pinesbear

My EMS career had topped out with working F/T at 2 different corps' and doing fill in at another just to bring home livable $. There was no way I could stay sane in an office or manufacturing setting(i would be unable to overcome the adrenalin withdrawal), so the logical path was to continue my healthcare education, albeit 20 years too late. Even though EMS was very fulfilling, I had always felt the need to have a more in depth role in pt (i mean CLIENT) care. I can now appreciate the uses and reasons for an extensive meds list, but I WILL MISS the icy slush that would fill my boots while caring for a PT on the other side of the guardrail along the interstate. Guess I'm finally growing up. PB:paw:

I cannot quote Philly start rates, but around the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area the starting rate for new LPN's in the hospitals is between $11.00 and $14.00 depending on shift and floor specialty. A friend of mine who just graduated started at $12.75 on a med-surg ortho floor day shift. Good self-marketing and shopping around will allow you to have options. Good Luck. JR

Hello, Ann! I am a 38yo male currently attending CTC of Lackawanna county in Scranton. I had no problems with the admissions process- tested in August, interviewed in September, and was accepted in October for the March 11 class. I was a bit apprehensive when class started, 4 males to 43 females, but there is a wide age range in the class-mostly 25 to 32. I have spent a lot of time in the adult classroom due to my EMS background, but I must say, the faculty at CTC is first rate! We are just finishing up level 2(of 4) and the class population is now 29. I really can't say enough about the staff, they work well together, and are the cream of the crop. There are a few students in my class that travel from Monroe County (the Pocono's) and the only issue with the hour drive is the winter weather. It is rather hairy when the snow is flying, and the interstate has already been closed once this term(last week when 14 inches of snow appeared). Having put many years in on an ambulance, the transition has been made quite easy by the knowledge and experience of the instructors. I hope the move goes well and feel free to hit me back if there are any questions. Jack

Having spent 15yrs practicing at 60mph and on the other side of the guardrail, it's time that I started doing my best work indoors, not having to carry my pt down 3 flights of narrow stairs! I'm halfway through LPN(June'09), so I'll be grabbing a 2nd or 3rd shift ER spot(hopefully) to get me through a BSN program.

I must say, I am having a superb time in school! When I sat down for the entrance exam, there were two factors that led me to believe that I was making a mistake. The first one being the only male in the room, and secondly, I was the oldest one in the room. That being said, I've been rolling right along since March and LOVING every minute of it! My instructors are the cream of the crop, genius on many levels. Being out of high school for 20 years, I have had to pull a heavier wagon than some, but I completely respect and admire the mom's that are sitting next to me in class. I am a single guy that is quite lucky to have a close family that is helping me get through school without having to work full time. My hat is off to all of you that are raising kids and working while going to school. God Bless and stay safe. PB:paw:

Congrats on being accepted!! Now starts the worrying and anticipation. I am 2 months into my LPN program. The first couple of weeks were consumed with trying to figure out how to study for 3 different instructors, what they expected on the tests, and how to deal with 3 different styles of tests. Relax, have fun, and have confidence in yourself. One thing that really helps me is a study group-be mindful of who you decide to study with. Try to find 3 or 4 people that have the same personality as yours, as a big difference will be distracting and defeat the purpose. Secondly, identify everyones strenghts and weaknesses and do not be afraid to attack your own weaknesses. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with a certain chapter or section, break it up into small sections and take a short break in between frustrating sections. Relax, have fun, and have confidence in yourself! As impossible as it seems, keep yourself well rested, your memory and your test grades will thank you! Hope this helps. Good Luck!