An Interview with an LPN/LVN. Please help!!!

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Sep 29, 2009

hi,my name is dawn and i am a pre-nursing student.i need help! Would someone please help and answer some interview questions?
How long have you been an lpn/lvn?
How did you become interseted in this career?
What kind of education is needed before becoming an lpn/lvn?
Did you need to have any additional training?
What do you like most about nursing?
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Is there anything you would change if you could?
I have a suggestion, sounds a little tough, but you might actually learn something other than other people giving you these subjective ans. Research, and get the ans. Fou yourself, you could learn a ton on google along.... You would be surprised...................................................
A
what skills do you wish you already had when you started nursing school?
What types of jobs have you done in this field?
What is a typical day like?
Since,in nursing there is the factor of life and death.how do you cope?
What advice would you give to someone just starting in the nursing career?
Has the economy issues affected your job?
In your opinion,do you think a job as an lpn/lvn is pretty stable?
Is there anything else you think would be helpful for me to know?
Thank you so much for your insight and time.it is much appreciated.

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sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Sep 29, 2009

looks like my suggestion did not publish, so take my advise and you might learn something, other than someone giving each of these ans.

do so RESEARCH!!! and get the ans. for your self, the pool you would learn from in just USA would be formidable, try googling you would be surprised.......

NewbieAt43 · Sep 30, 2009

dmzmo5

those are great and valid questions to ask and these types of forums are suppose to be the place to ask them in addition to arranging an informational interview in person which has been standard in the past in all professions. it's a shame that the person who previously responded telling you to google your questions...do the research wasted her time and yours with that response. sometimes people who have been in a profession/job for a while, whatever that may be, forget what it was like when they were starting out and get impatient and can't offer some personal insight to help someone else. i also asked some similar questions before and got only a few responses which were however kind and helpful. i was/am surprised that i didn't receive more responses and or help and would still like some feedback still. i wish you luck and hope that you get answers to some if not all of your questions. i'm with you, it is helpful to get different peoples perspectives on things.

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Sep 30, 2009

OK, there are two or three of these request a week........ that being said I will ans one more time. :)

I do remember how it was when "I started", and we did more than just ask other folks.... Maybe I am

opposed to the easy way out, sorry ....:imbar

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Sep 30, 2009

Hi,My name is Dawn and I am a pre-nursing student.I need HELP! Would someone please help and answer some interview questions?
How long have you been an LPN/LVN? since 1972 a diploma RN
How did you become interseted in this career? started working in Dr. office while in HS
What kind of education is needed before becoming an LPN/LVN? science based helps, HS+ some 10-14mos in LPN/LVN school
Did you need to have any additional training? LVN programs have pretty intensive clinicals, they resemble the hosp. based diploma RN programs of the past.
What do you like most about nursing? actually affecting a change, compassion , of the out come of ones life
Is there anything you would change if you could? staffing ratios in hospitals
What skills do you wish you already had when you started nursing school? na
What types of jobs have you done in this field? physician offices, hospitals, critical care, LTC, psyc
What is a typical day like? unprodictable
Since,In nursing there is the factor of life and death.How do you cope? Long ago, realized the compassion, and caring, was a gift in both life and death, and that applied right, it is more than enough
What advice would you give to someone just starting in the nursing career? patience, patience, patience and let your principals guide your actions
Has the economy issues affected your job? increased security, in that no matter what the economy health care will exist, but some staffing constraints, could mean more work, in less time
In your opinion,Do you think a job as an LPN/LVN is pretty stable? yes
Is there anything else you think would be helpful for me to know? I am particularly impressed with the upward mobility LVNtoRN programs, and think they make an even better nurse.
.Hope this helps, from an ole'nurse

mesa1979, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2009

You can go thru the different forums on here....they helped me greatly when I first started nursing school....and I must say, now that I am a licensed nurse, I still find very helpful info...Best wishes!

dmzmo5 · Sep 30, 2009

Thank you so much for your help!I really wanted to get several peoples input for this project.Again, Thank you.

Ladicapricorn841 · Sep 30, 2009

:icon_rollYea I can relate to your quest for knowledge on the nursing field. There are so many job opportunities, different fields, different specialties, and different requirements for it all that it can become overwhelming pretty quickly. Right now I am going to classes to become a CNA then eventually will be doing the LPN classes. I've been doing my research for about a year now and this is what I know so far about becoming an LPN.

