CNA become a LVN in California

I am intrested in challenging the lvn board. I have been a CNA for 5 years and I am also an MA for 2 years and worked in acute care facility for 3 years.I have taken adult school courses like nutrition, human anatomy, & medical terminology but dont really remember much. All i have left to do is the pharmacology course. Now my question is what books do you guys recommend for me to study for boards?
Thank you

I am currently a CNA in the state of Alabama working for the Federal Gov't. working for the federal gov't doesn't require you to have the current state that you're licensure. With that being said, I would love to take the approved pharmacology course for the state of California. This would be a great opportunity for me to transfer to another position in my current job even transfer to another state. I have worked in all areas of healthcare since 1996, so if anyone know of any approved pharmacology courses for the state of CA please let me know. my email address is taxesdoneright37@gmail.com.

I'm in New Jersey and this site was great for me to start my Nursing classes

<a href="www.2beanurse.com">CNA Training</a>

Hello everyone, I am unfortunately an unemployed CNA of 12 years, being unemployed since last march! Tried to gain employment at most nursing homes, got turned away because they claimed no room at the inn so to speak, and yes, it gets mr very depressed and frustrated! Still trying to give it a go, I did work at 2 hospitals, but after applying to then over and over again, all i get back is that at best, I meet the minimum standards, but they want someone more specialized!! Really, sorry for, being bitter, but whatever happened to training people, hell whenever you start a new job, you have to be trained to that companies style anyways, so why cannot RN"S and LVN's teach Cna's what they need to do well, after all, some may want to become LVN'a and RN's later, that attitude alone pisses me of also with work outside of nursing, people should want to train people to do wll, not say they will hire you because you do not have enougfh experience, etc. a load of crap!! Also, I am tired of employers gaining acces to your credit history, laws are passed on that to stop that and yet these companies still get around it, hell recenetly they are requiring your facebook passwords as part of their hiring questions to see if you qualify to work there!! Anyways, chose this area as a reson also, I too have experience in pharmacology, and NCLEX-PN test reviewing, I need to stay on it, my fault, I let my own depression and emotions consume me on not only getting a job, period as a CNA in pasadena, ca or surrounding, but something else! I did my courses, turned in all my paperwork last year to the state lvn board and they accepted every, here is what they sent back!m They said I needed ajob about 1.5 months in pediatrics and then once i send in a form saying i did so, then I can pay $200 and take the exam ad hopefully pass it, and then pay another $200 and get my LVN license! Could use help in finding that type of jobs, remember hopspitals are not hiring me, not even children's hosp.!!

Hello everyone, I am unfortunately an unemployed CNA of 12 years, being unemployed since last march! Tried to gain employment at most nursing homes, got turned away because they claimed no room at the inn so to speak, and yes, it gets mr very depressed and frustrated! Still trying to give it a go, I did work at 2 hospitals, but after applying to then over and over again, all i get back is that at best, I meet the minimum standards, but they want someone more specialized!! Really, sorry for, being bitter, but whatever happened to training people, hell whenever you start a new job, you have to be trained to that companies style anyways, so why cannot RN"S and LVN's teach Cna's what they need to do well, after all, some may want to become LVN'a and RN's later, that attitude alone pisses me of also with work outside of nursing, people should want to train people to do wll, not say they will hire you because you do not have enougfh experience, etc. a load of crap!! Also, I am tired of employers gaining acces to your credit history, laws are passed on that to stop that and yet these companies still get around it, hell recenetly they are requiring your facebook passwords as part of their hiring questions to see if you qualify to work there!! Anyways, chose this area as a reson also, I too have experience in pharmacology, and NCLEX-PN test reviewing, I need to stay on it, my fault, I let my own depression and emotions consume me on not only getting a job, period as a CNA in pasadena, ca or surrounding, but something else! I did my courses, turned in all my paperwork last year to the state lvn board and they accepted every, here is what they sent back!m They said I needed ajob about 1.5 months in pediatrics and then once i send in a form saying i did so, then I can pay $200 and take the exam ad hopefully pass it, and then pay another $200 and get my LVN license! Could use help in finding that type of jobs, remember hopspitals are not hiring me, not even children's hosp.!!

