New LVN, is L&D realistic?

[jelly]

Hi everyone, my name is Kelly. I was in an RN program two years ago but was only able to finish half due to working full time and then moving. Anyhow, I got my LVN certificate and got licensed in CO, but then I moved to CA. I got a job at a medical software company since I didn't have my CA license and have been slow about getting it transferred. It's now been like a year and a half since I got my LVN cert. and almost 2 since I have been in school (my plan is to eventually finish RN). So, to try to sum this up faster, lol, my CA license should be arriving within a month and I'm starting to think about actually working as an LVN but I've forgotten so much, I'm scared to death!!! (not to mention not really having learned everything in school in the first place!)

Well, I know I want to do L&D eventually but I've always been told it's hard to get into as an RN, much less an LVN... but in Southern Cal, I've actually been seeing job postings in the field for LVN's. How realistic is it for someone inexperienced, having forgotten so much already, to be able to handle it? Please don't laugh, but is there a such thing as OJT? I don't want to crash and burn, and most importantly, I don't want to end up hurting someone which of course is my biggest fear.

Is there a field, other than L&D, that might be better for someone in my situation. I'm so scared right now, I'm hanging on to this job talking to Nurses on the phone all day about their software when I known darn well I want to be doing what they are doing!

Off the subject a little, does anyone know of any books I could read to kinda throw myself back into Nursing again? Know what I mean? I obviously can't re-read all my textbooks, but something more condensed?

Thanks alot for any advice, thoughts, etc. You will probably be seeing me around alot cause I know L&D is what I will do ONE DAY, even if not right now. :)

Kelly

[SmilingBluEyes]

Well, Hello there and welcome Jelly!!!!

Well, if you are seeing postings for LVN's in OB, you have a chance, don't you? That is great, because up here (near Seattle) they don't hire LPN/LVN's for L/D as a rule.

And yes, yes yes, there IS "OJT", you bet. It's called "orientation" and you DO get this to ease you into the job and learn the ropes. If you are hired, you will have an orientation of some sort. Don't accept a position that does not have at LEAST 3-6 months' fulltime orientation to L/D; you are putting your license over the fire to accept less.

See the Sticky Thread entitled Recommended Reading For OB/GYN/Midwife Nurses. at the top of this forum. There are MANY great suggestions for "must-read" books to fill your need to read up a bit. You can always just pick up a basic maternal-newborn nursing text, as well, to "bone up" on the area, too!

I would go ahead and put in applications for the openings you see. Submit your resumes/applications according to directions on the web sites or call and ask Human Resources how this is done. Be sure to follow up if you don't hear back within a week or two. Lots of times, follow-up is needed as unit managers become swamped in the day to day operations of running the unit and may not get to your application right away. If/when you do interview, have your questions handy and go early and prepared. Be sure to write a thank-you and send it that same day to the person who interviews you.

If you need interview tips let me know. I have a bunch of em.

I wish you much luck and success in achieving your dreams. I hope you get exactly what you wish for.