EC students. Do you feel like you're missing out?

[NurseHopefulInOH]

I am an LPN and have been working almost 2 yrs in LTC. My clinicals consisted all of LTC except 1 day in OB and 4 weeks in a med surg unit at a hospital. The most "exciting" thing that happens at my work is I get to play with an IV pump (usually ATB or electrolytes), wound care, or replacing a urinary catheter. Majority of the skills I learned in schools I never got to use an a real person...

My question is by going to an online only school with only 3 days of clinical will I be prepared for a career as an RN in anywhere except LTC or office work? I feel like I need the clinical component of school. I would be totally overwhelmed in a hospital setting. To those of you who have completed the LPN to RN do you feel ready for hospital work? Do you feel as knowledgeable as those who go to "regular" school?

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

The Excelsior clinical exam (CPNE) is just that -- an exam. It is to demonstrate a student's competency, not to teach the student. Just wanted to make sure you're aware of that, since you refer to it as only three days of clinicals in the context of prepping you for the RN setting...

[Erikadawn RN]

Almost no RN position in an hospital, will let you walk in without any training. That being said, when you are hired as an new RN, you more than likely will go threw a preceptorship program. I was an LPN for 3 years and learned alot in Ltc.

[PomPomRN]

I have been working as an LPN for 18 yrs, and I have worked in LTC, done wound care, worked in sub-acute, and the last 3 years I have been working in an LTAC. I don't feel I am missing out on anything. Just the opposite actually, I feel very fortunate to be able to study on my own watch in my pj's if I choose to and my cup of coffee or wine glass beside my books (depending on the time of day). In my choosen work settings I have learned more than I could ever be expected to perform during the CPNE.

So, really it all depends on you and where you are able to obtain employment, but remember, the CPNE is just asking you to prove you can function as a GN, not a seasoned RN, any position you acquire after you obtain your GN will provide a preceptor/training period.

Good Luck in your decision - it isn't for everyone.

[NurseHopefulInOH]

Thank you. Yes I know the CPNE is an exam not a learning situation. :). I just meant I have not had experience in anything but a LTC situation. All the complicated machines and procedures I would never perform or see in my work are intimidating.