part #2! I tried to apply to children's hospital in L.a., they have some many requirments and trainging obstacles, not even the pope can get in there! Now, i know being late alot to three jobs in my does not help, with that said, you will love thisone!! My last job, where i was fired, changed management and tried to rehire my twice this year, with #2 being a fluke!! I was going tio go in, but staff developer called me up before i left my house and told mr his boss told him that they had to recall key perseonnel from vacation to fill back positions and no job available! Talk about playing with someone's emotion's, very cruel, wish he would have checked with his boss first before he called me! Also, besides late problem, and low credit scores, I think my references haqve let me down, some i am thinikng of calling up my last company and asking them if or two of them would not mind being a reference to me, they know me well and can speak positively on my behalf! wanted to repeat process to job before that, quit that job, so I left on my terms, not theirs and same with job 2 in my potfolio! If anyone wants to talk me out of that, then give me the pros and cons of it! I not I am not the only one out there out of work, but i am very emotional and sensitive to tis industry and thgis economy being very negative to me and others and not giving me and them a chance to work, esp. for me, 11-12 if working as a cna, WHY IS THAT NOT ENOUGH??? My view, people need to work to support their families and themselves and by every employer turing someone with experience like me away, it makes one wonder, why the hell did i get into this field in the first place! When they say there is a nursing shortage, they are full of poo poo, employers are too damn picky and unrealistic when it comes to hiring CNA's! Our state and nation need to o better when it cvomes to hiring people, like I said, we all needd to put food on the table and help us and our families survive!!

last part, part #3! So, I am stil trying to get that CNA job, but if changibng my refeences do not work anbd no one cares to hire a CNA of over 11-12 years, then ladies and gentlemen, as fas as god, the universe, and otrhers go, maybe that is a sign that I should change professions! I need to get back into shape and I am not cut to wear a suit and tie and kiss corporate ass, i would probably go to jail forever, my self worth, emotions, psyche, could not only not handle it, but could not maintain it before stress overload and breakdown set in! i know my limits and except that, I also need to get back in shape and will do so, i feel changing from one uniform to another, like a secutrity guard might be my answer! My house with my wife, who is also unemployed for 5 years now and my near 5 year old daughter thank god i paid off that we moved into last may, just need to work so I can take over electircity, gas, and help pay part of property tax, while still paying for groceries and paying other bills, like cable and cell phone, landline, etc,. water and trash is mother-in-law job, sice she is our landlord! She has kept us afloat and while my wife is somewhat trying to find something sher likes to take classes, hopefully leading to a job, i need to get this job already or take clases myself, possibnly security guard and get rolling, support money is running thin in mother-in-laws bank account, but when people will not hire me, or others, what the hell am i suppossed to do? Would appreciate any hellp I can get, I want my 5 year old to be proud of me and mty wife, not think we should be on welfare forever and having omom-in-laW HELP FOREVER, WHICH WILL OT LAST FOREVER! Bottom line, maybe I am trying, not trying hard enough, maybe not smart enough, what do I DO, WISH PEDIATRIC JOB WOULD COME, OTHERWISE lvn DREAM GOES BYE BYE AND IF NO CNA JOB SSON, MAYBE THAT TOO, and I do not want that to happen, but if you were in my shoes, what would you do!!

I hate to even suggest this. But if you're really out of shape, you might offer to forgo medical benefits at any job you apply for. Seems employers are getting pickier these days when hiring people for manual labor jobs if they are very out of shape/overweight for obvious reasons. That might just get you back in the door while you work hard on getting back in shape! Just my opinion. I apologize for my directness, but I truly understand where you're coming from!

Arcadia is not far from Glendale and this hospital is hiring CNAs: www.glendaleadventist.com/JobOpenings

You will take an entrance exam on the computer about ADLs and Vital signs and other aspects about being a CNA before they interview you. If you are hired on and are seeking Ped/Maternity you can schedule bonus shifts (work extra shifts) in maternity so that you can qualify for paid experience for the boards in that requirement.

