CNA to LPN

Deciding to advance from being continue your education from CNA to LPN will require approximately one year of college courses at an accredited LPN school. The salary increase for moving on to becoming an LPN is usually quite a bit higher then what the average CNA earns. As a CNA you more then likely had an LPN or RN as your supervisor. Whereas CNA’s are only allowed to give a certain amount of care to the patient, LPN’s have a greater amount of responsibility. LPN’s are in high demand in the work force. There are many job offers for LPN’s due to the rising number of elderly patients that need care that an LPN can provide.

If you are currently working as a CNA you can continue to work at your regular job while attending classes in the evening. To take LPN courses you will usually need a high school diploma or GED and a clean background record. If you have experience working as a CNA it will make the course easier because you will be much more familiar with general medical terminology and the basics of hands-on nursing skills. Attending classes for the LPN license will teach you the practical knowledge you will need to be successful as a working LPN. You will have in-class work along with a clinical course where you can practice your new skills under the guidance of your teacher who is usually an RN. Much like the training you received as a CNA the hands-on training part of the courses are extremely important. The LPN classes usually consist of studying topics such as anatomy, pharmacology, physiology and geriatric care. You will also study subjects such as pediatrics, CPR and first aid, nutrition, psychiatric’s and more.

When you decide to advance from CNA to LPN you will need to find a program or school and apply for an opening. You will need to check to make sure you have all the requirements needed to attend the classes. Just as in CNA classes each state differs on their requirements for becoming an LPN. Once you complete the course work you will take a state exam which includes four main categories on what you have learned in class. You will be required to pass this test before you can earn your state license.

Going from working as a CNA to a LPN will not be a drastic change for you due to the fact that you are already experienced in patient care. Although you will have more responsibilities as an LPN the raise in pay is a benefit that makes it worth the extra effort. As a CNA you have already learned that all health care providers need to be patient and compassionate care givers. You also need to be in excellent health and of sound mind. Nursing on any level can be quite stressful unless you learn to be very professional in the care you give to patients.

Just as when you worked as a CNA, being an LPN means you will need to be quick thinking in case an emergency situation arises. Changing careers from CNA to LPN is a wise choice that you will reap the benefits from in the long run. Although attending school to become a CNA training is much shorter in length then it is for LPN training it is still a good idea to go one more year to enable yourself to become an LPN. Being an LPN may allow you to be employed at a much higher rate of pay in a facility that you choose yourself. If you would like to work in a specialty care area the extra on the job training is available at most places of employment.

Becoming Certified as a phlebotomist in California
Medical professions such as Phlebotomist are very much in demand right now. One medical career many people may choose to pursue is that of a phlebotomist, which is the technician that draws blood samples from patients. The process for becoming a phlebotomist varies from state to state, so it’s important that you understand what it entails in your state. The following steps are required in order to begin practicing phlebotomy in California.

First, you must receive a high school diploma or GED. You will need proof of this when applying to become a phlebotomist in California. The certificate itself serves as your proof of completion, but transcripts will need to be sent in directly from your high school, not from you.

Next, you have to complete phlebotomy training at a state-approved school or training facility. A minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction is required. Upon completion of this training program, you will receive a certificate which serves as your proof of completion.

You will also need to pass an exam that is administered by a certification institution. This institution must not only be nationally recognized, but also approved by the California Department of Health Services.

Proof of clinical training and experience is also required with your phlebotomist application. You are required to have a minimum of 40 hours of clinical experience, including at least 50 venipuncture and 10 skin puncture blood draws on real patients while under a trainer’s supervision.

Once you have completed all your education, exam, and training requirements, you may apply for your phlebotomy license. Along with the application, you must submit proof that you meet all the minimum qualifications, which means copies of your education certificate, exam, and letter attesting to blood draw experience, 2 passport sized photos, and a $54 application fee in check or money order form only. All documents must be submitted by mail, and applications may take up to 60 days to process.

After you successfully obtain your California phlebotomy license, you will be required to take ongoing classes to keep your license. A California phlebotomy license is good for 2 years, and each time you renew, you must submit proof of no less than 6 hours of continuing education that you’ve completed over the previous 2 years. No additional exams are required to renew your phlebotomy license.

A Career in Hospital Phlebotomy

Having a career in hospital phlebotomy can be a very rewarding experience. This job is an important part of helping hospital physicians diagnose patients correctly. Since having bloodwork taken is almost a given anytime a patient needs to be in a hospital, this can be a stable, secure job to have. Even in times where cutbacks may need to be made, there will always be a need for hospital phlebotomists. There are many different areas of a hospital where a phlebotomist will play an important part of the team. This can range from working in an emergency room, to a pediatrics wing, to working in the hospital lab managing the blood tests of all patients.

