tmrpeirce

Healer 27, I have been a nurse for a little over a year. I dream of working in a hospital but the area I am in has little to offer. I started work in a LTC facility and with less than 5 days traing was running a unit by myself. I was overwhelmed and had very little confidence in myself. I have made several calls to my nursing administrator from school and reach out to other nurses quite often. I also did not get my clinical position after the DON had me thinking I was a top pick. Disappointments are part of this job as well as the enjoyments. When you feel discouraged "put your big girl panties on" (as my previous teaching administrator would tell me) and remember why you wanted to be a nurse in the first place. You will be fine. I was one of those students who thought nursing school would teach me all I needed to know and when I got to work it would be just like school. Boy was I wrong! I learn so much each day. I try to follow behind nurses that I have watched and trust. There are two that I feel I would like to follow in their shoes and have their experience and well as grow into my own. You will do just fine. Keep at it and with perserverance you will find your way. There are many people that need your caring and understanding. Never forget who you are doing all this for.:wink2:

Thank you all for sharing. I am getting more excited about my journey. I just want to start working on something related to what I do day in and out at work. Good luck to all of you!!!!!

Thanks for your input Lauren's mommy. I also work a hectic schedule and was afraid that working LTC instead of med surg that I wouldn't have the experience needed to pass clinicals. This website has given me the encouragement I need. I have to reapply as I did not follow through for fear after being accepted previously. It is costly but the benefit outweighs the cost. Good luck in your journey:wink2:

I am as well looking for encouragement, I have heard actually nothing negative except from the limited clinical experience but what I have read, actually seems pretty intense. I work in LTC and do not get the med/surg experience I see required. I guess I am wondering if I have what it takes. I am willing to take the plunge and go for my dreams. I am willing to do whatever it takes to become all that I want to be. I am going to give Excelsior a try.

Hi everyone, I just stumbled on this great website. I have been an LVN for only a year now and have been plugging along with prerequisites. I have been debating over Excelsior college and contemporary college courses for my transition to RN. Does anyone have any advice? The hospitals in my area seem to only be hiring RNs so I am working LTC which I enjoy but would like to get more varied experience. The main concern is not enough clinical time and if this will effect my success as an RN. Any advice would greatly be appreciated. Thanks!