The positions are mostly nights, per diem, and 12 hr shifts. Hope this helps

Hi, I did do this test last year and since then, i havebeen apllying to your company and still they keep passing me up, saying that I have met the minimum requirements, but not the specialized requirements they are looking for, I like the hospital, but i think they wrong for not giving me a chance, have 11-12 years experience in nursing nhomes and 2 in a hospital, so tell me, what are they looking for? To me, a CNA is a CNA, we all take vitals, chenge beds, feed some people, help them around the building, run errands for them and in the hospitals, take direction from mthe rn's and the lvn on the floor, what els do they want? i wish i could challenge them on it, they do not give people a fair chance at all Sara, believe me I want to work there, but unless yopu have the onnections and already klnow someone who works their and can tie you in withy their boss, there is no way i will ever get hired by that company, sad, but that is how most hospitals run, all of them, I have applied to each one, even huntington, queen of the valley, arcdaia methodist, st vincent medical center, cedar sinai, etc, yuo get the point, even the nursing homes say no room at the inn, can i chllenge anyone on this, passing up a perfectly good CNA of many years like myself! The jobs that will atke me are too far away, I have no license and if my 4 year old daughter needs, my wife says she comes first, not to metion the cost of gas, no company reimburses for that, right? So, why are they notb hiring? I need to feed my family and take care of them and my bills, like everyone else, sorry, I am just tired of the reasons employers come up with as to why they will not hire somneone like me with lots of years of experience!! Even if i needed more training, why would theynot do it? when you start a new job, they have to train yuo to their style anywyas, so why are they so close minded? anyways, need to get off, thisn point is just makng mem morem upset, thank you for your support, I need connections!

Have u talked to the people who have interviewed u in the past. It could be the way u interview is the reason ur not getting a job

branbran77, I wish I even got an interview! They do not even consider me at all, and if I ask for an interview, will I not be viewed as too pushy or they may assume I think I already have the job! Only one company ahs done a face to face interview with me, esp. since most apps on on-line now, so apparently if they do not like your resume, do not like your credit score and/or I some cases, do not have he extra special skills I need( which is wrong)! It is really sad that a CNA of many years still has to go out there and prove themselves to the world they have the experience in, furthermore, even sadder that they will not give CNA's a chance to work in hospitals and gain that experience! One hospital, for example, will not hire CNA's w/o 1 year of acute experience! Question, if you are a new CNA out of school, or have worked most of their careers in nursing homes like myself, then why do hospitals, look at that as a negative! Aside from some of those specialized skills that hospitals do, they do the same things that CNA's in nursing homes do, vitals, turning patients, transporting them everywhere, even feeding and bathing them, etc. Please do not tell me about the employers right's not to choose you based on other's qualification's, it is that mindset that has people still looking for work and keeps people who are skilled from providing for themelves and their families, and we as CNA's, need to call them out on it, period!! hospitals should be willing to train cna's and others, because when they hire the others anyways, they have to train them to the company's ways, personally!

saraf3m in Los Angeles, California said: Arcadia is not far from Glendale and this hospital is hiring CNAs: www.glendaleadventist.com/JobOpenings

You will take an entrance exam on the computer about ADLs and Vital signs and other aspects about being a CNA before they interview you. If you are hired on and are seeking Ped/Maternity you can schedule bonus shifts (work extra shifts) in maternity so that you can qualify for paid experience for the boards in that requirement.

The positions are mostly nights, per diem, and 12 hr shifts. Hope this helps

Sarah, do you work for glendale adventist? If so, I would be willing to go back, reatke that exam and if I pass it, i then need a connection to a person who works there!! Would it be alright then if i could put you do on the aplication a sto someonw i know works their and can take a chance on me, unless i know someone who works their and can connect me to their managers, that is theonly way I wil be able to get hired, anywhere and esp. the hospitals, and if it helps, i moved last year, I know live closer to that hospital, around the mountain so to speak, in upper pasadena/altadena, on woodbury road, know the street! I have the expereince, i need connections to these places, how do i get them?
thanks for your help, regardless and take care!!

I posted my original suggestion for everyone on the board as a work around to get maternity/ped experience. It just so happened I know this hospital has this system in place where your can put in bonus shifts and request specific departments for these shifts. I'm sure many facilities do just this to fill in shortages in staff.

You do not "need connections" to get a job in an acute care facility, though I agree that this can help the right person. I got a job at a hospital without any connections. You need to be confident and persistent enough to meet people in person, to be an optimistic person in general, and to be a person in all forms of communication (written, verbal, body language...) that people want to be around and work with. Since this is a board specifically about getting your LVN, not just about getting a CNA job, I will not entertain further discussion on references for forum posters who are actually complete strangers IRL. Believe in yourself, what you do, and why your are doing it (or trying to do something), and you will likely see things work themselves out.

ONE LAST WORD TO THE MEDICAL SYSTEM! YOU ARE ALMOST OBSOLETE! FEW GREAT SURGEONS LEFT, BUT THE FAMILY DOCTOR IS DEVOID OF KNOWLEDGE, EXCEPT HOW TO "OVERDOSE" PEOPLE ON MEDS FOR MONEY. It is all about schools making money and students paying to get a "good job". DON'T LET ANYONE TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY! GET A BLOOD TEST...THEN RESEARCH AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR "YOUR" HEALTH AND BODY.

