MattiesMama

This same scenario just played out at a facility where my friend works as an RN. What ended up happening is they increased the responsibilities of the CNA's to include nursing tasks like g-tube feeds, trach care, and the like. A very unsafe situation for patients and a slap in the face to all the LPN's, many of whom spent an entire career working for this facility. Even though she doesn't feel her job is at risk, my friend is considering leaving-because it speaks to how the company views it's nurses as basically disposable. I would definately take one of those job offers. Good luck!

It takes 2 seconds to ask a patient if they have any cultural or spiritual preferences, and most can be easily accomadated. And it can make a huge difference in thier overall experience. Regardless of what paradigm the concept arises from, wouldn't you want to make your patient feel comfortable?(BTW, it's spelled whole)

I have an interview to become a member next Monday...I'm going back and forth on whether or not I should accept if it is offered. I'm a newly licensed LPN and going to school for my ASN. I haven't had any luck finding a job as an LPN yet, it's been about 3 months since I graduated. Here's the program website: http://www.communityhealthcorps.org/about-us.cfm ]Founded in 1995 by the National Association of Community Health Centers, Community HealthCorps is the largest health-focused, national AmeriCorps program that promotes health care for America's underserved, while developing tomorrow's health care workforce. ] ]Now, the pay is very low-basically the equivilent of minimum wage. But it offers free childcare, which would make it liveable, although much less than what I would potentially make as an LPN. I feel like it would be a great opportunity, especially because I really want to go into public health and work with underserved populations. But at the same time, I would be making a one-year commitment to this, so I would not be able to hold down a LPN job-and the whole point of getting my LPN was to gain experience while working towards my RN. ] ]Do you think future employers would look more highly on this experience, or LPN experience, when considering me for an RN position? Has anyone worked with this group before, and if so, what was your experience?

found these here: http://www.characterbasedleadership.com/health1.html have any of you been asked these on an interview? if so, which ones? interview questions for: nurses, nurse aids, cnas, lpns character quality: endurance ■ if a friend were to ask you for help in deciding whether to stay or quit a job that was hard work but meaningful work, what would you tell them and why? ■ when you have a lot of work to do and not enough time or assistance to get it all done, how do you handle it? ■ how do you keep from getting burnout? ■ what about your character would help you do this job day in and day out? ■ what does endurance mean to you? ■ would those who know you best say that you endure to the end or move on to other things? interview questions for: rns, nurse aids, cnas, lpns character quality: dependability ■ during the last year, when your replacement hasn't shown up and your manager asked you to stay late, what percentage of the time have you stayed late? ■ everybody misses work sometimes. what are some legitimate reasons to miss work? ■ two hours before you are scheduled to arrive at work, you learn weather is going to be bad and traffic will be worse. how do you respond? ■ if your shift ends at 3 p.m. and your replacement hasn't arrived by 3:15 p.m., what do you do? ■ the schedule shows 8, however only 5 showed up. how does that make you feel? what would you do? ■ you just discovered it's a snow day and your kids have no school. you are scheduled to work 3-11, how would you handle this dilemma? ■ how many scheduled days did you miss during the last three months you worked? ■ it is your lunch break and you see a resident fall. what do you do? ■ what would you do if your car doesn't start? ■ if we were to ask your previous supervisor, what would they say about your attendance and job performance? interview questions for: nurses, nurse aids, cnas, lpns character quality: compassion ■ how do you respond to crabby people in pain? ■ approximately how old were you when you decided to become a nurse? where there any defining moments that help you decide to become a nurse? ■ would people say that you are compassionate? your family? why, give some specific reasons? ■ if you encountered a resident that was characteristically upset and/or difficult what would you do? ■ if a resident has just expired and their family has just arrived at the facility, how would you respond. ■ mrs. jones is in the facility for a fractured hip. she constantly likes attn. by putting on the call light pretending to be in pain. everyone on the hall is ignoring her. you pass by the room and hear her crying what is your response? ■ how would you intervene with a resident who is grieving over the loss of a grandchild. interview questions for: certified nurses aid (cna) character quality: sensitivity ■ you are late for work. you enter the building and notice a non-compliant resident who is drinking a soda but appears to have a wet him/her self. how do you respond? ■ how do you react to a sense of being overwhelmed with unfinished work ten minutes past your shift deadline when you find a new resident in need? ■ do others like to talk with you? how do you encourage others to talk to you? interview questions for: rns, nurse aids, cnas, lpns character quality: cautiousness ■ can you explain in detail how you would appropriately transfer a resident from a bed to a wheel chair? interview questions for: nurses, nurse aids, cnas, lpns character quality: honesty ■ what would you do if a delivery driver accidentally left double the number of an item that his company charges us a lot of money for? ■ what was the last thing you found? ... then ask, where?, ... what did you do with it? [does the applicant take advantage of opportunities of the moment or do they have a heart to restore lost items to the owner?] ■ what would you do if you saw another nurse stealing from a resident? ■ a resident takes off her rings, and hands them to you in the middle of the night what would you do? ■ how do you demonstrate honesty to co-workers? ■ what do you think honesty means to an employer? interview questions for: rns, nurse aids, cnas, lpns character quality: punctuality ■ if we were to ask your previous supervisor, would s/he say that you never, sometimes, or frequently took off early? ■ what are some of the reasons that kept you from coming to work ... promptly? interview questions for: certified nurse aid, cna character quality: initiative ■ your shift ends in 10 min. and you have accomplished all your duties, how would you utilize your remaining time? ■ what do you think initiative is and how have you applied it to your job in the past? ■ tell me of a time that you solved a problem without direct supervision. ■ how often do you think a charge nurse or don needs to be on the unit? interview questions for: nurses, nurse aids, cnas, lpns character quality: deference, discretion, endurance, flexibility, respect, honor, loyalty, meekness, obedience, self-control ■ describe a recent problem you had with one of your manager's decisions. wait, then ask, how did you handle it? ■ after an extremely demanding day with a resident who required much attention, their family member aggressively approaches you, and accuses you of negligence and calls you nasty names. how do you handle this?

