msrn

My mother went to LPN school before going to RN school; but, she strongly encouraged me to go straight to RN school. I did, and it was a good decision for me :) . LPN school lasts one year on average, but the first semester of RN school is the only one that can be challenged by an LPN. Therefore, one spends three years in nursing school rather than two (if you're in the AAS program). Schools differ, but the nursing school I attended spent the vast majority of class, lab, and clinical time on skills, disease processes, and "why".

I work in a state hospital for adults with acute MI; I love it and can't imagine doing anything else. We have a men's unit and a women's unit with 25 beds on each. There are 1 to 3 RNs and 3 to 5 MHTs to each unit during a shift which lasts 8 1/2 hours. As far as a pt refusing meds, the doctor can give a 'may not refuse order' (if it is determined that the patient may be a danger to self or others) which means staff can use a 'show of force' to give an IM injection. 'Show of force' means that MHTs and security are called to a private area such as the patient's room where the RN gives the IM. If the patient becomes violent or threatens staff, the RN may have the MHTs and security take the pt to the seclusion or restraint room; then, the RN must contact the physician and nurse practitioner to get an order. The LIP comes to the hospital to assess the pt and write further orders. I hope this is clear; it's been a long day :) .

I've worked full-time since graduating high school 10 years ago. During the first half of nursing school, I worked as a CNA to get experience in a medical setting. There's very little money in that; so, the second half of nursing school, I worked as a deputy dispatcher/jailer at a sheriff's department (my previous schooling and experience was in criminology/corrections).

Shortly before I graduated from nursing school, our nursing instructors strongly encouraged us to get insurance; I purchased mine as a graduate nurse and will keep it until retirement.

I was a CNA shortly before and during nursing school. It made basic nursing skills (like making a bed with a patient in it) a breeze. Also, I really appreciate how hard CNAs work since I had the experience myself!

This Emily Dickinson poem is one of my favorites.

When you get your nursing license and start work, even the most basic of skills will be needed. There will be times when the only staff available are RNs, or the unlicensed personnel will be busy; then, you WILL have to make a bed or two.