ALL HERBS AND GREEN LEAVES SHOULD BE OPEN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH USE...NOT FOR DOCTORS ONLY. IF YOU PAY YOUR BILLS, FEED YOURSELF, THEN YOU ARE ABLE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR HEALTH. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN A PHYSICIAN/SURGEON IS NEEDED AND THAT IS IN AN ACUTE SITUATION. CHRONIC SITUATIONS REQUIRE A "WHOLENBESS" PRACTITIONER. DOCTORS LEARN ABOUT "DISEASE". WHOLENESS PRACTITIONERS LEARN ABOUT HEALTH.
BUT THEY DON'T MAKE MONEY IF YOU ARE HEALTHY. NURSING IS JUST A JOB WITH A GOOD PAY CHECK.

CERTIFIED NURSE ASSISTANTS SHOULD BE PROMOTED FROM WITHIN THE SYSTEM. WHEN ONE HAS 3-5 YEARS STEADY WORK AS A CNA, HAS ASSISTED PHYSICIANS, ATTENDED CLASSES AND "LOVES" THEIR WORK AND HELPING PEOPLE, THEY SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED AS A "NURSE". HOWEVER, THE SYSTEM HAS CLASSIFIED THE CNA AS AN "AID", ALTHOUGH THOSE OF US WITH 5 YEARS OR MORE EXPERIENCE KNOW MORE THAN THE "NEW RN GRADUATE". IT IS THE IGNORANCE OF THE HEADS OF THE MEDICAL SYSTEM, WHO ARE GREEDY AND MONEY HUNGRY AS WELL AS "POWER" HUNGRY.
YES, I AM FED UP WITH THEM. THANK THE LORD, I DO HAVE OTHER PROFESSIONS. I AM MORE QUALIFIED THAN MOST RN'S BUT I DON'T CHOOSE TO WORK AT THIS TIME IN MEDICAL HEALTH CARE. I CAN TAKE CARE OF THE TOTAL PERSON FROM HIS/HER THINKING, EMOTIONS, SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL AND GET IT DONE WITH RESULTS. YES, THE SYSTEM NEEDS ME AND MORE LIKE ME, BUT I WON'T WORK FOR THOSE WHO ARE BASICALLY IGNORANT, EXCEPT OF THEIR "BOOK" KNOWLEDGE. IF YOU OBSERVE, THEY USUALLY END UP LIKE THEIR PATIENTS.

I am sorry you feel you are not being validated. I have never lost a job and I cannot claim to say I know how you feel. I do know that having a family and not having a job would be extremely stressful.
I was wondering if you have tried to contact the places you would like to work, find the name and telephone numbers of the manager/s of the floor/department you want and set up an appointment with them? This is not an easy task, but if one agrees to see you, then you can talk to them about what you need to do to get that job.
Hope this helps a little.
Dont give up.
Thins always get better.

Your comment has some merit. However, most CNA wipe butts, reposition patients, and change linens. And if they manage to get those duties completed before the next round, maybe do some vitals. That is however no replacement for attending an actual nursing school. If any hospital or Nursing facility had the time to actually train CNAs for maybe 1 to 2 hours every night, then maybe CNAs would be in a position to challenge the nursing board after a lot of additional college study that you simply cannot get outside of a structured nursing school program. What if your mom was in a facility that trained their own CNAs, and that CNA accidendally administered a dangerous med combination because they said, I never learned that! As much as we sometime hate the system, there is a method to their madness. And as much as i'd like to fast track my way into a high paying nursing carreer without needing to actually attend college, I surely wouldn't want some shake & bake nurse caring for me if I were really sick! Sounds to me like you have the same problem as me. You can't afford the school either because it would require you to work and go to school at the same time, which is very difficult. Or because you simply can't afford it financially. If you look around enough, you may just find that there are programs getting started for lower income students that will be addressing these issues. I hope many more will spring up over the next few years. As of now we have one here in SD, but there is a 2 to 3 year waiting list to get into a class. And so I wait patiently. And while I wait, I look for grants, and loans, and any extra means of income so that when my time comes I can afford the school. Cheers! :)

