aa24212

My experience was similar to mina123's. Most was tele strips and the most common ICU drips. I didn't have a lot of ICU experience and I passed easily, so I am sure you will do great.

From what I have seen, there isn't much of a need for RN's and there definitely isn't a need for LPN's in Virginia. CNA's are in CRITICAL need. Most of the hospitals/nursing homes are hiring LPN's and a few RN's to work as CNA's.

I was done just like many of you. Here is how I got out of it. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org). Here are things I found out. 1. a faxed document is not legally binding; 2. the claimed they are something they are not. 3. think of anything you can that they have told you incorrectly and report it along with the 2 above. I did finally get out of the contract and saved like $4000.00. Good luck

I am a LPN and there is no doubt that I want to get my BSN, but I'm unsure on how to do it. I have just been accepted into a LPN to RN program that I would complete in May 2009 and if I bridged to BSN from there, I would complete it in Dec 2010. I have also been accepted into a LPN to BSN program that I would complete in May 2010. Problem is, it would take me an additional year to get RN licensure, but 6 months less school as a whole. The cost will be comparable either way. I would love to hear everyone's opinion on what they think I should do. Thanks in advance.

I would strongly recommend using the book recommended by Excelsior. I used it and passed with an A. The A+P for Excelsior is far more complex than LPN A+P, so I wouldn't use you old book. I haven't ever used Cliff notes either, but I doubt it would be nearly enough to pass the exam. I agree with Brenda, this is the most difficult exam I have ever taken.

You don't actually need to major in something before entering nursing school. There are 3 programs you can choose. LPN (generally works in MD offices, Long term care), Associate degree RN (generally works in hospitals as a staff nurse) and Bachelor's degree RN (nurse managers, DON's, and Critial care areas). I would recommend you going into one of these directly and not waste time on pursuing another degree first, because in reality it will do you no good. In high school you need to have taken the following as a MINIMUM- Biology, Chemistry, Alg 1, 4 years English, and I would recommend a health class. Entrance to nursing school is competitive and for the school I entered, you needed a minimum of a 3.6 high school GPA, but most in the area require a 3.0 minimum, and about a 3.3 to be competitive. Hope this helps!

I have never experienced anything this severe, however, the ICU where I work was having some problems similar to this. One night when it was really severe, a nurse anonymously called JCAHO and also state to let them know what was going on. JCAHO came and did a thorough review and told them either do something or lose accredidation, needless to say, they started getting more workers in with travelers, bonuses, etc.

I work in what is considered to be one of the lowest paid areas in northeast TN and here is what they pay new RN's: $17.85 base 12% shift differential after 1445 through 0715 $1 extra for BSN $1 extra for ACLS $1 extra for CCRN 3% differential for Critical Care areas

In the hospital I work in, a CNA has formal education and passes a certification exam; and a PCT has no education and no licensure.

When I read this, I payed close attention to one thing you said - Hospital one- 16 openings??? Why??? I have to thing there is something going on for them to have this many openings. I would at least ask them why they have this many before making a decision. Hope this helps!