Most LPN schools are 10 mths to a year in duration and are quite intense due to the large amount of information they are teaching you in such a short amount of time. Its also good to have some science courses under your belt (anatomy and physiology, human biology, microbiology, chemistry are some examples) especially if you want to further your education to become an RN. Most of those sciences are prerequisties to get into most nursing schools. Also start looking at schools to figure out what their admission requirements are. If you apply to a program at a community college most require that you take a test called the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). This test has basic math, reading comprehension, and science questions on it. That is one reason why alot of schools have the science prerequistes for admission to help you do better on the test. If you apply to a vocational or technical school they usually require that you take the NET (Nurses Entrance Test) as an entrance exam. This test is similar to the TEAS but there is no science on it. A lot of schools start taking applications early and most are on a first come first serve basis so you really gotta start early. For example I just applied for an LPN school in my area for their program that starts in August of 2010.

Additional training isn't necessary but it never hurts to have extra skills when you are attempting to get a job. It will definitely put you ahead of your competition and just make you a better nurse overall. LPN jobs are pretty stable from what I hear it just all depends on where you want to work. If you were planning on working at an LTC (nursing home), then you will be alright. If you were planning on working in a hospital you might not have as much luck but that all depends on where you are located. Nursing homes pay their LPNs more than hospitals do I believe anyways.

Basic research on the internet has helped me a great deal in finding what I need to know. You can also check your local library for books on nursing and different specialty areas. And this website is awesome for any and everything related to nursing coming from nurses themselves!!! Check out the different forums and see what people have to say.

I hope I have helped a little bit and good luck with whatever you decide to do!! Also if you have any other questions I would be happy to answer them anytime

EverNurseRN · Oct 2, 2009

oh fun! i love q & as!

how long have you been an lpn/lvn?

3 years

how did you become interseted in this career?

i had been out of school for a year and didn't know what i wanted to do. i knew i wanted to go into business....accounting..legal...math...but i was worried because i wanted job security and i wanted to know i'd make decent money. i was watching a 20/20 special with barbara walters and saw a piece on nursing, the shortage, the job security, the income..etc. so, i talked to my sister-in-law who was then an lpn (now rn) and she arranged for me to job shadow her one night at the nursing home she worked at and i fell in love.

what kind of education is needed before becoming an lpn/lvn?

hs diploma of course (or equivalent) then there are some pre requisite courses before entering the lpn program...classes such as math, anatomy, physiology, sociology, english, communications, microbiology, chemistry, developmental/abnormal psychology...then the actual lpn program was 12 months straight, full time.

did you need to have any additional training?

i had to have my cpr certification-bls (basic life support)..after graduating and taking the nclex-pn board examination to become licensed, i have since had additional training in iv certifications, alzheimer's/dementia certifications, infectious/communicable disease certifications, tuberculosis certification, pyschiatric disorder certifications, behavioral intervention certifications, and others that are either offered or required by my employer

what do you like most about nursing?

the autonomy, the ability to assess a patient and intervene on their behalf in a way that enhances and promotes well-being. the interaction is amazing. i go to work and get to socialize with so many different people..i've heard stories from different war vets, i've met people from several different countries-all with a new, exciting story to tell. making a difference for someone, even if it's just a shoulder to cry on or an open ear to listen for someone who's lonely..when they tell you how much you mean to them and thank you for being there...that's the best.

is there anything you would change if you could?

i would have went straight through school and gotten my rn, not lpn first. it's been so much more of a struggle for me to do it this way because after i finished lpn school, we bought a new house, our standard of living went up and it has been more difficult to finish my rn than i think it would have been if i would have just went straight through.

what skills do you wish you already had when you started nursing school?

interpersonnal communication - learning how to talk with strangers about sometimes very private things is an acquired skill i wish i had already had. it would have made the start of clinicals an easier transition. perhaps having gotten my cna (certified nurse assistant) would have helped also so i would have been more comfortable taking care of the patients.

what types of jobs have you done in this field?

i have worked long term care for the entire 3 years (nursing home) where i have worked on rehabilitation floors helping patients build themselves back up to maximum independence after surgery/physical decline due to an illness, i have worked alzheimer/dementia units where the patients are in the late early to middle stages of dementia helping the patients maintain as much independence as possible for as long as possible, skilled units working with patients who have more acute needs than the rest of the facility and need skilled nursing care (trachea patients/tube feed patients,etc), and also long term units (my current and fave) working with patients who are in the last stages of alzheimers/dementia and need extensive assistance with activities of daily living and patients who have long term chronic illnesses that while stable, require them to live in ltc where help is available.

what is a typical day like?