IT IS NOT WRONG TO HIRE PILIPINO AS A HEALTH CARE EMPLOYEE SPECIALLY IF THEY HAVE TALENT TO DO SO.WE DID NOT COME HERE AS A ILLEGAL ALIENT,I WORKED MY BUT OFF TO COME HERE AND TOOK ME 7 MONTHS OF WAITING TO GET INTERVIEW AND MY PETTION APPROVED.HOW DARE YOU SAYING WE TAKE OVER THE JOBS OF AMERICAN.WE CAME HERE TO PURSUE THE AMERICAN DREAMS LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, AS LONG AS WE WORKED HARD AND DO WHAT NEED TO BE DONE,YOU CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT I!!.IS YOUR FAILURE AND YOUR FAULT THAT YOU LOOSE YOUR JOB AND DO NOT BLAME THE PILIPINOS ABOUT IT!!! IF YOU HAVE COMPLAIN ABOUT THE GOVERMENT AND PRES.OBAMA THEN DONT WASTE YOUR TIME BLAMING SOMEONE ELSE.BLAMING PILIPINOS CANNOT GET YOU A JOB AND CANNOT PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE OR PAY YOUR BILLS!!!! IF I WERE YOU,I WILL CONCENTRATE LOOKING FOR ANY JOB AS LONG AS DECENT.

kristy7cal in Las Vegas, Nevada said: RE: Your letter

IT IS ABSOLUTELY WRONG to let the Filipino's and others from other countries come into our "home" and take over. I am also a victim. Las Vegas Nevada is the WORST place for Hospital Care. I was refused to renew my license BECAUSE I COULD NOT REMEMBER THE LAST NAME OF THE LAST CHARGE NURSE that I worked under. THAT IS THE PITS AND I WENT COMPLETELY BROKE because I could not get a job anywhere. FILIPINOS RUN THE CASINOS, FILIPINOS RUN THE HOSPITALS AND THEY ALL "HIRE THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY". I know because I lost a job by the Filipina doing that. MY BEST FRIEND OF 7 YEARS IS A FILIPINA and she WARNED me about that. She is married to an American man. The Filipina's go after Married Doctors also and break up their families, as well as other Asians. Say it like it is. THE TRUTH REMOVES PROPERLY THAT WHICH IS OFFENSIVE. All other cultures STICK TOGETHER AND HIRE EACH OTHER, EXCEPT THE WHITE AMERICAN, WHO IS BASICALLY STUPID....they let the world walk in and take over their homes, cars, healthcare and yes, raise their children. I am NOT against any Culture or people, but I AM not BLIND and I CAN SEE what is and has happened that has pulled the USA TO POVERTY...our parents who worked so
hard to raise us with education. NOW WE LIVE IN POVERTY AND THE AMERICAN DREAM IS GONE! Why don't the legislatures, congress and others just GIVE THE KEY TO THEIR PRIVATE HOMES AND LET THE FOREIGNER AND ALIAN TAKE OVER. IT ALL BEGINS THE HOME AND SPREADS THROUGH THE SCHOOLS (PUBLIC SCHOOLS THE ROOT OF ALL THAT IS OPPOSITE TO THE AMERICAN DREAM...MAKING ALL AMERICANS DEPENDENT) AND ALL PEOPLE BECOME LIKE "COOKIES" FROM THE SAME "CUTTER". I hope that knowing that I agree with you will help. If I had a voice in the public, I would tell it like it is. CHARITY BEGINS IN OUR OWN HOMES, IN OUR ON LAND.
EVEN THE BIBLE TELLS US "LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF" NOT MORE THAN YOU LOVE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY.

I

That is very much true nursing school can be a challenge, so much competitiveness what do you do when the nursing field is donated by other races that dont really care about American and i am a single black mother attend nursing school.

I have had a certificate for CNA & CHHA for 5 years now. I only worked as a CNA for 1 year. Then i went back to school and got a medical assistant certificate. I am now working as a medical assistant in a chiropractic office. I want to become a LVN now and a RN in the future. I really just don't know where to start because i need a class online.I can't find any online classes for LVN and i don't know if they even offer the LVN course online.Please if u can help me in any way i would really appreciate it.

Thank You
Stacy

It doesn't matter what nationality someone is, if they live and work in the US, than they are Americans! We all came from somewhere else, & just because they may have come more recently does not make them any less American! I do understand your frustration, but if you truly believe what you write, than you are the one who is not a true American!! If you blame others for your difficulties, you will never rise up and be all you can be. Just stop blaming others and make your life happen for you! That's what most of us have to do. And it's the only way we'll ever get ahead! Believe in yourself!!

