They said they will train me btw, so it's not an issue for them that I have no experience. I want be be a fast learner though, and meds are something I always struggled with so I need extra study time!
I've recently been called for an interview as an LVN on a Hospice/Palliative care team of a home health company. I have zero experience in this specialty (worked for a health insurance agency and did very little bedside since becoming licensed in 2013).
What are some common medications that I'll be sure to come across and should know 100% to prepare myself for the interview as well as the job? I want to review as much as I can so I arrive prepared. Any response will help, along with any additional advice as a potential newcomer? Thanks!
Are you looking to become a clinical lab scientist, then? If you like indirect patient care, it's a good way to go (I assume you're okay with all body fluids!). The only drawback I hear from CLS friends (as I used to be a phlebotomist) is that there's very little room for advancement. You're a CLS or you're the lab manager, the end. Or you can go to school even more and become a pathologist. Just be aware that many lab people are NOT people people! LOL That's why they love the lab! I have NO idea what the market is like right now, but definitely do your research (check the date and reliability of your resources) before launching into this.
Best of luck to you!
Yes, the scientist not technician. And to be honest I enjoy do helping people and making an impact in other's lives, but I'd probably rather deal with people in a different situation (sounds a bit shallow, perhaps). What I thought I wanted to do originally was work in the ER. But the more I think about it, the more I'd really rather not have to be the one that explains that their loved one is dying/has died. Or face all of the emotional stress that comes with seeing tragedy face-to-face on a daily basis. And bedside is an absolute NO go for me, never wanted to be a bedside nurse in any sense. Clients that are in and out quickly, like in a clinic or doctors office would've been my other ideal job.
Back to the topic of working with people: don't forget the absolute bullying that is committed against new-grads or other new hires from their co-workers, and lack of respect from entitled doctors! I witnessed this firsthand during clinical rotations, quite demoralizing at times, enough to make some people want to quit, and others just be miserable. How these actions are tolerated and have turned into a commonplace in this day-and-age is completely over my head. It can be a continuous cycle of nurses being overworked and under-appreciated and then taking that out on/transferring it to others, I suppose. All this is BS, doesn't appeal to me at all. My passion is truly in life science and I still want to have a job with the satisfaction of knowing you're contributing to others' lives, while also being treated with respect. I think CLS is a good compromise for me. They work with a close-knit team of other scientists and technicians, sounds good to me
And yes, if you get a degree in lab science, you're literally just working in lab science. Not much flexibility there, but granted, nursing is one of the few fields out there that have so many different job titles. But you can definitely specialize in different lab areas - hematology, micro, etc. Plus, the intensive undergrad coursework for CLS is the same as a lot of pre-med and related fields of study, so if you want to go on to pursue a grad or doctoral degree in another field later on, you're already on track to advancing in that way.
I strongly agree with this statement. Far too many people go into nursing because they have a general sense of wanting "to help people," -- but with no true passion for nursing. When they find out how tough nursing can be, they don't stick around long.
It's a shame that young people aren't given more help in making career choices these days. So many people make poor choices and end up spending a fortune trying to find a good fit for them. If they had gotten good career counseling in the beginning, they would have been much better off.
Thanks, I agree with you as well. In my case, I come from a family with so many nurses (both on my mom's and dad's sides) so I was constantly encouraged by everyone to take the same path. I think I did it because I felt that I had something to prove and almost just wanted to just see if I could survive nursing school. I was proud of myself for every test and clinical I passed but I felt trapped at the same time, always unsure if it's what I would really want as a long-term career.
Then of course you get trapped in the whole "just go all the way to NP if you don't like bedside!" Yeah.. not too sure about that. Like you said, too much money is wasted when people don't know what they want! That's not a risk I'm willing to take. Now that I've done more research and talked everything out on here I feel like I can breathe again! I'm at peace with letting this go. No one should let family members or anyone else pressure them to get into nursing or scare them into thinking nursing is the only guarantee for job satisfaction. I guess that would be my top advice to prospective students..
