nursing question

[greenr06]

I was wondering what med/surg is all about? Also if there is such thing as spinal neck/back area in nursing. Also my shool says before you take the R.N program you should have 6months of lpn experience before you join the RN program. Should I really take there advice?

[Soup Turtle]

I've been told it's better to skip over LVN and go strait to RN if you can. It seems like it would be hard to continue with school while starting a new job in a new field. On the other hand, the experience would probably be a big plus.

I wondered about med/surge too. I have an aunt who works in it, so I asked her how many patients she normally has and what she does. This is what she wrote back...

"My patient assignment today was 6 ..... # 1 was a 72 yr.old F that had a hemi-colectomy for cancer , #2 was a 50 y/o F with reconstruction of a flat foot....#3 is a registered nurse wtih sudden onset of severe headaches and has a mass in a ventricle in her head...# 4 is 59 y/o M with an infection in a right knee replacement...# 5 is a 39 y/o M who had his great toe on his left foot amputated secondary to a diabetic ulcer... and last but not least # 6 a 81 y/o F who had to have her left arm amputated at her shoulder because of a flesh eating bacteria called necrotizing fascitis.... How's that for a well rounded group?"

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Most RNs went straight into ADN or BSN programs and got our RNs without getting and LPN. However, going the LPN to RN route is a good way to go, but if you have the option to get your RN, having an LPN isn't mandatory.

Larger hopsitals have neurosurgery units that would include the next and back. I worked in neuro unit and took care of both kinds of patients, as well as people with brain surgery.

Good luck!

[MALE*RN*777]

Schools are adding more classes not because it will make you a better nurse but it will make their pockets bigger. Don't waste your money on LPN school if you want to be an RN (no offense) because LPNs can do most things and some do that an RN can and does and make less. I find a lot of LPNs are bitter because they do perform the same jobs as RNs but don't get the pay and respect they should. Give me a good caring LPN over a just out for money RN anyday. Yes there are spinal cord specialty areas. Some hospitals have it others don't.

[mocaj]

Hello, I am an LPN and I would recomment that you totally skip LPN and go straight to RN. Everyone wants RN's anyway and, to me, it is a useless step. If I had it to do all over again I would have went straight to RN, LPN is just a delay and you don't get the reasoning behind the teachings, it is basic overview of the body systems and fast track courses.

I suggest, you go straight to RN