All the lvn board said i needed was a job for 1.5 months in pedaitrics, paid, ad then I could pay $200 and take the exam, hopefully pass it and then get my lvn license and be more valaulbe to some nursing home or hospital!!

David, you are in the WRONG FORUM. This one is JUST to tell you HOW to challenge the board or get your LVN. You want help with connections? To look for jobs or express frustration then you should be posting in forums like:

www.indeed.com/forum/job/cna/jobs-can-cna-get/t398656
or
www.indeed.com/forum/job/cna/have-no-experience-cna-cant-find-job-that-will-hire/t31694

I understand you feel insulted, but NO ONE has been insulting you. You need to accept responsibility for your own emotions and actions and stop blaming everyone else for what you CAN control. People, overall have been incredibly nice to you for NOT BEING A JOB FINDING DISCUSSION. Go to a different thread for JOB HELP, and post here to HELP OTHERS OR ASK for LVN license help

IV been trying to post but my computer is bein dumb...... To David .... I called a whambulance and told them ur chockin on ur french cries......Iv worked since i was 18 and iv worked my ass off ...there have been times when iv had 2 jobs and i sure as hell didnt feel like i was taking anything from anyone....iv raised my son by myself and with no welfare ....And who gives out there SS# on an application so that a potiental employer can run a credit check?? Iv lived in CA my whole life and the only time i was told that i was going to have a credit check ran was when i applied for a C.O. job.

C.N.A.'s........we work hard but there is no way in hell we are smarter then a nurse....and u want to know why.....they finished there school, got there licens, and are now making a lot more money.....Nurses work hard and it upsets me when i hear CNA's say they dont work as hard as they themselfs do. They do a differnt kind of work and deal with a lot more responsibility. Why would u want to become a nurse if u think they are stupid and lazy???

Nursing assistant is an entry level job....I took me 8 weeks to get my cert.
Then i started taking pre reqs for lvn school......6 yers later (becasue of me) im starting a nursing program......I was dragging my feet and looking for a quick way to get my licens. I dont live near any school that offers ob or peds....i cant get into a hospital....so im going back to school....because I have wasted enough time at my entry level postion.
I cant wait to work my ass off at nursing school........while still working my CNA job....and to all u lazy people out there who think the goverment owes u a job......well .........take a good look at Greece....or better yet get off ur ass and do the foot work and get a job.....i dont know any CNA's in the central valley that are looking for work....u guys suck and need to get a life.......
ps i love this forum
and sorry that i cant spell (not really)

.. i am from san diego... i am a licensed nurse back in the philippines..and now i have a $4000 financial aid from the navy for free... i am thinking to take CNA while waiting if i am eligible to take the state exam for LVN and RN... but some people says its not the smart thing to do... can you help me what training or what course should i take for the 4000 financial assistance that can help me find job immediately...

why was this addressed to kristy7cal? I have NOT BASHED ANYONE...WHOEVER USED MY NAME, PLEASE DO NOT DO THAT AGAIN....

CNA's DO NOT administer Meds. However, my experience is that I have assisted the physician as I have been told by the doctor that I should be at least an LVN, as the RN's always ask me to assist them also.
Being Board Certified in Holistic Health Care, an IV Therapist, Chelation Therapist, Esthetician and more, maybe I am more qualified than most Certified Nurse Assistants. We all judge others by ourselves, so I thought all CNA's were allowed to work in all depts/units. I have worked in all except L&D.

In my opinion, it should be mandatory that Certified Nurse Assistants be trained to move forward as an LVN/LPN if they show they have the ability to become more educated and a better help to humanity. Some certified assistants don't want to work that hard or study, so let them be the Aid. Let people excel at their highest level of understanding and demonstration. CUT OUT ALL THE POWER TRIPS, EGO, JEALOUSY AND ENVY. If a person in any industry is well equiped an shows "promise", then help them get there. There is a place for everyone and Charity begins with Americans, who were Born here at HOME. LOVE your neighbor AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF....not more than you love yourself. Treat them like you want to be treated, but you and your family must be in the position to REACH OUT to others or you will find yourself "without" and NO ONE TO HELP YOU! READ THE FORUM...SEE WHAT I MEAN.