In an emergency room setting, phlebotomists can play one of the most important parts in the care of the patient. When patients come to an emergency department of a hospital it is because there is an evident need for urgent care. Blood tests are standard procedure in determining what type of care they may need. The sooner those tests can be taken and the faster the results are received, the more quickly an urgent care patient can be treated.

Phlebotomy also plays a very important role in the care of young patients in the pediatrics wing. Many childhood illnesses can only be diagnosed by taking samples of blood by a phlebotomist. The blood sample is then sent to the hospital lab where it is tested for certain diseases or infections. The work done by a phlebotomist can potentially save the life of a child by helping the physician to make the correct diagnosis.

Most hospital labs also employ phlebotomists for taking blood samples of patients on a regular basis. This can occur when patients need to have blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels, or iron levels tested frequently. Certain tests, such as having blood drawn to determine pregnancy, are also an area where phlebotomists are needed. If pregnancy is suspected, it is common for patients to go to a hospital lab to have blood drawn and tested.

Choosing a career as a hospital phlebotomy can also be financially stable. Most phlebotomists start out at making an average of $10 an hour at entry level and can make up to $18 an hour as more yearly experience is gained. This pay rate may also vary according to the state that you live in or work in. Many benefits, such as health, dental, & life insurance, yearly paid vacations, and accrued sick days also accompany being employed as a hospital phlebotomist. A career as a hospital phlebotomist will allow you to feel proud that you are helping doctors to cure illnesses while also helping you to earn a good living.

What is Phlebotomy?

What is phlebotomy? Phlebotomy is actually the act of extracting blood from a person’s veins, capillaries, or arteries with the use of needles. The actual word Phlebotomy comes from the Greek word root phleb/o, which means vein. The word torn means to puncture, and the suffix -y which means process. When you put it all together it spells out “process of puncturing veins”.

The Ancient Greeks are recognized as the first to use phlebotomy or amongst the first to “invent” phlebotomy, but this was not collection of blood for diagnostic testing. Phlebotomy was invented around the time of Hippocrates. The person who invented phlebotomy is not known. In ancient times, all the way up to the 19th century, they would use blood as an attempt to cure illnesses and disease. They would usually withdrawal large amounts of blood for these practices. This practice was known as “bloodletting”. The practice has been largely abandoned due to its modern medicine and proven ineffectiveness. The practice was also known in Islamic medicine. It was thought to be passed on by the Greeks.

In the early 1800s, when it was discovered that bloodletting was proven ineffective as far as removing disease from the blood, that is when phlebotomy was introduced. There are some that claim that phlebotomy is just a new name for bloodletting. Rather than being used for treatment treatment, phlebotomy had become part of a diagnostic process.

When blood is extracted, it is used for diagnostic purposes to determine the patient’s health condition. It is used to test blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. DNA tests and pregnancy tests are easily performed with blood samples. It is also used for blood transfusions. Many dangerous and/or deadly diseases would go undiagnosed without the discovery of phlebotomy.

Phlebotomy is an almost necessary part of today’s modern health care industry. A licensed phlebotomy technician is authorized to extract blood from a patient. The area is sterilized against infection with a swab of isopropyl alcohol. The technician punctures the skin with the tip of the needle and slowly inserts it into the vein. She will then draw back the plunger on the syringe to take the sample. She will then simply remove the tube. The most common way for blood to be collected is by a vacuum tube, which allows for blood to be drawn quickly and easily. There are very minor risks to having blood withdrawn. The most common are minor infections in the area where the needle has punctured the skin. More dangerous issues can arise if non-sterile materials are used for phlebotomy. This is why it is so important that needles are never to be reused and the skin surrounding the vein is sterilized with alcohol.

