craigrah

I don't think this reply should have come to me. I am a nurse, have been for more than 30 years, and will forever be a nurse. My mom was a nurse for more than 40 yrs and I will follow in her steps, abeit reluctantly at first. Started as an ADN, advanced to BSN/MN and finally PhD. Wouldn't change it for the world ... tremendous opportunities ... applies to my personal life in making me a better mom, wife, caregiver, person ... I think all young women should be encouraged to go to nursing school ... just as young men should be encouraged to go into the military ... started in the hospital then moved into teaching ... worked all areas of the hospital, long-term care, pediatrics, maternity.

An 18-month (2-yr) ADN program will most likely take the average person 21/2 to 3 academic years to complete. If getting into the workforce quickly is an issue, then a 15-mo PN program may be suitable. If you are unsure of your committment to nursing, this is also an inexpensive way to test both the academic and working environment. Once you are financially and emotionally committed to an ADN or BSN program, your experience as an LPN will be a good foundation to carry you through to your ultimate goal. While some LPNs do work in acute care or high risk environments, there is a tremendous need for all levels of nursing in Long-term care, which generally gets religated to the LPN. I hope that when I am ready for long-term care, there will be highly qualified LPNs and dedicated RNs to help look after me and my family members.

I think that basic EKG interpretation is sufficient for the general nursing graduate. Advanced courses should be taught for nurses working in specialized areas, or for whom ACLS is required as a part of their job description.

Document Document Document - Everything. Don't intimidate. Praise often. Be gentle with criticism. Often it may not be received as constructive.

LPN1112005 :) Great! I think the best advice a new nurse should take is to find a great mentor and stick with him/her. A good mentor can save your life and that of your charges.

I would like to hear from some LPNs in Georgia who have recently graduated, perhaps in their first year of nursing after graduation and from candidates for NCLEX-PN. How well did your school prepare you for your NCLEX-PN and for your first nursing job?