Need Advice/Positive News!

[proudauntie415, LPN, RN]

Hello All

Reading these forums, I see how there is this big facade about nursing "shortages". I have been accepted into LPN school here in St. Louis :yelclap: Class of 2012! (Wanted RN, but 2 years on waiting list is just crazy to me-I'll bridge, and gain experience this way!)

However, I'm starting to get nervous. I'm wondering what my shots are going to be in this tough economy and nursing competitiveness? :sofahider How do I look with my experience?

I have been a Medical Assistant for over 10 years & I also speak Spanish (years of working in spanish speaking clinics).

* Three of them were in Public Health as a lead MA for 7 clinics throughout the county. Myself and a NP traveled to all these clinics each day of the week, sometimes two in one day, and provide full medical care to our homeless patients. Vaccines, blood draws, EKGS-all back office duties and front. Including clinic purchasing, training, and some social work (getting patients on PDAP, sheltering, etc.)

* Two years as an ER tech. We assisted with traumas, doing cath's, blood draws, CPR, vitals monitoring, wound dressings, holding bones in place, lol whatever it took. We were a Stroke and Cardiac "Gold Recipient" so required to do extensive CEU's such as monitoring EKG rhythms, stroke patient protocols, etc.

* Five years in community based clinics offering care to low income families. Which entailed child vaccines, rooming patients, vitals, H&I, wound dressings, EKGS, NST for OB's. So much.

But I've never been the title of the "nurse". So after graduating from LPN school, I'll finally be a nurse (WOOP!) but will I be considered a "new" or will some of that experience help me find a nursing job? Just nervous now that I see so many people struggling!!

(would like to add I have completed over 5,500 hours of community service while serving in AmeriCorps Emergency Response Team and serving with American Red Cross-traveling the country aiding families after disasters or tragic events. Served in Hurricane Katrina, Joplin tornado, along other numerous disasters, and also a former U.S. Forest Service chainsaw sawyer and former U.S. wildlind firefighter...I took a "medical break" for little over a year to do some disaster work)

BTW-Good luck to all those new grads on the job hunt, keep yours head up and be proud of your successes! :heartbeat

I am just scared. 30 years old and entering nursing school and finally gonna be a NURSE :[anb]: Nothing erks me more then hearing MA's say, "this is the doctor's nurse"..errrrrrrrr

Thanks for any honest advice!

Sheryl

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Whew! You sound like you've had some wonderful experience. As to whether it will count as "nurse" experience, unfortunately no.

However, life experience is always considered so I think you stand above a new grad right out of high school with no life experience.

I agree: the economy stinks and looks like we are headed into a new recession (depression?) I personally think its going to get tougher to get a job.

That said, I try not to be too discouraging either - things have a way of working out.

Good luck.

[Nettiemaria]

Where are you going to school at in St. Louis? I have a financial aid interview - wondering if I am accepted, if we will be going to the same school?

[LVN2RNMom, ASN, BSN, LVN]

I was in a similar situation. I have approximately 6 years of experience as an MA (not CMA), 12 years of insurance experience (working at WellPoint from claims to auditing) and finally followed my dream of becoming a nurse at 39 (began LVN school in 2009 while still working full time 40 hrs). My goal was to always be an RN, MSN. I researched schools within 100 miles of LA County and knew the only way to start was by getting my LVN. To make a long story short, I graduated 2/2011, took my state boards on the 1st day available 4/2011, got my LVN license 5/2011 and got my 1st job 7/2011. My previous experience does help but understandably it is from a long time ago. Everyone has their difference of opinion and experience but if I sat here to listen to all the negativity, I wouldn't have my LVN license as I do today. I got my 1st LVN job by busting my a$$ literally looking, calling and emailing jobs. Nothing in this life comes easy and everything worthwhile comes to those who work hard. My suggestion is to follow your heart and no one else's. Your success will be determined upon your hard work. Best of luck to you no matter what your decision may be.

[Staragate, ADN, ASN, RN]

Also, a good employer is one that looks at the whole package.

Is this person reliable? Does she show leadership? How does she interact with people?

Having the kind of work experience you have shows that you are a good candidate. I have a similar resume in that I have a long work history at one place with volunteering on the side.

Also, I put my hobbies on my resume and that got a lot of attention in my interview with one hospital. (I was turned down, but invited to try again next time.)

[proudauntie415, LPN, RN]

NettieMaria,

Hello! I am going to Applied Tech the South Tech facility...which one you trying for?

Sheryl

[Nettiemaria]

That's the one I am trying for. I should know next week when they have their next meeting! If you think you are scared, I'm way older than you are :) I finally have an opportunity to try for this - a break, and unable to continue my former career due to a bunch of hand nerve issues (typing). I hope I see you there. I think you will have good luck getting an LPN position, you have great experience already - you could do HHA, work in a doctor's office, of course a nursing home, the prison - if you would want to do that - start PRN or weekends - LPN's are in demand at least in my area. I live south.