Clueless

[kitkat104]

I don't have any family or friends in the medical field. Which is why I come here for some pointers. Right now I'm just a 20 year old LVN student. I'm just getting started but I can't help but think of what I want for myself in the future. I want to look into surgical nursing after I get my RN. More of a RNFA actually, very hands on in the OR. Who knows I might change my mind later. How would I get started in that direction and what steps do I need to take. I live in the DFW area if that is any help in answering my question.

Thank you!

[Idaho Murse]

you know your final goal, you are in an LVN program. My question is why are you in an LVN program and not a BSN program? You need your BSN before you can even think of becoming an RNFA, being an LVN just adds an extra step and a lot more debt that is not needed.

Just my thoughts

[Cuddleswithpuddles]

I started out in a LVN program when I was 18, no relatives in the healthcare field, greener than grass, naive as all hell and had no idea what I was in for.

My suggestion is to just take things one day at a time. You are not required to have a 5 year plan at this moment. Enjoy today's lessons and opportunities to the fullest. Sometimes you will stumble upon things you love simply because you have your eyes and heart open. Progress will be made, doors will open and you will get a more concrete idea of what path to take.

In my opinion, being a LVN is not inherently an extra step as Idaho Murse puts it. It may be a waste of time, it may not. It may become a way for you to make money and gain experience while doing prerequisites and general eds, like it was for me. If you do decide that being a LVN did not contribute to your ultimate goal, take the good, discard the bad, and move forward. :)

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

once you are licensed try to work in a hospital environment so you will get to network. We have two LVNs in our OR who do not do what RN's may do, but still have a role. Both are in school to be RN's.