CNA License, Certified Nursing Assistant License

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), is also called by some other titles, patient Care Assistant (PCA), State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA), or Nursing Assistant-Registered (NA/R). No matter what they are called, they do the same thing, basic nursing procedures under the supervision of a Registered or Licensed Practical Nurse. To do this anywhere in North America today you need to get a CNA License. This allows employers to verify experience and knowledge.
Schooling to obtain a CNA license is a minimum of 75 hours and a minimum of 16 hours of clinical training. This involves mastering a set of basic skills to care for patients in both long-term care facilities and in home settings. This would include things such as feeding, transfers, vital signs, patient rights, oral hygiene, toileting, infection control, range of motion exercises, bathing and assistance with walking. You will also need good interpersonal skills and be a team player.
The nursing shortage has unfortunately added to the turnover rate in the profession right now, but the nursing shortage also provides more jobs for CNAs.
Many schools will also help you to attain your GED if you have not completed high school. Regulations naturally vary from state to state but most all of the programs offer a CNA certification exam, which gets you your CNA License. This allows you to work under the direction of a nurse in state or federally certified nursing home, hospice, home care agency, hospital or group home. Most employers will do a criminal background check.
There are differences in what type of healthcare facility you choose to work as a CNA. In the hospital, your interaction with patients is limited to the time that they are there. In long term care facilities where “residents” stay much longer, sometimes years and years, you will get to know your patients really well. If you like variety this may not be the choice for you.
Entry-level CNA salary is between $20,000 and $30,000 while more experienced ones earn between $35,000 and $40,000. Job prospects for those with a CNA License are expected to remain excellent because of the aging baby boomer population.
Once you complete school and pass a written and practical test, you will have your CNA license. This will remain current as long as you work at least 8 hours for pay, doing CNA responsibilities in a two-year period. If you have a break of five or more years your license/certificate will expire and you will have to retake the CNA course. For more particulars on schooling and requirements, contact the State Nurse Aide Registry or State Licensing Board in your home state

Free CNA classes offered throughout the country
With so many individuals living to be past their 70’s there is a dire need for Certified Nursing Assistant throughout the country. It has been discovered that the average lifespan of an American individual has changed over the last 15-20 years from an individual living to be in their mid 70’s, to now upwards in their mid 80’s to 90‘s. Many of these individuals may be placed in nursing homes as a way to effectively manage and monitor their daily living activities, but nursing homes are not for everyone.
Many elderly individuals prefer having the comfort and privacy of living in their own homes, while at the same time obtaining the well trained care of a CNA. If you have a soft spot in your heart for the elderly as well as a compassionate and giving nature then this would be the ideal career for you. There are a number of different ways to obtain free training to become a CNA.
One of the free CNA training programs that is made available nationwide depends on where you live. Many health organizations, hospitals, or nursing homes offer free training for those who apply and meet their qualifications. Usually the minimum requirements are only a high school diploma or GED. If you are looking for a career as a CNA, you can also check your local newspaper as well. Many agencies are looking to recruit people for the CNA training classes and will do so at no cost to you.
Unity Health System is limited to the Western New York area and has free CNA training classes as well as job opportunities in and around the Rochester New York area. This organization offers free training to qualified individuals to become a CNA. The only qualifications needed is a High school diploma, the ability to read and write in proper English, as well as the ability to lift 40 lbs or more. What is great with this organization is that if you meet all of the above requirements they will give you a free 2 week training course and even pay you after you have successfully completed the program. They will also help you find a job after your CNA training is complete.
Another agency in New York and in New York City is the Department of Education. Many times they have free CNA training programs for individuals looking to pursue this as a career.
The last organization that offers free training are offices across the country called The Office of Adult and Continuing Education. This type of training is usually either state or government funded, which means you won’t have to spend any money to obtain training.
If you do your research on any or all of these organizations you will more then likely find at least one of them currently offering free CNA classes or will have one taking place in the not so distant future. By pursuing a career as a CNA you will have a very fulfilling and rewarding career.

CNA Review

Now that you completed CNA training, certification is just an exam away. The CNA certification test does vary from state to state, so it’s a good idea to do some research and become familiar with the test before you take it and do some good CNA Review exercises. The Internet can give you information about the written portion, as well as the clinical demonstrations you’ll be asked to perform. You might be asked to bring a model so you can demonstrate clinical skills.
The written section of the exam is nothing new. The questions require common sense answers, which are found in the review book. If you don’t have a review book, you can find one on the Internet. The clinical part of the exam can be a little nerve racking. Most people who take the test are nervous and the state examiner is aware of that and understands.

The practical section of the test is a demonstration of three to five CNA Nursing Assistant skills. You’ll be asked to perform these skills following the protocol you learned in class. The first skill will be the hand washing procedure. The correct hand washing procedure is detailed in the review book and should be followed as it is written. Privacy is another key portion of the exam. Be sure to knock on the patient’s door before you enter a room. Even when you’re in the bathroom demonstrating the hand washing procedure it’s a good idea to knock on the bathroom door when you’re finished. Dignity is always important so knocking as well as pulling the privacy curtain closed are important and so is introducing yourself and explaining why you’re there. Use a professional manner and avoid personal terms like Dear, Honey and Sweetie when your taking the exam.

Safety is another important exam issue. Make sure you apply a gait belt when you perform a transfer and if you raise the bed while performing care, lower it when you’re finished. Make sure the call light can be reached by the patient and always lock the wheels of a wheelchair before you help a patient in or out of it. Some of the other skills you could be asked to perform are: Giving a bedpan, repositioning a patient in bed, taking a temperature, grooming and performing an occupied bed, complete bed change. You already know how to do these things; it’s just a matter of executing what you already know in front of the state examiner in order to begin this rewarding career.