It sounds like the big "selling point" for you is the length of the program-2 years for a BSN? I didn't even know that was possible, unless it's a second degree program. But I agree with everyone else-the cost is waaay too high. Since you do have a job, my advice would be to look around, and find a program that is less expensive, and one that you can do on a part time basis while still working at your current job. There is no need to rush yourself, especially in this economy. Hopefully, once you graduate the job situation will be better!

I think the OP was trying to paint a realistic picture of what the market is like for those considering entering nursing school-NOT complaining about his personal inability to find a job. As far as the rest of your post- How do you know we haven't applied for jobs outside of our "ideal"? Personally I have applied for everything from unit secretary to CNA to prison nurse to medical records reviewer-jobs I'm overqualified for and jobs I'm underqualified for, jobs I would have never in a million years thought I would be reduced to, jobs that pay well below what I consider a liveable wage, and still haven't gotten an interview. It's been going on 3 months now and I lost track of the number of applications I've filled out but it's in the hundreds. And I've gone into places in person, stalked hiring managers, had a professional redo my resume and cover letter. I could go on and on...So again, when you say things like "think outside the box", even if you don't mean to you are still being patronizing. And when people like that HR manager talk about those of us who haven't been able to find work 6 months after graduation as being "un-marketable", it is based on the stereotype that people who cannot find a job are lazy, defective, or simply not trying hard enough-and the reality is, for most of us, nothing could be further from the truth. BTW-is your alma mater a for-profit college? Just curious. Good on them for scaling back their program-what I'm seeing with my school (a for profit) is the exact opposite. They just opened 2 new campuses, shortened the length of the program, lowered the passing grade from a 76 to a 70, and continue to advertise every 5 minutes during daytime TV

I'm so tempted to print this out and plaster it all over every nursing school campus in my state. They really do have no shame-if I see one more commercial for a school talking about this "nursing shortage" I'm going to scream! As for those of you who say "everyone in my class got a job!!!" thats wonderful, but realize you are the exception and not the rule. And its a little patronizing to be told things like "make your resume stand out!" and "get good grades and certifications!" as if we haven't already tried this. It's all about location, location, location-and if you are in a bad location, it doesn't matter if you graduated magna cum laude and found the cure for cancer, unless you have that magical 3 years experience you are NOT getting hired.

isn't 100% glucose really thick and hard to infuse? I've never given it but I was under the impression that it had to be given as a bolus, and it takes a lot of elbow grease to get it in someone.

Christine just curious, what country do you live in?

Thanks, and this is exactly why I'm asking these questions. I've sat on the sidelines on a lot of these debates. I get frustrated...I don't really care about "patient studies". Anyone who's taken statistics knows that you can twist them to suit any argument you want to make. What I do know for sure is that while this squabbling is going on, the very facets of our profession are being sliced, diced, and auctioned off to the highest bidder. It makes me sad to think that 20 years ago (maybe less?) you didn't have "med aides" and "dietary technicians". I've also seen people argue that these tech's make life "easier" for the nurse...and I just have to shake my head. It only makes things "easier" because you have an unsafe patient load, and it takes some of the burden off of your shoulders to delegate a task to someone else. And you only have an unsafe patient load because your employer realized it was more cost-effective to hire 1 nurse and 10 techs than it would be to hire 5 nurses. They aren't doing you a favor And I think deep down, the aversion towards working in SNF has less to do with unsafe patient loads than it does with the fact that many nurses simply don't want to work with the elderly. Because it's depressing, maybe a little boring, and a constant daily reminder of your own mortality. Whatever the reasons are, it's just not all that popular. There is simply no way that we will recruit enough BSN's to work in that setting to meet the needs of the aging population, period.

Really interesting to read the responses here... I always like to look at what other countries are doing...I think Canada, for example, has a pretty good approach. Their LPN's now have 2 years of education and graduate with an associated degree. To become an RN you need to go for 2 more years of college, and graduate with a BSN. So while all of their RN's have 4 year degrees, it's not the "entry point" per se. I would love to hear from someone who nurses in Canada to get a perspective on how that is working. I think something like that, along with reforming nursing education just might work...

Awesome!! Good for you!! I'm studying for A&P now...it'll be my first EC exam. I heard it was the hardest so I want to get it out of the way! Love the idea about the DVD's, I'm definately looking into that...I'm a very visual learner.

apRN it's a good question and I wish I had the answers...for me it's a little different, because I'm an LPN currently doing a bridge program, so I include in my cover letter that I would be able to commit at least a year to the position, and would like to continue working there as an RN once I'm done. As a BSN it would be a little more tricky, but you might be able to get something per diem, or weekend coverage...it can't hurt to try right? At the very least, you will stand out as someone who is very interested in working there and they might give you more consideration for nursing positions simply based on that!

If relocation is an option, go for it! I have friends in Austin who are always trying to get me to move out there because of the nursing opportunities, and the cost of living is pretty low. Austin is a really cool little city too, lots of culture. Can you tell I really wish I could move there? lol! Something else you might want to consider-new grad residency programs (I know they are very competitive now but worth a shot) or finding a hospital that will let you "shadow" an RN for a shift...great way to network and really get a feel for different places. Also look into volunteering, and see if you can get a job as a nurse tech, unit clerk...Just as a way to get your foot in the door. Good luck!

Great responses so far guys, thanks! I happen to live in a state (CT) that seems to be especially proactive in pushing this agenda, so while I would like to think it's not going to actually happen, in a lot of ways it already is. The LPN scope of practice has been SO restricted we have all been barred from any area of practice besides LTC, and even they are going towards hiring only RN's, or at least making it clear that they are strongly preferred. That coupled with the fact that our LPN programs are some of the longest in the U.S. (18 months) and there are VERY few bridge programs, it feels like TPTB around here are really going out of their way to make this "ivory tower" thing a reality. At least that's how it feels from this end...

I've been following the ADN vs. BSN/RN vs. LPN discussions on here for quite some time. I think it's pretty apparent that some type of final decision needs to be made regarding where nursing is going as a profession. What strikes me is that rather than creative, pragmatic solutions being offered, I keep seeing parroting of the same idea (or a version of it) that the only way to "solve" the problems our profession is facing is to (a) get rid of LPN's and/or (b) get rid of ADN's and diploma nurses, and make a BSN the standard point of entry to the profession. So, I have a few questions for those of you who hold these views: 1. What exactly are you proposing we do about the millions of LPN's in this country, as well as the thousands currently going through LPN programs right now? Do you strip us of our licensure? Demote us to being CNA's or techs? 2. Same question, applied to the ADN's-what do you propose be done with them? 3. What do you percieve are the potential ramifications of making a BSN the entry point in terms of bedside nursing. Have there been any studies done to determine how many BSN students would be content working at the bedside for their whole career? And what about in the nursing homes and LTC, which is where the projected need will be the greatest? I'm just curious, because I've read so many posts from RN's (ADN's and BSN's alike) who are bemoaning the fact that they have to "settle" for nursing home work in this economy, and have no desire to make that their career. If we phase out LPN's, and especially if we make BSN the standard point of entry, is it really realistic to think that there will be enough bedside nurses in LTC to care for our aging population? 4. How is this push towards a higher educational standard going to effect the role of nursing? Because we all know that facilities will not be able to afford to hire all of these BSN's without "outsourcing" many tasks that have traditionally been part of the nurses role to UAP's. If we have UAP's providing bedside care, doing things like med administration, trach suctioning, etc. (which is already happening of course) then what, exactly, is a nurse? Are we just the "managers" who oversee care? These are just a few of the questions I have. Because the way I see it, what is being lost in this whole debate is the fact that when we throw around ideas like "lets just get rid of the LPN's/ADN's" you are not speaking in hypothetical terms, you are talking about a large group of professionals-good, hardworking people who have worked hard and sacrificed to gain that title that you seem so flippant about doing away with. Is this ok with you? And if not, what exactly do you propose we do about it? Is a compromise even on the table anymore?

Well got some bad news today...the interview for tommorow was cancelled because they filled their last available position this morning. I was glad they called me so I didn't waste the trip, but it's really frustrating because I was actually supposed to interview today originally but couldn't because I had to take my father to a doctors appointment...so I can only assume they had an interview with someone else this morning and decided to go with them instead. On top of that, I'm now having issues finding out when I'm supposed to come in for this other interview...I keep getting the runaround. I spoke directly with the nurse recruiter yesterday and she told me to fill out some paperwork online and as soon as she received it she would contact me to let me know what day I should come in for the interview. She even took my name and contact info down so that she would recognize the application when it came through. I submitted it yesterday afternoon and all I got was a generic "thank you for your interest in working at ____ hospital, we will contact you if a position becomes available" email from "The recruiting team". From what she told me yesterday, their were definately positions available, orientation starts very soon, and she wants to interview me next week. So now I'm wondering if she actually got it, or if it ended up somewhere in the black hole known as human resources. So what do I do now? Should I call her tommorow and ask if she recieved my information, or wait a couple weeks and then follow up? I'm trying to tread that fine line between showing I'm interested and being too overzelous... God I hate job hunting so much

OP-If you are able to get into an RN program and it's something you are able to commit to, I would go for that. But there are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches. Personally, I did my LPN first for a few reasons...first because my state has very few RN programs and all of them had long waiting lists, and were lottery-based. As a single mom I needed to do something that would get me into the field and earning money as soon as possible-the LPN program had openings every 3 months (as opposed to once a year) and only took 15 months to complete. It also opened up the option of doing the Excelsior bridge program, which allows me to work full time while working towards my RN. And having LPN experience will give me a leg up when it comes to applying for a job as an RN. Yes, the job opportunities can be more limited, although this depends on your state and your nurse practice act-some states are stricter than others concerning what an LPN can and cannot do. Unfortunately the way the job market is right now, opportunities are limited to new-grad RN's as well. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to become a nurse-so hold your head high and be proud no matter what path you choose.

It never ceases to amaze how these LPN-slamming comments almost always come from first year nursing students It's like they teach a class on how to be a condescending know it all as part of the curriculum.

Another school that doesn't participate in federal loans is Excelsior, simply because it's a distance learning program and there's no set time frame for completing it. So it doesn't necessarily mean it's a rogue institution. My only experience with Sally Mae is that they rejected me with a credit score of 800. This was in the middle of the market crash though, so I suspect that had something to do with it. I have heard horror stories about private student loans as well so be careful...have you talked to financial aid? They should be able to point you in the right direction.

Hmm...just a thought but I ran across a job posting the other day for a surgical tech that stated they would also consider an LPN with OR experience. Don't know if that was the case here or not... I do agree the "nurse" title is thrown around way too willy nilly. I went to visit a friend in the hospital the other day and the CNA waltzed in to his room and said "Good morning, I'm ____ and I'm going to be your nurse for tonight" I asked if he was an LPN or an RN (knowing full well he was neither since it said CNA in big bold letters right on his nametag"-he said "oh, no I'm not one of those". I just smiled and said "Oh, I'm sorry, I must have heard you incorrectly because I thought you said you were his nurse".

I think that you should be absolutely sure, and hendle it professionally. But I disagree with those who say it's "not a big deal", doesn't affect pt care, etc. The certification process for CCRN and CEN appears to be very rigorous and demands a LOT of time and effort. Looking the other way while someone cheats their way through is a slap in the face to all of the nurses who have put considerable time, effort, and money into earning that certification. And I disagree that it has no effect on patient care...if someone is willing to commit fraud for their own personal gain, they are showing a lack of ethics and integrity. I wouldn't want someone like that taking care of my loved one. And I'm assuming that you work in a high acuity setting if the certification is required. Quite frankly, if you can't pass the certification exam after being given 2 years for preparation, maybe you don't belong in that specialty.

Thanks for the advice...Commuter that website is great! I've been practicing answering questions on webcam and then watching it back. I've noticed a few little "tics" I have when answering questions (I always dart my eyes to the side and twirl my hair, totally unconsciously!) Ugh, I hope I can learn to control them within the next 24 hours...lol

ok i've never actually told anyone my real reason because it’s so personal…and i don’t want to make people uncomfortable. but the bravery of other people here has inspired me. and maybe my story will change the way someone looks at one of those patients that you think is a lost cause, because that was me 10 years ago… i was a wild teenager. drugs, reckless relationships, stealing cars, i was basically hell bent on self destruction. when i was 16, i ran away from home and ended up in a teen shelter. i ran away from there, and met up with the wrong person, and was raped. it was the worst experience of my life, and to top it off everyone treated me like i was a criminal. the cops just looked at me like another juvenile delinquent and didn’t even pursue the case, my group home just gave me extra chores as punishment for running away, and my parents weren't even in a place where they could deal with what i was going through. my boyfriend dumped me because he couldn’t deal with the fact that i “had sex” with another guy. the only person who treated me with compassion and talked to me like i was a human being was the nurse who performed my rape exam. she was gentle and kind. she let me cry, she took her time, and she did little things like putting a blanket over me, brushing the hair out of my eyes, giving me tissues and food…so many little things that just made me feel a little tiny bit better even in those darkest of moments. i will never forget her, as long as i live. a few years later when i got pregnant with my daughter i realized i couldn’t be a bartender forever and i had to find a career. i though back to that nurse, and decided that i wanted to be the person who could make the worst day of someone else’s life a little tiny bit better… and the rest is history.

.....and if you are really a nerd, create a spreadsheet with all of the information they ask you on the online job apps over...and over...and over again! I got it down to a science...ctrl c, alt/tab, ctrl v, alt/tab, ctrl c, alt/tab, ctrl v...I'm at the point where I can do a full online application in under a minute. I also made "personalized" cover letters for each company using mail merge, and I have one cover letter template for each type of facility I apply to (i.e. for LTC it highlights my gerontology certification, for dr's office it highlights my customer service experience, and so on) All I had to do is sign them and it looks like I made a special letter, just for their company! (although for places I'm really interested in, I do take the time to research the facility and integrate that into the letter) It's all a numbers game, so you have to make it your full time job. Make a schedule and follow it. You will be more efficient, have a better chance at landing a job, AND you will avoid the black hole known as the sofa and daytime TV!