I couldn't agree more! And that's exactly why they have these 2 year programs called, LVN schools!! Happy studying:)

OK, that's a fine point. However, what I was refering to was the many LVN programs available at california community colleges which are generally 2 year programs. The average cost for these schools runs approx. 2,500 to 4,000 dollars, total! While not free, it's a hell of a lot better than the 50 to 80 thousand the for profits schools are asking! The caviat here is that you generally need to have completed several prereq, courses so that they know you're serious before they put you on the waiting list. And then you could be looking at a 2 to 3 year wait for your class to start. But when you consider the alternative of taking out a mortgage for a school loan, the wait doesn't seem that bad to me!
As for the LVNs on the way out. I totally disagree with that! I think RNs will be commanding 25 to 35 dollars an hr average for quite some time to come. And most facilites will always be looking to cut costs by hiring LVNs for 20 to 25 per hour for quite some time as well!
I'm not sure where you're getting you information, but if you're going to make statements like that in the future, would you be kind enough to give us the reference material or a link to the reference where you ascertained this information. I for one would be very interested in reading it:) Thank you for a very good comment with interesting information! Sincerely, Jeff

Well, just like all those NEW Americans getting off the boats, you're entitled to your opinion. Regardless of time in country:) Happy Hating:):)

hoapres in San Francisco, California said: That is the point.

H1Bs are NOT Americans but "temporary guest workers". You won't have much sympathy in the general public that we need more people coming to the US looking for work.

That seems fair to me. However, I think you're directing your antipathy toward the wrong group. You should be POd at the Government for allowing Hospitals, or any medical facilities to be members of the stock market. It is corporate greed you should be directing your anger toward, not poor imigrants just trying to make a better life for themselves. Corporate greed is truly at the heart of all of this. And I'm quite sure their just giddy when we start going after each other, rather than them!

Because the demands of being a member of the Stock Market require that investors are the ONLY consideration. This is why all of our jobs are going overseas. We could easily have 10 million more jobs available in the US if EVERY company in the Stock Market weren't trying to maximize profits by sending their jobs to 3rd world countries where labor costs are 1/10th of what they are in the US. Nobody would be going out of business, but those top execs wouldn't be able to pull down multimillion dollar salaries would be the only difference. They would have to settle for mere 1 million dollar salaries. Again I say, your wrath is misplaced!

You have a choice to complain about something like foreign workers who will always be here, and which additionally is hurtful to these good people. Or you can direct your complaints to the source of the problem, the Stock Market and corporate America who are the source of the problem! And it really wouldn't hurt Corporate America to change their policies in regards to medical care. It might mean their stock holders and their top execs make a few less millions. The stock market has no place in healthcare!!!

You have a choice to complain about something like foreign workers who will always be here, and which additionally is hurtful to these good people. Or you can direct your complaints to the source of the problem, the Stock Market and corporate America who are the source of the problem! And it really wouldn't hurt Corporate America to change their policies in regards to medical care. It might mean their stock holders and their top execs make a few less millions. The stock market has no place in healthcare!!!

yamzurc in San Diego, California said: .. i am from san diego... i am a licensed nurse back in the philippines..and now i have a $4000 financial aid from the navy for free... i am thinking to take CNA while waiting if i am eligible to take the state exam for LVN and RN... but some people says its not the smart thing to do... can you help me what training or what course should i take for the 4000 financial assistance that can help me find job immediately...

Yamzurc, You would be wasting your money going to a privte CNA school!! San Diego County offers a CNA program for free at the Chula Vista adult education center. It takes 1 semester to complete and then you take your certification test. All of this is for free, and generally there is NO waiting list for this class! Additionally, if you want to make best use of your money, sign up for one of the San Diego community college classes for LVN or RN. They are 2 year programs that only require a couple classes of prereq courses. Many of the San Diego Community Colleges offer this LVN/RN 2 year program and it will only cost you approx the same amount you have recieved from the Navy.
If you take private classes to get your CNA, then you won't have money left to use for Nursing school. Most private CNA courses cost around 5 to 10 thousand. Now why would you use your money for that when you can get the same class for free at the Chula Vista Adult Education Center!!!
I hope this helps you:) Sincerely, Jeff E

I am a CNA. I have been a CNA for 7 years. I was hired 1 year ago at $12 per hour. I never ask the LVNs that I work with about their salaries, but I find it hard to believe that these nurses are only making $3 more per hr than a CNA. Again I'll ask, where are you getting your information. I think this must be a Bay area issue, because I'm pretty sure the LVNs around San Diego make at least $22 - $27 per hr.

I think we have gone way off the idea of this forum. I would like to hear more from those who have challenged or are challenging the board. Also from Anna C. and Lady Maverick...all this angry back and forth chatting doesn't belong here at all.

