Guidance for those starting a career as an Practical Nurse

CanadianGirl79 · Mar 22, 2011

Evening all
With the new school year approaching, and the excitement building from many newly accepted students I was hoping we could discuss any advice that some of our experienced nurses may have to share.
We all have certain expectations on what we want out of this career, and all have done research on how to prepare ourselves for it, but there are many unexpected obstacles that may be put in our way. So from the vast field of seasoned nurses on these forums, could you please share any advice you feel would better prepare the new and future students for what is to come. Something I would be personally interested in would be ways to improve myself while attending school to better my resume for Rpn positions, but any advice is welcome and encouraged.
Thanks in advance

Don't ever let anyone feel you are "less" of a nurse then an RN, or that you are "not as smart" because you are not an RN. You will encounter some who feel RNs are "better" and that RPNs belong in LTC only. Those people are ignorant, and don't realise that skills-wise, RPNs have the EXACT same knowlege as RNs. We just don't get all the theory training. Upon graduation, and licensing, RPNs and RNs can do all the same controlled acts.

In school, study hard. Don't goof off. Take good notes, do the assigned readings, and for skills you need to practice, practice, practice. Take all the chances you get to practice your skills.

In clinical, volunteer your services to try any skills you can. Catheters, dressings, etc (once you have been taught the skill, obviously - don't show up your first day of clinical ever asking to do sterile dressings. ).

Make friends with people who have the same school values and work ethics as you, and try to work with them on projects.

Get to know your instructors, as they are great resources, and help you to network upon graduation.

Work hard in your clinicals, especially your pregrad/consolidation, as sometimes you can get a job there once you are done. :)

Good luck! Being an RPN/LPN is a GREAT career! :)

Fiona59 · Mar 22, 2011

Time management skills are your best friend. Being successful in school is all down to managing your course work, personal/family life, and any paid employment you have.

This sounds weird, but humilty to a degree is important. You are a student learning to nurse. It doesn't matter if you have years of experience as an NA or care provider to a family member, you are all there to learn to nurse. Yes, some of the skills and understanding of diseases and drugs will stand you in good stead but you are not going to be "superior" to your classmates. In the hospital setting when it's clinical rotations, you don't know as much as the floor nurses, you are there to learn, practice, observe how real life is. Too many students assume that because they are currently in school they are more up to date than working nurses. Other students feel they are superior because they are now in a diploma programme opposed to the certificate that most PNs prior to 2004-5 attended.

Don't go into school "knowing" what area you want to work in. I thought I'd love geriatrics, turns out I loathe it with a passion and loved the surgical rotation. The chances of winding up on maternity are slim, but we all hear "oh, I'm going to work with babies" all the time from students.

Know your limitations and don't be afraid to ask. That's what your instructors and preceptors are for. Remember that those floor nurses that you work alongside on your clinicals aren't being paid for helping you learn your skills, you are "given" to them, they have no choice in the matter. So don't write them off as unfriendly or as old bags, you don't know anything about them or what is going on in their lives. Their last assigned student may have been one of the worst or best they've ever had and they could be looking forward to you or dreading your arrival. Remember that those nurses are responsible for upto five patients while you only have the one or two on your first trips out of the classroom. They are also responsible for checking everything you've done for "your" patient, reviewing your charting, and having "conferences" with your instructor on your performance.

You won't be guaranteed a job upon completion of your studies. That day is gone. You have to be willing to work any shift, any unit to be successful in finding work these days.

If you go into this with your eyes wide open, willing to learn, and with the expectation that these will be two of the longest years of your life, you'll do fine.

takeabreath · Mar 23, 2011

Thank you for asking this question...I am so eager to hear any advice. Fiona and CanadianGirl - both of your responses were insightful, full of great suggestions and your answers bring to mind the reasons why I am passionate to start my career. I truly cannot wait to learn!

Hatt · Mar 23, 2011

I laugh everytime I read my title, I had "... As an RPN" written first but remembered I think it was Fiona who corrected me in saying you're not an rpn until after the test, so I forgot to change the "an" to "a"

Anyways, thanks so far for the advice, very thorough and insightful, I really appreciate the time it took to respond. Anyone else with any info I'm sure a lot of readers would love to hear your advice as well.