Thanks for taking the time to reply, everyone. This is one of the websites that shows data (not sure if it was the exact one I found last night, but many sources are saying the same thing). http://www.economicmodeling.com/2010/06/11/comparing-the-output-of-nurses-with-estimated-demand/
I'm pretty set on changing my major to laboratory science. I've recently discovered this major and it's definitely tough work (pre-reqs include chemistry, physics, and specialized biology courses) but the sciences are what I'm truly passionate about. After some soul-searching I just think that I'd be much happier helping patients indirectly and not having the emotional/physical stresses of a nursing job. I did waste some time I suppose, but I still don't regret becoming an LVN. I just turned 21 last week and at least I have proved that I can accomplish what I put my mind to.
And for the record, yes, I read many AN posts warning about the trouble with nursing... just was too stubborn to take it to heart. With so many conflicting opinions its hard to know who to trust as well! I was self determined enough and encouraged all the way by nurse family members saying yes, definitely go for nursing...
At the end of the day, if you feel that you are passionate about nursing specifically (not just "helping people" in general), go for it! You'll have to do a lot of self-networking and probably relocating out of a big city to get a decent job then eventually work your way up/get further education for the job you really want. To some people this is nothing - they are so passionate about it they will do whatever it takes. That's probably the way everyone should feel about their profession.. Best of luck to everyone as well.
Disclaimer, I'm going to go on a rant today, feel free to disagree but this is just how I feel!
I'm a new-grad LVN and I'm seriously thinking about changing my major to something non-nursing related in the healthcare field.
I LOVED nursing school. I graduated top of my class and I learned so much in my 14 month program. I'm IV certified and passed the boards on the first try, too. But honestly, the only reason I did the LVN program was to have an advantage for getting into a BSN program (in California? Pfft, fat chance).
I've been working on my pre-requisites for the bridge program since January and it just hit me the other day...
Do I really want to do this?
I enjoy working with people and I have a passion for helping people as well as health sciences. But it ****** me off and is so discouraging when I actually stop to THINK about the future of nursing in California. (General nurses, I mean. I know that NPs and anesthesia and all that probably have a better outlook). I know it's wrong to just go into a field just for job security, but in this economy that's exactly what I, as well as many others, feel like we have to do!
ANY article you read will tell you nursing is so freaking in demand nationwide. But I read some statistics last night about how there are thousands of nurses in various states, MORE than there are job openings per year, especially here in California. Since I don't plan on leaving the state ever, (all my family is here and I <3 CA) I really feel discouraged. I wish I had known this before I got into the field, though I am proud of my accomplishments so far...
I just feel like the whole nursing shortage claim is such a farce. At my university (National) there are roughly 630 current nursing/pre-nursing students! (According to NU commons on Facebook). Isn't that ***** ridiculous??? How many nursing programs are there in California, people?! Just do the math! How can there ever be enough jobs here for the amount of graduates being pumped out each year?
Maybe if we move out to a remote city somewhere... My aunt moved to Alaska and she makes a lot of money.
Alternatively, I have another aunt who works as a nurse here and makes 80K+ yearly, she only had her ADN but is now working on BSN. Her hospital pushed her to get a higher degree (they're not paying for it though), so now she's in a full time program and has to work full time also! She said that one you drop down to part time (regardless of how amazing you are or how long you've worked there) it's extremely hard to get back up to full time. Isn't that lovely?
The age of hospitals paying for students to get a nursing degree is GONE. Jobs lined up for nurses before graduation is GONE. Interest in hiring new-grads is GONE. What are we left with? Nurses on the path to becoming a dime a dozen, and continually being overworked and under-appreciated.
If I see one more article listing associate degree RN as being the quick-fix to a hot new career...
