Pambamm

So, I'm working as a CNA in an assisted living facility over the next few months until I graduate from LPN school. I've only seen one person with a gait belt since I've been there. I actually have my own and would really prefer to use it but I need to address it with my supervisor first. When I was hired I was asked to not wear scrubs because they like to promote an "apartment/home" atmosphere and not a "nursing home" atmosphere. I do a lot of transfers and some folks are large. I am very concerned that either me or a resident will eventually get injured. I really like this job and hope to transition into an LPN position after graduation. I'm just pretty torn about being able to provide good, safe care both now and after graduation. We were taught in school to always use a gait belt too. It's pretty frustrating.

Read/study up on basic math to help you with pharmacology too

My current plan is to remain an LPN and possibly get certification in long term care, wound care and IV. I might change my mind after I start working but, right now, I think I'll be completely satisfied and not concerned about finding a job since I'll be in Geriatrics (Assisted Living or Nursing Home) as an LPN. I would like to vent and share, though, how much it bugs me when the very first question people ask when they find out I'm a nursing school student is "Oh, for RN?". I've personally worked really hard and succeeded in a very challenging LPN program that has been compared, in intensity, to an RN program. I'm very proud of this accomplishment, expecially since I'm 43 years old and have been out of school for over 25 years. Also most people who ask that question probably don't even realize the difference I just think a lot of people, outside of the field, don't know what an LPN is. I keep trying to think of a really funny or stupid "stock answer" to that question to make me feel better as I get asked over the next 25+ years of my working career as an LPN. I'm open to suggestions

Graduating May 29, 2009 :grad: Woo Hoo !!! Plan to PARTY , SLEEP and :pntrghi: GET A JOB !! Probably in Nursing Home or Assisted Living Dementia Unit. Not sure about the RN program yet ~ still tossing it around. Thanks for asking and Congratulations Everyone !!

First of all Congratulations !! I'm an LPN student graduating in 2 months/May 2009. Woo Hoo !! My suggestion would be, in addition to the medical terminology and anatomy books, to prepare for pharmacology by brushing up on basic math (including metric conversions). If math isn't a strong suit for you it will really give you a headstart on the conversions and formulas you'll need to be doing in pharmacology. Otherwise, there are some great "how to deal with nursing school" types of books out there that give a lot of helpful hints. Try to not read too much over the Summer. Relax, enjoy and get rested up for the crazy, fun, challenging, soooo satisfying ride called LPN School !! I think you've made a great move by joining a group like All Nurses too. Again, Congratulations and the Best of Luck !!