Do you think I can get through Excelsior???

[rjf59]

I've had my LPN license for about a year now. I now work in a Psychiatric Nursing Center and an Assisted Living. I worked in a LT Facility for one month but wasn't suited for that particular facility. I have no IV's, hardly any treatments. Do you think I need to get into LTC to be able to pass Excelsior's Clinical component??? I'm starting to worry about it because I feel I'm starting to lose what I learned in school that I haven't done since being out of school. Any comments/suggestions???

[Mudwoman]

Studying for EC exams might just bring all that knowledge back. Not sure what to tell you on the IV's. One option is to take a PRN part time position at a hospital if you can find one for a short time.

[prrprrmew]

I am an LPN who has been out for a few years and and most of my experience was in a primary care office. I just finished refresher courses to get my license up to date. It is amazing how much comes back to you. YOU CAN DO IT!! I am also applying to Excelsior right away to get my RN and am looking for a PRN position as well where I can get IV and other experience that might help. Also, I have heard that Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN is a great tool for RN students!

[nurse1717]

There are also LTACs which will provide ample opportunities for treatments, IVs and other skills. Find one that's a "teaching facility". (Long term acute care). Working "per diem" will allow you the flexibility to choose your schedule and not have to over-commit.

Have you started your Nursing Concepts Courses(1-7)? This would be step one. If you want it badly, there are various ways to work on your clinical skills. Good luck!

[prrprrmew]

Thank you so much for your input. Because of the holidays last week I decided to postpone serious job hunting until this week. I will do some research in my area to see if there are some teaching facilities like you stated. That would be great! Thanks again!

[magnoliasouth]

Somehow I really think newer LPN's are going to be better off than those of us who aren't; good for you, but not for me.

In truth though I am scared to death and I've been a LPN for 17 years and counting. It's been so long since I've taken a test that it's not even funny.

To illustrate changes since I've become a nurse, when I began, many facilities still didn't allow the use of gloves when changing a patient nor for glucose testing, etc. Today most nurses would gag at that thought.

Anyway, my point is that so much has changed that I'm worrying myself into a nervous wreck. Hopefully I have what it takes.