CNA Courses

A certified nursing assistant, commonly referred to as a CNA can be a very rewarding and fulfilling career. Many agencies employ CNA’s, such as hospitals and long term care facilities. Becoming certified as a nursing assistant will however, require that the individual take a state approved course and successfully pass a written and performance exam in his or her state. The requirements of the CNA course will often vary by the individual state but all programs prepare the student in some common areas.

The length of a cna course is dependent upon several factors. Many can be as little as four to six weeks. However, some institutions may offer advanced nursing assistant courses and these tend to last longer, usually a single semester. In some states, this allows the successful graduate of the class to administer limited injections, give certain medications, and to practice some phlebotomy. Once again, this will depend on the area in which the CNA is practicing and the courses completed.
The goal of the program is to teach the student to perform basic nursing care. This usually includes taking vital signs, making beds, assisting the resident or patient with activities of daily living, and education about pathogens. Learning proper hand washing techniques and preventing the spread of disease and illness is incorporated throughout the program from day one. This is one of the most important aspects of the CNA course. Most training is hands on and clinical hours are required. Transportation to and from the facility and uniforms are generally not included in the cost of the CNA courses.

In addition to hands on training, there is typically other types of instruction implemented. This usually comes from a workbook or other state approved text. Professionalism, scope of practice, and many other aspects of nursing assistant work is covered. This part of the students education is equally important as the hands on component. This will cover what the CNA can and can not legally do, rights and responsibilities of both the employee and the patient/resident, and how to appropriately handle situations that can and do arise within the health care setting.

After successful completion of the CNA training, the individual is eligible to take the state exam. Only after passing this exam can the person be listed on the state registry and/or become state certified. The nursing assistant competency exam usually consists of both a written and performance component. Those who have completed an approved CNA course should expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $100 to take this exam. Once again, this cost is not included in the course. However, some employers will pay for or reimburse the student for the exam. Results are usually mailed anywhere from two to six weeks after the test has been taken and those who have passed are placed on that particular state registry.

Phlebotomy Employment: An Exciting Career!

Blood has often been referred to as the “Elixir of Life.” If that is indeed true, than phlebotomy employment offers an exciting career choice that ensures this elixir is properly extracted and fed. In terms of patient care, blood-work in its many forms can be the terrifying part of a hospital stay. Fear of needles and the sight of blood can affect children as well as adults. It’s no wonder then, that a skilled phlebotomist knows not only how to calm a patient’s fears but also perform their job in a timely manner.

Career Guide
Phlebotomy employment as a phlebotomist involves not only drawing blood from patients or blood donors for medical testing, but can also include peripheral duties such as measuring blood pressure, respiration rate and the patient’s pulse. Other duties can include updating patient records, preparing blood stains, not to mention cleaning and sterilizing needles and related equipment.

But phlebotomy employment is more than just pricking someone with a needle. Every time a phlebotomist takes and analyzes a blood sample, they are in effect amending a patient’s blood history. And simply put, this history is an integral part of a patient’s health profile that stays with the patient throughout their life and can impact any number of healthcare and medical procedures.

Stay Certified

Certification is optional for phlebotomy employment, but highly recommended, because most employers require it. Phlebotomists must recertify each year to maintain their certification. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologists (AMT) and the American Society for Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT) are just a few of the organizations that offer national certification and testing and which awards phlebotomists the title Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT).

Phlebotomy Courses

In order to engage in phlebotomy employment, individuals are required to have at least a GED or high school diploma in addition to the successful completion of an accredited phlebotomist program. Typically, phlebotomy courses include classes on anatomy and circulatory system physiology in addition to current phlebotomy techniques. Students will also need to suppliment their classwork with on-the-job training in the deleicate art of drawing blood through vein and skin punctures.

One of the most overlooked pointers directed at those who draw blood specimens for a living focuses on psychology, as the phlebotomist must know how to deal with skittish patients in order to minimize the trauma of phlebotomy.

Phlebotomist Salary
The American Society of Clinical Pathologists reports that phlebotomy employment salary averages can range from $25,000-29,000. Meaning that phlebotomy employment offers individuals the chance to earn a good living and provide an important service to the community.

Yes there are a few courses that you can take online in order to become a RT. There are online programs at community colleges for becoming an RT. I have also found a few private schools that you could possibly use. Colorado Community Colleges Online and Weber State University are two schools which offer RT courses. Now it is very important when you are entering any type of healthcare professional