Many aspiring registered nurses start their careers as certified nursing assistants to become familiar with the basic elements of healthcare delivery. Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or an STNA in Ohio, can serve as a stepping stone toward a nursing role with more responsibility and more of an opportunity to make an impact by providing quality care and improving patient outcomes. Because of their experience, many CNAs have a good idea of the type of nursing they would like to do, including a possible specialty.
Enrolling in a nursing school program can prepare CNAs to pursue licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) positions. For CNAs looking to advance their careers, it is important to understand the steps to take to go from CNA to LPN or CNA to RN.
What Does a CNA Do?
CNAs or STNAs typically work under the supervision of LPNs and RNs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics. Their responsibilities include basic medical tasks, administrative tasks, and nonmedical duties assisting patients. For example, CNAs may measure and record patients’ temperature, weight, and blood pressure, or help LPNs or RNs with patient safety procedures.
On the administrative side, CNAs may be responsible for stocking medical supplies, documenting patients’ medical and personal information, and answering phone calls.
CNAs often are tasked with helping patients manage their daily living activities, such as dressing, grooming, toileting, bathing, and eating. They may also help reposition patients in their beds or help them transfer from a bed to a wheelchair. In addition, they may be asked to prepare and clean rooms before patients arrive.
While other nursing staff may do some of the tasks assigned to CNAs, they have more job flexibility and responsibility than CNAs do due to their higher level of training. The desire for increased responsibility is often the reason a working CNA decides to go back to school to advance their career in healthcare.
The Path From CNA to LPN
The first step on the path from CNA to LPN is to enroll in an LPN program. The next step is to complete the coursework. Completing a PN program generally takes two years or less depending on the state and the institution. There may be some accelerated paths that can make the process shorter than two academic years. Typical LPN coursework covers topics such as biology, anatomy, physiology, emergency care, pediatric nursing, obstetric nursing, and medical/surgical nursing. Students also build foundational nursing skills by completing a clinical rotation.
After they graduate, aspiring LPNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and obtain an LPN license in their state in order to practice. The NCLEX-PN is designed to validate the knowledge and basic nursing skills developed through an LPN program.
The Path From CNA to RN
Advancing from CNA to RN roles generally takes two to three years. CNAs can pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Coursework in an ADN program typically covers anatomy, clinical theory, pharmacology, psychology, nutrition, and mental health.
ADN programs help students gain the essential competencies they’ll need as an RN, such as communication skills, critical thinking skills, attention to detail, teamwork capabilities, organizational skills, and technical knowledge. Because of the nature of their work, RNs must also have empathy and a great deal of stamina.
Once they pass the NCLEX-RN, nurses need to obtain an RN license in their state to be able to practice.
Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career
Starting out as a CNA has provided you with a great baseline of knowledge and skills that will be relevant for the rest of your nursing career. When you’re ready to advance from CNA to LPN or CNA to RN, a quality nursing program at Fortis can help you build the skill set and confidence to take the next step.
The Fortis Practical Nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing programs are designed to help you grow your foundational nursing competencies so you can enjoy continued success. Each program balances classroom instruction, lab work, and hands-on skill development in controlled settings to provide you with a holistic understanding of healthcare delivery. This will help prepare you to land your first nursing position as an LPN or an RN.
Learn how Fortis can help you get ready for the next stage of your healthcare career.
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