PLEASE: Only reply if you have first-hand experience or you have heard first-hand stories of someone who REALLY is credible. I don't want a bunch of biased people on here talking smack, I know West Coast isn't for everyone and a lot of people hate that its a for-profit school. I couldn't care less about that - I'm going to get my BSN in 3 years if it kills me lol I've attended a rather B.S. LVN program where I had to do most of the learning myself and that's never stopped me...
So honestly, the only aspect that I am afraid of with this school is whether or not I will get enough loans. I am very young with very minimal credit history and would need a cosigner but I don't know how any of that works. My parents have not-so-good credit as well. I don't want to start and then have to get kicked out because I can't make another payment.
I know that may sound ignorant but I've done so much research already, weighed the good and bad reviews, and I just can't think of a better option for me than the LVN-BSN program. I have no pre-reqs done yet and waiting around and gambling on getting into a waitlisted community college program isn't an option.
If you've attended one of WCU's nursing programs could you give me a review of your journey? And explain your process with financial aid? I've never applied for major loans before (I worked at the same time to pay off monthly payments for LVN) and I have no idea how someone gets 116k to go here! But dang it I'll explore every option! As long as it doesn't involve a stripper pole! lol Thanks!
They said they will train me btw, so it's not an issue for them that I have no experience. I want be be a fast learner though, and meds are something I always struggled with so I need extra study time!
I've recently been called for an interview as an LVN on a Hospice/Palliative care team of a home health company. I have zero experience in this specialty (worked for a health insurance agency and did very little bedside since becoming licensed in 2013).
What are some common medications that I'll be sure to come across and should know 100% to prepare myself for the interview as well as the job? I want to review as much as I can so I arrive prepared. Any response will help, along with any additional advice as a potential newcomer? Thanks!
Back to the topic of working with people: don't forget the absolute bullying that is committed against new-grads or other new hires from their co-workers, and lack of respect from entitled doctors! I witnessed this firsthand during clinical rotations, quite demoralizing at times, enough to make some people want to quit, and others just be miserable. How these actions are tolerated and have turned into a commonplace in this day-and-age is completely over my head. It can be a continuous cycle of nurses being overworked and under-appreciated and then taking that out on/transferring it to others, I suppose. All this is BS, doesn't appeal to me at all. My passion is truly in life science and I still want to have a job with the satisfaction of knowing you're contributing to others' lives, while also being treated with respect. I think CLS is a good compromise for me. They work with a close-knit team of other scientists and technicians, sounds good to me
And yes, if you get a degree in lab science, you're literally just working in lab science. Not much flexibility there, but granted, nursing is one of the few fields out there that have so many different job titles. But you can definitely specialize in different lab areas - hematology, micro, etc. Plus, the intensive undergrad coursework for CLS is the same as a lot of pre-med and related fields of study, so if you want to go on to pursue a grad or doctoral degree in another field later on, you're already on track to advancing in that way.
Then of course you get trapped in the whole "just go all the way to NP if you don't like bedside!" Yeah.. not too sure about that. Like you said, too much money is wasted when people don't know what they want! That's not a risk I'm willing to take. Now that I've done more research and talked everything out on here I feel like I can breathe again! I'm at peace with letting this go. No one should let family members or anyone else pressure them to get into nursing or scare them into thinking nursing is the only guarantee for job satisfaction. I guess that would be my top advice to prospective students..
Thanks
I hope so...
Thanks for taking the time to reply, everyone. This is one of the websites that shows data (not sure if it was the exact one I found last night, but many sources are saying the same thing). http://www.economicmodeling.com/2010/06/11/comparing-the-output-of-nurses-with-estimated-demand/
I'm pretty set on changing my major to laboratory science. I've recently discovered this major and it's definitely tough work (pre-reqs include chemistry, physics, and specialized biology courses) but the sciences are what I'm truly passionate about. After some soul-searching I just think that I'd be much happier helping patients indirectly and not having the emotional/physical stresses of a nursing job. I did waste some time I suppose, but I still don't regret becoming an LVN. I just turned 21 last week and at least I have proved that I can accomplish what I put my mind to.
