Workingitgirl

Your confidence will make your patients feel more secure. Do not be too proud to learn from the RN or CNA's. They can really help you out. Get organized by writing down what you need to do first when you come on shift. If you do not know how to do the accu-checks or whatever for that facility, ask,and bring index cards to write down the instructions. If you're in charge on the shift you are working, do not be egotistical, but let people see that you have the ability to be in charge. You set the tone and others will follow. Try to have a good time while working. I once told someone "I never felt like my career was a job b/c I loved working everyday." If you have a passion for nursing just follow your gut, be honest and all will be OK. And, invest in malpractice insurance and set yourself up with a good 401k plan. Nurses really do not have a good retirement program. That is something you have to plan for yourself.

When I started my first job I was 18 years old and scared to death. Since the facility is now gone, you can't imagine what I went through but it was a poor, indigent care trauma center. Anything was possible in there and I saw a lot for 18 years of age! I made $2.25 cents an hour back then. Can you imagine? I left there to get a big raise and made $3.25/hour. But let me tell you back in 1974 and 1975 all people wanted you to do was to succeed. Titles weren't so important back then. Plus I was younger than most of the people I was working with and they needed my energy. You always have to focus on "What does this employee need from me?" Plus I was 18 years old on an oncology ward watching people die like flies. Yes Luna Tuna let me tell you, you do usually get thrown to the wolves, but hopefully there is some place you can run for help. Perhaps another nurse on another floor..to be-friiend and help you out. On 3/11 shift you have to get your meds out and follow up on your CNA's and make sure your patients are comfortable. If you have any "troublesome patients" they just usually need you to stop, talk or joke with them for a minute. Imagine being their age with sundowner's and all the sudden you feel confused- just give them something in the night that is routine. They really do appreciate it. And good luck my fellow nurse. You will do just fine!

YES you are a NURSE! It doesn't matter your title, your care will determine that. Please ignore the ignorant and do the job you love. If a nurse senses you love your job, she will teach you what you need to know. You can't hide sincerity.

Look again. With the baby boomers retiring hospitals are now looking to hire LPN's again. Yes CNA's are cheaper but they aren't licensed to give medication, and on the 2nd and 3rd shifts, hospitals are now needing LPN's again. This trend goes in cycles. It has for as long as I've been an LPN. Personally I have found that most of my friends are RN's. That tells me I'm a GREAT nurse!

If you want a Union work for the Federal government. A good nurse will earn her worth. Plus she will gain her experience and know how to obtain that raise. You can"t always stay in the same facility if you're looking for money. LPN's should have been grandfathered in years ago to help the nursing shortage. However it turns out, stay true to yourself and what you love to do,

As an LPN for 41+ years, and one who worked as an LPN in 2016, I have to say working in the East, yes LPN's are "trying" to be phased out. My education cost me $4.00 per month in tuition. I have taught a famous Orthopedic surgeon in town to apply his first cast so long ago that he is now retired. Oh yes where I live RN's are respected way more than LPN's. However, as an LPN who respected herself as well as the RN Mom & sister in her family, I have worked trauma, VA, LTC. Home Health and Peer Review in my experience as an LPN. I had passion for my career. I chose to be an LPN b/c I had my children early and that $4.00 per month served me well. I tried "Regents" 4 times and failed, the first time by 7 points. Now we have Galen in our area. As much as I would love to be an RN, I have done everything they do, b/c this phasing out has been going on for a long time. In the older days when there were RN's, LPN's and Na's the patient received good care. Now b/c of budget cuts and people's ego, the patient suffers. My advice is be what you want to be and dedicate yourself to your job and your patients. It will never serve you wrong.