3sodapop

I had a similar situation. I was hired to do this person's old job and she was supposed to train me, but she never lifted a finger to help me and constantly criticized me behind my back and sometimes to my face. I was trying to be patient and wait for this miserable person to realize that I wasn't an idiot... guess what?... I was called into the office and told that "it just wasn't working out" and they "decided to go a different way" with my job. I was stunned. They said not to "take it personally." I asked them if they would give me a letter of reference and they said yes, but after 3 unanswered requests I gave up. That was almost a year ago and I've been unemployed ever since. My advice to you is: Don't let them label you. You need to assert yourself and demand some respect before it's too late. Good Luck!:redbeathe

I would also consider which has the better commute, better hours. Most importantly, which place will treat you the best? What is more important to you: money, experience, or quality of life?

If I say I'm a nurse, people automatically assume I'm an RN. I usually wind up saying "no, I'm not an RN.... I'M JUST AN LPN. If I say I'm a licensed nurse I think that clears up that issue and sounds more professional too. So, from now on I'm going to call myself a licensed nurse and see how that flies.

What if we just started calling ourselves LICENSED NURSES, or LN's and just dropped the unnecessary word in the middle? Hello, my name is Jane Doe and I'm a Licensed Nurse.

Why does it have to be so confusing?? A "practical" nurse sounds like you're saying you're "practically" a nurse. And to me a"vocation" means a religious calling... What about simply calling ourselves LICENSED NURSES? Registered nurses will still be the same.

Well maybe California and Texas BON's should get on board with the rest of us :)

What's up with the LPN/LVN situation? It's very frustrating that the same job with the same credentials is called by 2 different names. To me, it doesn't show the world a solid and substantial reputation and unified front when we can't even agree on what we're called. I wish a nursing organization would step forward and declare us as either LPN's or LVN's. Just my

The only nursing shortage is a shortage of experienced RN's. Good luck finding a job when you graduate.

Congratulations, first of all! Getting a job offer these days is no easy feat; and you've got 2 I worked 2nd shift in LTC for a year, and I've worked in Dr. offices for 6 yrs. Working 2nd shift was AWFUL for a mom with school aged children. I had to stay up late & get up early, then the 2 days off I had were spent recuperating from my lack of sleep. My family never saw me, and working every other weekend was a major pain. I started to feel like a stranger in my own house. Granted, 2nd shift is ideal for some people, but it's definitely not for me. As for working in a Dr.s office, I like the fact that it's less hectic than all the buzzers and bells going off in LTC. The people seem happier there. No job is perfect, but that's just my ... Good Luck with whatever you choose!

After a year of working LTC, I just got a job in my local high school as a 1:1. I ride the sped van to & from school with a medically fragile child. During the school day I monitor the child and work as a 1:1 teacher's aid. I like the pace, the benefits, and the M-F hours.

wow! having phlebotomy skills on to of being an lpn is a huge asset to your skills. congrats & good luck 2 u!

I got an associate's degree in medical assisting right out of high school. I liked the courses and thought it would be fun. Well...looking back I wish I had used that 2 years to become an RN instead. I had a hard time finding clinical work and ended up working mostly in secretarial duties. In the Dr.s offices I worked at, the clinical MA's did the mostly the same work as the LPNs and RNs; the only major difference was the pay. I got laid off and applied to LPN school. It was VERY hard, but I made it through and after much searching found a job at a nursing home. I never thought I would say it but my job seems even harder than nursing school! I'm hoping to go back to a physician's office where the pace is easier and more predictable. I don't know where you want to work, but being an MA and an LPN might give you an edge over other new grads looking to work in Dr. offices. You will have more administrative knowledge. A lot of LPN's don't know how to answer the phone, schedule, type etc... Good luck!

In my case this is how I interpret the quote: It's not about downplaying education, it's about possessing all the true qualities needed to be a good nurse.

Being a nurse isn't about grades. It's about being who we are. NO book can teach you how to cry with a patient, NO class can teach you how to tell a family that their parents have died or are dying. NO professor can teach you how to find dignity in giving someone a bed bath. A nurse is NOT about the pills, the IV's and the charting. It's about being able to LOVE people when they are at their WEAKEST moments and being able to forgive them for ALL their wrongs and make a difference in their lives today. No one can make you a nurse... YOU JUST ARE I got this quote from facebook, and I just had to post it here. I've been working in a nursing home and it's so true.