And for the record, yes, I read many AN posts warning about the trouble with nursing... just was too stubborn to take it to heart. With so many conflicting opinions its hard to know who to trust as well! I was self determined enough and encouraged all the way by nurse family members saying yes, definitely go for nursing...
At the end of the day, if you feel that you are passionate about nursing specifically (not just "helping people" in general), go for it! You'll have to do a lot of self-networking and probably relocating out of a big city to get a decent job then eventually work your way up/get further education for the job you really want. To some people this is nothing - they are so passionate about it they will do whatever it takes. That's probably the way everyone should feel about their profession.. Best of luck to everyone as well.
Disclaimer, I'm going to go on a rant today, feel free to disagree but this is just how I feel!
I'm a new-grad LVN and I'm seriously thinking about changing my major to something non-nursing related in the healthcare field.
I LOVED nursing school. I graduated top of my class and I learned so much in my 14 month program. I'm IV certified and passed the boards on the first try, too. But honestly, the only reason I did the LVN program was to have an advantage for getting into a BSN program (in California? Pfft, fat chance).
I've been working on my pre-requisites for the bridge program since January and it just hit me the other day...
Do I really want to do this?
I enjoy working with people and I have a passion for helping people as well as health sciences. But it ****** me off and is so discouraging when I actually stop to THINK about the future of nursing in California. (General nurses, I mean. I know that NPs and anesthesia and all that probably have a better outlook). I know it's wrong to just go into a field just for job security, but in this economy that's exactly what I, as well as many others, feel like we have to do!
ANY article you read will tell you nursing is so freaking in demand nationwide. But I read some statistics last night about how there are thousands of nurses in various states, MORE than there are job openings per year, especially here in California. Since I don't plan on leaving the state ever, (all my family is here and I <3 CA) I really feel discouraged. I wish I had known this before I got into the field, though I am proud of my accomplishments so far...
I just feel like the whole nursing shortage claim is such a farce. At my university (National) there are roughly 630 current nursing/pre-nursing students! (According to NU commons on Facebook). Isn't that ***** ridiculous??? How many nursing programs are there in California, people?! Just do the math! How can there ever be enough jobs here for the amount of graduates being pumped out each year?
Maybe if we move out to a remote city somewhere... My aunt moved to Alaska and she makes a lot of money.
Alternatively, I have another aunt who works as a nurse here and makes 80K+ yearly, she only had her ADN but is now working on BSN. Her hospital pushed her to get a higher degree (they're not paying for it though), so now she's in a full time program and has to work full time also! She said that one you drop down to part time (regardless of how amazing you are or how long you've worked there) it's extremely hard to get back up to full time. Isn't that lovely?
The age of hospitals paying for students to get a nursing degree is GONE. Jobs lined up for nurses before graduation is GONE. Interest in hiring new-grads is GONE. What are we left with? Nurses on the path to becoming a dime a dozen, and continually being overworked and under-appreciated.
If I see one more article listing associate degree RN as being the quick-fix to a hot new career...
I think I'm ready to get off this bandwagon.
So honestly, the only aspect that I am afraid of with this school is whether or not I will get enough loans.
I know that may sound ignorant but I've done so much research already, weighed the good and bad reviews, and I just can't think of a better option for me than the LVN-BSN program. I have no pre-reqs done yet and waiting around and gambling on getting into a waitlisted community college program isn't an option.
If you've attended one of WCU's nursing programs could you give me a review of your journey? And explain your process with financial aid? I've never applied for major loans before (I worked at the same time to pay off monthly payments for LVN) and I have no idea how someone gets 116k to go here! But dang it I'll explore every option! As long as it doesn't involve a stripper pole! lol
Just study study study and don't worry about the schools reputation. It is what it is, and you have to learn from it what you may. Good luck!