not only are you making more money, but you can also make tax-free money. Tax-free money for lodging, meals, and incidental expenditures comprises a significant percentage of travel nursing pay packages. The advantage is that you can pocket the leftover money and avoid payroll taxes on your stipends. At Marvel Medical Staffing, we emphasize transparency and are always honest about pay. Our recruiters work hard to ensure our LPN travelers receive the absolute best pay and experience while on an assignment.
Flexibility
You have the flexibility to choose your own career path! Traveling as an LPN will provide the ability to choose what contract you want – when and where! Many assignments also allow you the freedom to set your own schedule and work on your own terms. Whether you prefer night shift over day shift or weekends over weekdays there’s a perfect assignment waiting just for you.
Enhance Your Resume
Facilities have different procedures, protocols, goals, equipment, and challenges that may seem overwhelming, but it’s the perfect chance for career growth. You will have the ability to learn different systems, ways to approach patients, and much more. With all the experience and knowledge gained from travel LPN assignments, you will enhance your resume and increase your employability.
Ready to Travel as an LPN?
Transitioning from being a CNA to becoming an LPN is a promising path for nursing professionals seeking career advancement and increased responsibilities in patient care. LPNs play a vital role in healthcare settings, and their expanded scope of practice allows for a more fulfilling and rewarding career as a healthcare professional. So why not add travel to the mix!?
There are so many professional and personal benefits to taking travel assignments as an LPN you won’t want to miss. Connect with one of our knowledgeable recruiters and find your perfect first travel LPN assignment!