I work 3-11 at LTC passing meds for 44 patients, hired as a new grad with 5 days orientation. After 3 weeks I'm doing well, but I was talking with my supervisor last night and we were discussing the pay at an office we both worked at when I was a medical assistant. He said the LPN pay stunk at $19/hr 2 yrs ago... That's what they're paying me now! I also get $2 for after 3pm and $1 for weekends, but am I getting ripped off? I had a really hard time finding a job as a new grad, but I just want to know if my pay is fair. BTW, I work in MA.

"If you know a particular patient takes a sleeper every night then ask before pouring their meds to save yourself a trip back to the cart and more time from your pass." Question: What is a sleeper? TIA:heartbeat

I had the same problem. I graduated in June, Passed NCLEX in July. I went to a job fair, sent out about 45 resumes, applied to about 40 jobs on-line (careerbuilder.com is a great search site), I tried cold-calling a few places, and I had about 5 interviews. After 10 weeks of looking, I was finally successful in getting hired when I expanded my area of travel to 45 minutes, and was less picky about hours. I actually got 2 job offers in a week, and I took a 2nd shift job at a LTC. I'm still orienting but I'm making good money and happy to be finally putting my education to good use. I think places would rather hire an experienced LPN than having a new grad, for obvious reasons so it's hard to get your foot in the door. Persistence pays off. If there's a facility nearby that you're hoping to get into, maybe you could work as a CNA until a job opens up? Keep trying, and good luck!

I just started as a new grad in a LTC floor passing meds to 44 residents on 3-11 shift. I'm still orienting and want to know if you have any suggestions on what to carry with me for quick reference if I have a question about a drug. I have a Nursing Drug Handbook, but it's WAY too detailed for a quick reference. Are there any little books out there containing common LTC meds and other handy info?? What about a cheat sheet? Also, any tips and advice on organizing med passes would be appreciated. I can't see how to organize who goes first and how to be fast and efficient without running around like a maniac. TIA!

Wow, you're lucky! It's no wonder you're anxious to test. It sounds like you'll pass with flying colors.

In the meantime, take some time to go over ALL your notes. Make up your own study sheets from them and focus on passing the NCLEX. Practice questions from NCLEX study books are good for learning their rationale and how to choose the best answer when all the answers are right, or you have no idea what they're talking about... Good luck:) PS: Have you started applying for jobs yet? I graduated June 26th, passed the NCLEX on July 29th, sent out about 60 resumes, applied to about 35 jobs on-line, attended a job fair, had 5 interviews and FINALLY got a job offer last week. Seems like a new grad LPN is last on the "interview totem pole"...

Wow! Sounds like a hell of a night. It sounds like those docs were pretty cranky, especially since you probably saved the PCP a lot of embarrasment, and perhaps his patient. Perhaps they have to point the finger somewhere when they screw up. In my humble opinion I would just take it as a lesson to be "on guard" with this doc and try to remain professional, even if he isn't.

Ditto. I'm a new LPN looking for a LTC or Dr. office job in Mass. since early August. It's embarrasing to tell friends/relatives that I'm still not hired. They've all heard about the so called "nursing shortage." There are those that say "Oh, LTC is always hiring.." I'd like to know which ones; let me see the advertisement... I've applied to so many places and they prefer not to hire new grads. Even the local VA hospital has no openings for LPNs. This is definitely not what I had planned; I thought since I was a top student I would have a multitude of offers. It seems like the only way to break into the job market is to take 3rd shift working in mental health(?). I'm lucky that I don't have to start working right away. But honestly, if I had known better I would have started applying months before graduation. Hang in there, God bless us all!

No, I haven't taken it yet. I sent in my application and they didn't say I needed it. I'm not sure if that's true, but I'm not going to question it. :wink2: I've already taken A&P twice, but chances are I'll need to take the exam so please let me know how it went. Good luck!

this doesn't actually answer your question, it's just some info that i found on the internet. i think policy varies by state and by facility what would happen in your scenario: what happens if i change my mind after a dnr order has been written ? you or anyone who consents to a dnr order for you can remove the order by telling your doctor, nurses or others of the decision. what if i change my mind after my doctor writes a dnr order? you always have the right to change your mind and request cpr. if you do change your mind, you should talk with your doctor right away about revoking your dnr order. you also should tell your family and caregivers about your decision, mark "cancelled" on the actual dnr order, and destroy any dnr wallet cards or other identification items you may have. if you have a dnr order, but change your mind about the level of care you would want regarding cpr and medical interventions that may prolong life, you will need a new order. what if members of my family disagree ? in a hospital or nursing home, your family can ask that the disagreement be mediated. your doctor can request mediation if he or she is aware of any disagreement among your family members.

I LOVE the story about rendering aid in a slip and sneakers! That was a selfless act guaranteed to get you into heaven. :fnypst::hehe::lol::dncgbby::lghmky::lghmky: