lpNcharge

:yeah:KUDOS!! :yeah:i loved this story!! it is very similar to my first day of clinicals in the hospital. If my instructor had not been compassionate and motivating i probably would have quit that day!!! My patient was too busy taking care of personal business with his 3 (yes, three) cell phones to even bathe himself (which he was capable). He was very intimidating and vocal about it!! His situation could have clearly been avoided, had he chosen a different lifestyle (he is well known in the area for his "business"). He was mad at the world and apparently it was my fault that he was there. He told me to come back he was busy (in a way worse context and several ugly words)....i was about in tears after the verbal lashing. I found my instructor, she gave me the "you can do it". I found my backbone, wiped my face, went in there and did my job (and scared to death)!! Day 2 was much better. I went in his room, announced my presence and intentions for the day. After getting him up to the bedside chair to clean himself, I changed the bed, did vitals and assessment. His attitude was alot different once he realized I was there to help him, not judge him. I did alot of patient teaching which he was very receptive, his former thinking was that his lifestyle was "fun and not a big deal". The end of my clinical rotation there he wanted to know if I would be back!! AND...he thanked me!! When I left that day I knew I could do it!! So to all of the nursing students out there, a wise teacher once said to me, "Failure is not an option for me!" and it shouldn't be for you!! :up:

being a total greenhorn and a proud graduate:up: it is often hard to contain my excitement....but...i dont broadcast my profession. Most of the time I dont have to, i go to the grocery store...i'm in scrubs...i meet a friend for lunch..i'm in scrubs. The downfall, I live in a relatively small town...i see more people that i know than i want sometimes. I see my patients, family and old friends, they stop me EVERYTIME (it seems) and they ALL have medical questions!!! UGH!! what ever happened to "hi how are ya? hows the family?" I have learned (very quickly) to politely them to call their docotors office or call our office for an appt ...it usually works. when i am buying groceries i am worried about coupons, trans fats and calories...NOT what color your sputum is!!! So anyway....i have had an embarrassing experience. My mom, who is very proud of my accomplishment, calls me one Saturday am. She's "sick as a dog", I tell her sounds like she needs to be treated today blah blah blah...I told her to go to the walk in clinic (one of two in town). She goes, sees the NP there. THEN, THEN, THEN...proceeds to tell the NP that "my daughter that's a new LPN graduate told me the same thing, she just can't prescribe antibiotics." OMG!! I was like...really??? Mom!!! Really!!! you CANT say that to people ITS RUDE!!! She insisted she is just proud. i told her that i was flattered but PLEASE by no circumstances, don't do that again. The town is too small...i would be mortified if i ran into the NP (i know her vaguely).

if you are referring to studying for classroom exams, most of the content is in NCLEX format (it was at my school). I have friends in various states and friends in my homestate that have graduated from different nursing programs, the exams are basically the same format. You really, really, really need to use your time wisely. I was fortunate to have the time for study, as well. One thing that I DID NOT do was "learn" how to take NCLEX style tests. What I mean is, review the type of format (NCLEX style questions) before your first classroom exam. There are books, i dont know the names, designed to enhance your critical thinking and test taking skills. I had one that was produced by lippincott or saunders...not sure which..that was specific for critical thinking. it helped me tons!! Of course, sometimes it comes with practice taking certain styled tests, But...I have SEVERE test anxiety and was mortified of tests anyway.I was MUCH more relaxed when test rolled around after reading the critical thinking and how to take tests books. I really don't think i would have passed boards if it weren't for this!! I knew the material...my brain got in the way!! I hope this may answer any questions...GOOD LUCK!!:)

I graduated May 2008, license June 2008, working in a clinic by mid-July '08. I've worked for the same company for 4 years, a medical secretary, then CNA, after graduation they had an LPN opening...BAM!! I was in the door!!! I love being a clinic nurse, it's my thing...I :redbeathe my patients, the continuity is GREAT!!! It is easier to take the good, the bad and the ugly when you have such a wonderful relationships with your patients. So, what's the problem??? My dilemma...I don't have any hospital experience and I am going to RN school this June. I was told by every instructor (in LPN school) that I needed med/surg experience, it would be helpful for Rn school. I didn't listen. Now I am a little freaked out. What if I get in the program and don't remember anything? What if has been my worst enemy!!! I am scared to death ....so i need some suggestions...what to do to prepare for RN school!!!???