The adult learning center is free and offers the same certification as any private school in San Diego. Additionally they have two job placement days toward the end of the class where employers come to the classes to recruit. I forgot to mention that this CNA course is offered at adult learning centers all over San Diego. The great thing about the Chula Vista classes that were great for me was that they offer a night class 3 nights a week from 6 to 9pm. So I was able to work and go to school at the same time. So tell me why this person should spend their grant at a private CNA school that they can get for free from the county? Private courses may be fine for people who have money to spare, or are not particularly thrifty. But it sounds to me like this person does not have a lot of money to spare. So my advice to her is to save your money for actual college classes you may need and don't pay for something you can get for free from the County!!!

Why should anyone on a budget pay $1600 for your class when they can get it totally for free through the county adult education system? I do understand there are some who might prefer to get it done in a few weeks rather than a few months. But when someone is low income and they suddenly have $4000 that the navy gives them for education, how can you in good conscience advise them to spend almost half of that at a CNA school? That money could go a very long way within the Community College system. If I were her I would save every penny I can because you never know when you might need to take additional classes and what sense does it make to spend $1600 on something you can get for free, especially if you're low income? Fyrthermore, I think it's wrong for you to be in this forum recruiting for your school!!
***Save your money and take advantage of the SD County Adult Learning center programs. Offering both day and night classes!!!

I have spoken to the Ca board. It has to be paid experience for the mother baby portion. They will NOT except a class for this. I wanted to do that too.

Nicko in Covington, Georgia said: Hey guys did you know that if Persons with 51 months equivalent experience (51 months in an acute care facility), and a 54 hour pharmacology course may be eligible to take the LVN board exam. This course is designed to meet the 54 hour pharmacology requirement for eligibility.

But you need to take a Pharmacology Course. I took this one and did well learnga.com/Pharmacology.aspx

Now I'm thinking of taking a bridge program to RN.

hello guys my name is christian from san diego california and ive been a cna for 6 years i would like to become a LVN. will you guys please tell me what is my next step?

Nicko, yuo are almost correct! I have the current form and requirements from the baord right here in front of me! You do need the 51 months and the pharmacology part is correct, but here where they differ from what you said! Listen up: of the 51 months they are looking for, 48.0 must be Medical-Surgical, that can be from a nursing home or hospital, that is at least 4 years! next, you need 1.5 months or 6 weeks of maternity/Genitourinary Nursing, which again you can get in most nursing homes and hospitals and now the part that is keeping me from taking this exam: 1.5 months or 6 weeks of paid, not volunteer in pediatric nursing, which for over one year now, have not been able to get help for employment in to reach that goal! other than that, make sure you copy everything, from those employment nursing verfication nursing experience forms, yuor completed high school, and phamracology records, your i.d. and anything else they ask, which is a lot! to process it all will cost you probably around $174.00 or less, hopefully less and has to be in money order form, no checks, unless you do credit method, but on money order, you can copy that for you records and is better, trust me!! send all of your copies in and keep your originals! If everything goes well, your letter back should say you can pay $200 and then take the exam, hopefully pass it and then pay another $200 for processing to get your license! So, yes, method 3 works, just read what i wrote you, it is what they told me back in that letter. for other stuff, go to www.bvnpt.ca.gov and method 3 foe more info, ok, good luck everyone and if anyone works at or can help me get into a pedatric job in l.a. area, as close to pasadena as possible, let me know, ok, bye!!

i want to become LVN ! in San Diego, California said: hello guys my name is christian from san diego california and ive been a cna for 6 years i would like to become a LVN. will you guys please tell me what is my next step?

Come visit my school in El Cajon . I would be happy to help you get started w/ what you wanted to do, 1161 E. Main St. Suite 205, El Cajon CA 92021

i want to become LVN ! in San Diego, California said: hello guys my name is christian from san diego california and ive been a cna for 6 years i would like to become a LVN. will you guys please tell me what is my next step?

The next step is to get ur butt in school..... Challenging the boards without your OB and Peds isnt going to happen....and u cant get your 6 weeks of Maternity/Genitourinary from a nursing home....iv worked in nursing homes for 6 years and when i submitted my app to the state to challenge they said i still needed my OB and Peds.....if u cant get a job in a hospital its much easier to just go back to school....besides the NCLEX exam is hard and lost of people who go to school and study for the exam the whole time still fail....and after the 3rd try u have to go to school(or redo ur school) again.