Why am I freaking out?

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In 8 weeks, I'll be finished with the LPN program. I feel like I don't know enough to be "thrown into the wolves" just yet. I'm so nervous that I'm thinking about not taking the NCLEX-PN at all! I'll be continuing into the 2nd year of the RN program. So, I figured maybe I should just get a externship/tech position to (hopefully) get offered a position at a hospital, rather than work as an LPN (until I finish the RN program). I hear so many horror stories about LTC facilities that I'm afraid that I won't be competent enough to last a day! Am I over-reacting? At first, I told myself that I would sit for the NCLEX-PN try to work as a PRN/Part-time LPN for experience. Now, I really don't know which route to take and I'm afraid of making a huge career mistake. (I definitely want to be an RN, but my goal as a new graduate RN is to work at a hospital). Do hospitals hire new grads that worked as LPNs or am I more likely to get hired working my way up from a tech/extern position? I know that it's ultimately my decision. I'm just afraid to make the wrong decision. I wanted graduation to hurry. Now, that it's closer, I don't think I'm ready. Is that bad?

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Feelings are never bad. They are just feelings. Your nerves are understandable and common. You have been climbing a big 'ol hill and now you are getting to the top of the first one and about to race down toward the next one. Ever been on a roller coaster and get that "oh gosh, what have I done?" feeling as you are about to go over the top of it? ;)

As far as your choices for work, a couple of things:

1. You do NOT have to have all the answers right now. You can make a choice that doesn't work out so great and completely remake that choice again later. You won't be stuck wtih just one choice. Unless your choice is to do a rotten job, show up late or not at all, practice unsafely etc. But in terms of whether to work as an LPN or not, you will just have to close your eyes, jump and see how the bounce feels. No matter what, it won't be a mistake. If you go the LTC route and it doesn't work out, you can stop working there. Look for another job. Etc.

2. Working as a tech is a good idea, but some states will not let you once you pass boards. You will want to research that prior to doing it. Either way, you can be held to the higher standard of having a license once you do, even if nursing duties are not in your job description. So be careful there.

Congratulations on getting through the first phase. Your nerves are normal. Push through.

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Ever been on a roller coaster and get that "oh gosh, what have I done?" feeling as you are about to go over the top of it?
That's exactly how I feel!! I feel so amazing being on the hospital floor at clinical...as if I'm a part of SOMETHING. Now that I'm closer to accomplishing my goals, I'm so nervous. Like, I know that I don't know everything...how on earth do they expect me to be a nurse just like that? I reallt hope that I do well, though...Anyway, thank you so much for your encouragement. I truly appreciate it!
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Take the NCLEX-PN. You went to school for it, you paid for it. Why shouldn't you be a nurse? Its what you want. You've made it this far, you're graduating soon. You wouldn't have passed if your instructors didn't feel you were up to par. They believe in you. You need to believe in yourself. You need to decide for yourself what is best for you. Apply everywhere you can that will hire LPNs. Forget the tech thing, you're going to be a nurse soon. :)

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