Mayladybug

Well, I just talked to a nurse recruiter yesterday and found out that I would not qualify as the school I am attending for my ADN is not NLN acredited. It is JHACA acredited, but evidently the Nurse Corp holds the NLN in high esteem and only wants recruites that have been to those schools. So now, that means I have to get my BA first. Oh well. I'll be sticking around watching this thread as I continue on my schooling to see what new news pops up. Thanks. Debbie

I just wanted to say thank you to all who have posted on this thread. I am searching and REsearching as I really think the military is where I would like to utilize my nursing skills. So far, from what I read from the postings on this site, it is just making it more desireable. Anyhow, thanks for sharing you insights and experience. Debbie

A great big THANK you to all of you currently serving in the Armed Forces. It was a real treat for me today to show my respect during our local Veteran's Day Parade. Anyhow, I have had this very private quiet desire to join the military for over 25 years. And now that my children are grown and gone from the nest and I am pursuing my educational goals, that desire has resurfaced. Can anyone tell me...will they still TAKE ME? I am 45 and in my second year of nursing school. I have worked as a LPN in Med/Surg for the last 5 1/2 years. I would be interested in Active or Reserve. I intend to continue my education with the hopes of attaining my MSN and earning my NP license before my 50th birthday. I am currently 45. Would really appreciate any feedback. On another slant...would be especially great if I could get into the Army Reserves, as my son just joined after taking a 2 year break from Active Army. mayladybug aka Debbie LPN (can't wait to pass up the Low Paid Nurse station in life)

I have been a LPN in WA and OR. I do teaching all the time. S/S's to watch for, Activity, discharge teaching..etc. And it is all documented (if it isn't written..it wasn't done). As far as calling the docs...that is up to your facilities policy. Where I worked in WA, we were not to call docs and take phone orders. But here in OR I call the docs, give them a rundown of my situation, and ask for orders. I do run it by my charge nurse, and if it's something I feel I can't handle, then I will tell her. Just get a copy of your facilities "scope of practice" for LPN's...laminate it and keep it handy. And ask questions...until you get answers. Safety ALWAYS come first. Deb

SHMC is Eugene Oregon has a Progressive Cardiac Unit that has been listed as one of the top 100 in the USA. It is a step-down unit. Their CSU (cardiac surgical unit) is a really great place to be...or at least it was. I worked there as a CNA 4 years ago. Now I am LPN in Med/Geri unit. But, from those that I talk to that work there...it is still a top notch Cardiac unit. If you love Cardiac....and don't want to live in the BIG city of Portland...then this hospital is worth checking out.

I am an LPN and was a union member at the hospital I worked at in WA. Now, back in Oregon, in a hospital that the LPN's are NOT union, I am finding it to be a challenge. The contracted RN's get better shift diff, better weekend diff, they are given 2 hours notice for low census and their low census is monitored for fairness of who had it last. I get floated whenever they choose. They will give me only 90 minutes notice of being low censused. There are no records of who was low censused when, and who's turn it is. I gave up working evenings cuz the shift diff was a laugh. I personally preferred having a union to back me up.

I am an LPN and had hoped to finish my school in WA when I moved there. But alas, it was more difficult than I had imagined. Each school had a variety of pre-req's that I would need to take and then once I got them for one of the schools (6 extra classes thank you very much) they changed the program and I wasn't accepted. I do know LCC is offering LPN to RN, but if you didn't attend school there before it is harder for you to get admitted. I am hoping to get back there as that was where I started. But, they too have changed their program pre-reqs and so don't know what I am up against yet. If I can't get in locally...I am doing the ONLINE LPN to RN. I have talked to a few folks who have done that, and although it is a bit more spendy and may take a little longer, they are outstanding nurses. And...they get the RN pay! Hope you find what you are hoping for. Keep us all informed. There are many of us LPN's out there that want to get back into school and so we have to share out knowledge of what is working best.

I just moved back HOME to the little town NEXT DOOR to Eugene and have gone back to work at the same place I was born. This is a GREAT area to live, if you can tolerate the long gray winters. I was in Northern WA the last 4 years...and very little summer and LONG LONG rainy winters there. Personally, when I get done with my RN degree, I am thinking of Bend as a place to live for awhile. Actually will probably live outside of Bend, since their housing market is so high priced. My son just moved to Bend...and they have lovely summers, although for some, may be too hot. And lots of winter AND summer sports. Eugene/Springfield is a good place to raise kids. Lots of outdoor activities and lots of diverse cultural experiences. The coast is only an hour's drive, and you can get to snow for skiing in the winter in about the same time. Wherever you go....OREGON is a wonderful place to live. I have been a PROUD Oregonian all but 4 years..and I am just so happy to be back home. GO DUCKS!!!