Advice to New graduate LPN - continuing education?

[AnonymousSunshine, CNA, LPN]

Hey all,

I've recently graduated from an LPN program and am starting a new job soon. I've been taking some time to review my notes from school. To what extent do most nurses do this? I know that I will receive training and orientation, but I want to be prepared and not seem clueless if there are specific questions asked. Also, my employer will provide opportunities for continuing education credits.

Ultimately, how do most nurses keep up on their education and not develop bad habits or become forgetful over time? Side note - I worked as CNA for years and witnessed so many cases of this where members of the healthcare team were behind on their practices versus what the state was newly implementing and our nursing instructors were teaching us at the time.

[Mr.Lollercoastr, CNA, LPN]

From my experience, I didn't have time to review my notes from school. In most places you go to work, they'll train you on what you need to know in regards to client care, the EMR, medications, narc sheets(FUN!), faxing/doing admissions/discharges. To your other question, if you choose to continue your education(LPN to RN), those courses count toward CE(credit hours), you need CE in order for the board of nursing to renew your license, if I remember correctly. Other ways you can obtain CE is by taking courses offered by the BON on certain areas such as infection control/dementia, etc. I've never witnessed anyone of my coworkers behind in their practice, and if they were, the problem was quickly remedied by the staff development coordinator, usually an RN, who's in charge of making sure the staff knows how to do certain things correctly.

[AnonymousSunshine, CNA, LPN]

Okay, thanks!! So I'm just being overprepared and it's probably unnecessary. I feel like as a new nurse there is such an incredible amount of things to learn when starting a new job. School only covers so much, yet the experience is the best way to learn.

[T-Bird78]

And not to rain on your parade, but you WILL be clueless on a LOT of things LOL. Yes, we know the basics but there is a huge difference in the classroom setting and actually applying it in real life. We did clinicals but there was someone there guiding you. You’ll get training and orientation but it’s okay to say “let me double check on that” FREQUENTLY (instead of “I don’t know”). Keep your chin up though! You’ve got this!

[Nursehala]

Any LPNs have experience in bridge lpn to RN programs in Michigan?

[mcjobson, MSN, NP]

On 2/5/2020 at 2:56 PM, Nursehala said:

Any LPNs have experience in bridge lpn to RN programs in Michigan?

@Nursehala, If you want an ADN, pretty much any community college. If you want to earn a BSN there are a few reputable options, like Davenport, Northern Michigan, or Madonna. I hope this helps good luck with your education.