[lpnornot]

I'm considering going into an LPN program.

I completed one semester of Regsiterd Nursing in community college. It was too intense interms of study time requires, I'm a single mom and I wasn't at all prepared for the 2nd semester clinical and failed it.

I enrolled in the medcal lab tech program but can't let go of the idea of being an LPN. the work I did recently in assisted living and homehealth reminds me how much I love patient interaction.

Questions:
-I live in Maryland, Annapolis area. I need mostly M-F daytime schedule. How likely is that to find

-INJURIES-this scares me. Already hurt my back, hopefully just muscle strain and have a bad knee. How much are employers respecting handling patients wiht care as the American Nurses Association is trying to promote. How much are employers protecting nurses from unhealtly heavy lifting, moving etc, making use of mechanical devices etc.


Thanks

[BerryHappy]

I live in FL but I hope I can help. Down here MA come a dime a dozen. I too am a single mom and was able to struggle through 14 mos of LPN school. I graduate this Wednesday. I don't know why one would bother c MA if they really want to be a nurse. Tough it out and go the LPN to RN route. You will be glad you did. BTW, I did some HORRIBLE damage to my shoulder while trying to protect my back. I learned my lesson, and do very little lifting or transferring s help or a machine. School teaches you to protect you back and knees but they never mention shoulders!!! Good luck!

[Jules A]

Hi,
The good news is that in the area you live there should be tons of jobs. You know that LPNs are utilized most often in LTC and doctors offices here, right? A clinic, Docs office or school nursing if you can get it will probably be the easiest on your back and also offer the days you want. Have you heard anything about AACC working with AAMC to hire LPNs? I wasn't sure if that was just a rumor or not but again I think AAMC often requires rotating shifts.

As for the risk for injuries, imo, sadly it kind of goes with the job. There are "no lift" facilities and the principles of good body mechanics but imo the truth is that very often we are at risk no matter how careful we are. Just my two cents and I'm sure others will write in and hopefully I am wrong about this one.

[treezuh_lvn]

Do the LPN program! I think you will find it's common for others to be in a similar situation as yourself. As RN programs become harder to get into LPN's going to school to become RN's will be the norm.