Nerves kicking in

[demylenated, BSN, RN]

I start the bridge program June 13th. It is 6 week, intensive, M-F, 8 hours a day class to bridge LPN to 2nd year RN students.

It has been so long since I worked in a hospital setting. 6 years ago, I became a hospice nurse and an addiction nurse. The only "skill" I do proficiently is start IVs (I can do them blindfolded practically). I am more management, coordinator, counselor, and administrator.

I am so worried about writing care plans... Do you KNOW how long it's been since I've written a care plan??? 7+ years!!! (I did buy a care plan book I am going to review). EKGs... OMG, I have not even LOOKED at an EKG in 8-9 years...

So, do I start prepping, or just take it as it comes...

I think I am just "nervous." I catch onto things very quickly, I LOVE learning anything new in nursing (even though I work in this setting I take CEUs on EVERYTHING). I am a good student. I think that may be where the pressure comes from, too... anything less than an "A" and I don't feel right... LOL! Ima virgo, what can I say.

Anyone else go through the bridge program without being active in may hands on skills?

I am hoping the skills are like "riding a bike."

~A Nervous Demy

[demylenated, BSN, RN]

bump :igtsyt:

[Moogie]

I think I have an idea of how you feel. I was out of nursing for about 15 years or so and was very nervous when I did a refresher course and had to do patient care for the first time in a long time. It all came back quickly. Yes, it was sort of like riding a bike. I needed training wheels again, but not for very long. :)

Many of the skills you have honed during your practice will be helpful in your LPN to RN program. Every program is different, but most bridge programs build on previous knowledge and experience. If there are areas in which you feel you need a little bit of help, just ask your instructor for a bit of practice time. You can also look on YouTube for skills videos so you can refresh some of the things you haven't done for a while.

Also, your care plans may be different from what you had learned in your LPN program. Might be a different philosophy, different instructors, different ideas. But you got through them once. You will get through them again!

Really---the things you think you've forgotten will come back much sooner than you expect. You may also find this easier than your first program because it's more familiar. You have real-life situations to look at and can relate your learning to what you have experienced.

BTW, I :redbeathe your user name. Good luck, Demy! You're going to rock this!

[demylenated, BSN, RN]

Thanks, Moogie :) A lot!!