BennyFan

Oh my I'm glad I'm not the only one that read it wrong.ha! I had logged in to respond to the homophobe issue, and then read your and realized I read it wrong too. However, we are dealing with that on our floor right now and I am appalled. We get report with comments like homosexual - partner at bedside. I never see heterosexual - wife at bedside. I'm sick of it. The worst was this past week... I had a homosexual pt who was npo, the nurse before me was so "grossed out" that she could not give a tylenol suppository, even though it was ordered. and gave it po. I cant believe that someones views would potentially endanger a patient. This has to stop, if we cant get past our feelings then I guess we need to find new professions.

I have found that if the nurse is prepared before she wakes a doc a 3am they are more likely to be kind. They dont like calls, and when they ask a question the nurse doesnt know the answer or has to look it up. Just be prepared. Sometimes no matter what you do they are nasty. I have reminded them at times in my most professional manner I can muster that I am attempting to be helpful, and respectful and expect the same. Have never been written up for a comment to a doc, so far so good. Good luck, dont be thin skinned, never let them see you cry

I'm sorry that this is your experience as a new grad. I have been an LPN for 8 years and worked as charge for 140 bed facility and now am part of team nursing at a hospital. The RN's I work with are wonderful, they respect the knowledge and experience I bring to the table. Many LPN programs dont require much science background, they are skill based. I dont know what your program was like, but many here are only requiring highschool biology. Your RN's have taken Micro, Chem, A&P 1-2, Pharm, Patho (if they are BSN). The education level is very different. Be proud of what you have accomplished and can contribute to your team, but realize that there is a big difference between the two. I knew that if I was ever going to go on in my education I needed to get somewhere where the difference between RN & LPN was evident, one month at the hospital and I was back in school! Hang in there.

Report me to the hospital authorities!!! I'm wearing scrubs. I love it. I dont like the idea of wearing my germy scrubs home from work, and get a bit nervous seeing people in scrubs at the grocery store, but hospitals dont provide scrubs for Med Surg floors. I think it would be a great idea, but dont see it happening. I did read an interesting research article on MRSA and nursing, how we take it home and it is found through out our homes, kinda gross and scarry.

I am finding in NWOH, the rate is 19.50 for new grad and then anywhere from 21-23$. I was disappointed to find that I would not be making a big change from what I am making as an LPN to a RN/BSN, they dont pay more for the BSN and I have been an LPN long enough that its not a big jump. At least not where I am now, but there are place, other places, places not like Ohio, beautiful places.... sorry I had a moment.

I am also in OH, and havent found any loan forgiveness programs here. There are programs in other states. The only program that I know of in OH is the Perkins Loan program, they will forgive your loan over time as after you start working. However, when I checked with my school to see if I could borrow from Perkins in order to get the benefit of the program... my school doesnt participate in Perkins. I work at a hospital full-time as an LPN and chose my employer because they provide tuition assistance without strings, I didnt want to promise to work somewhere after grad for 2 years. Good luck

Excellently stated. I am a senior BSN student bridging from an LPN program after 8 years of working. There is a very heated debate between ADN and BSN programs. I have found in my years of experience that I can pick out a BSN vs ADN grad very easily, the basic student is just that, they have basic skill but have not had the preparation for advanced practice (critical thinking) that the BSN program provides. Also there are a number of positions that require a BSN, so my advise is to get it done while your at it. I think you'll be glad you did. Good Luck

I signed up for the Excelcor program and had the same problem and fears, so I relate. For me it was better to go back to a traditional program. I have worked with people who had taken the CPNE, and it is tough, but so is a traditional program. You can make it through either if its what you want. For me the decision to return to a traditional program was that I didnt work well alone. I need the structure to get it done. Good luck

If you want to make an investement in something that will clean out those 50lb book bags then I would recommend a PALM. I have found that you can fit a lot on those little things, there are programs for drugs, etc so you can have all you need handy including the calculator to figure out if pharmacy was correct. I dont take a lot to clinical, I write up as much of my careplan before I get there, and then just keep a spiral memo pad in my pocket to make notes of my day. I map out my day before I get there knowing what drugs I'll be passing and when - instructors seem to like seeing that you are ready for the day if they pick you to pass meds. Most of all Don't sweat it, you've done this before, its all the same - poop is poop is my moto. You'll be fine.

Adult 3 and Community then its on to Management and Leadership and GRADUATION!!!! I cant wait for this to be over, finally the 14 year plan for the 4 year degree will be over. Good luck to all this semester.

I am an LPN who after many years is in a bridge program LPN-BSN. By the time I'm finished it will have taken me 14 years to finish. I do think getting some experience is good, I am in a program with new grad LPN's and it is easier for me with the years of experience that I have - age also helps. There is less "people pleasing" when you are working with prof's who are in your age group. Good luck in whatever you decide - my advise - def. get it done before kids, that is why it took me so long.