it's never typical :) that's what's so wonderful..however there are some basic things that i do every night..i work 7p - 7a. i have 26 patients. i get report from the nurse who worked 7a-7p..updates and changes in the patient's conditions, anything new going on, who's in the hospital, etc. we count all narcotic drugs for these patients together to make sure nothing is missing. i do a quick walk through on my hall to say hi to the patients and make sure everything is ok. i then stock my medication cart with supplies (i need my organization and cleanliness lol). i then for the next 2 hours pass medications and assist patients with whatever they need at the moment (go to the bathroom, get this, get that, help with this or that), answer questions to the cnas and help them as needed, talk with family members who are visiting and have questions (or just want to gab), do assessments (vital signs, skin assessments, respiratory assessments, neurological assessments, etc) on patients who need them or ask :) for them, do treatments, and whatever else. around 9-10pm everyone is usually in bed 'cept for a few, the lights are out, family is gone. i use the next several hours to go over new orders, labs, filing paperwork, cleaning on the unit, doing chart checks, careplan updates, help cnas with bed checks, answer call lights, doing any middle of the night assessments/meds/treatments as needed. at 530am i begin a morning medication pass to some of the residents and help the cnas get people up who are early risers, take folks to the bathroom, do last assess/treat/etc..i am usually done around 615ish and clean up my medication cart, stock everything, and prep for day shift. at 7a when my replacement nurse arrives, i give her report, we count the narcotics together, then i tell everyone goodbye, go home, sleep, shower, repeat! i do this 3 nights in a row.

since,in nursing there is the factor of life and death.how do you cope?

i'm not going to lie. it can be tough. it all depends on the patient and the circumstances. i have had patients who lived long lives, were ready to go, said their piece to family, and died peacefully and comfortably (there is a peace with these patients and knowing i did all i could to make their passage as comfortable and easy as possible is rewarding). i have had patients die unexpectedly where the families lose their minds and it's total chaos (those ones are very difficult).

what advice would you give to someone just starting in the nursing career?

keep your eyes, ears, mind, and heart open and you should have an amazing experience

has the economy issues affected your job?

me personally? no. i live in indiana and nurses here haven't seen quite the fallout that our fellow nurses in other parts of the country have. i count myself lucky. i still get raises, my hours haven't been cut, my staffing and my resources are all still intact. knock on wood.

in your opinion,do you think a job as an lpn/lvn is pretty stable?

in long term care, home health, yes. in the hospital/acute settings, no. lpns are being phased out, fired on the spot, even after years of experience in hospitals because hospitals are transitioning to all rn staffing. this may not be the rule in all cities/states, but the general consensus seems to be that. do i think this is permanent? probably not..baby boomers are retiring and the shortage will get worse, necesitating the utilization of lpns in hospitals/acute care once again.

is there anything else you think would be helpful for me to know?

nursing/ health care is always changing, evolving. what today may be the gospel on something may tomorrow be outdated. graduating nursing school isn't the end of your education. you will always be learning, always be changing, keep yourself open to new opportunities. good luck and welcome. -jocelyn :nurse:

dmzmo5 · Oct 3, 2009

Again THANK YOU!!! Everyone has been so helpful in my search.I wanted different opinions and that's exactly what I received.Thank you all so much.

flightnurse2b, LPN · Oct 3, 2009

hi,my name is dawn and i am a pre-nursing student.i need help! would someone please help and answer some interview questions?
how long have you been an lpn/lvn? one year
how did you become interseted in this career? was a patient care tech and paramedic for 6 years prior, got put on the waiting list for the rn program
what kind of education is needed before becoming an lpn/lvn? my program was intense, it was 18 months, 5 days a week plus weekend clinicals
did you need to have any additional training? depends on what state you live in, in florida they require an iv certification class
what do you like most about nursing? thinking through problems to help people, it's always something new, never a dull moment
is there anything you would change if you could? all this honky patient satisfaction garbage, poor staffing ratios
what skills do you wish you already had when you started nursing school? it took me a while to learn how to be more patient since i was so used to the emergency medicine side of things
what types of jobs have you done in this field? i have worked in ems and the er as a tech, endoscopy and gi as a lpn, and currently work on pcu/telemetry as a lpn
what is a typical day like? hectic, to say the least. each nurse is responsible for 8 patients who are just one foot out the door from critical care, we get everything from brand new strokes to post-ops to acute mi's to new onset afib to acute renal failure, etc, etc, and have multiple patients on drips such as dopamine and heparin, all patients are monitored on a tele box and things can change in a split second....
since,in nursing there is the factor of life and death.how do you cope? you learn your own way to. i would be lying if i said that i have never cried over a patient dying... but it does get easier once you learn to separate yourself.. and know it's ok to grieve if you need to
what advice would you give to someone just starting in the nursing career? eat your wheaties!
has the economy issues affected your job? i think so, our staffing ratios are rediculous, and they have been cutting our pct's and cna's hours a whole bunch....
in your opinion,do you think a job as an lpn/lvn is pretty stable? it depends on where you live in the country and how lpn's are utilized in your area. the hospital where i work, there are lots of us, but at the hospital 40 miles south, there are none. you also have lots of opportunity in snf/ltc/alf, md offices, outpatient centers, hospice, etc, etc, etc....
is there anything else you think would be helpful for me to know? good luck!
thank you so much for your insight and time.it is much appreciated.

my answers are in blue :)