JonJon88

thanks Andie. I've worked as an optometric tech for aprox. 6 months, then went into Opthalmology for 13 months now. The Doctors I work with are great. Small private practice with 2 doctors who are affiliated with Pennsylvania hospital, one of which is the Chief of Ophthalmology at Pennsylvania Hospital. I do assist them with laser surgeries at Penn, it's wonderful experience. I've never considered getting my certification but now that you bring it to my attention, I can definately see some benefits. I really don't want to leave the job, I love the doctors, the staff, I just can't deal with the manager due to a few different issues which i really shouldn't get into. Another good thing about working there is that it's 2 blocks away (penn hospital) from my apartment, Wills Eye Hospital is another 2 blocks away, as well as Scheie Eye Institute which are HUGE Ophthalmic Associations. I really should give it some more thought since the opportunities are there at my reach.

thanks so much guys and gals. I really appreciate all the input. It's really helped me relax a bit more about the situation. Another good thing is, my fiancee is male and we aren't going to adopt until we're ready. That takes some pressure off of the being engaged during schooling. I know it still doesn't make me feel any better about having him work full time but knowing that I'll be able to have financial aid help with living expenses definately helps with the nerves. :redpinkhe you all!

Thanks Jules. Yea, I figured I could most likely try and apply for an RN program with a license already under my belt "Just in case". Unfortunately one of my pts today explained to me how she absolutely loved being an LPN, and cried every day after getting her RN. I know everyone does not have the same story but it's becoming more familiar to hear how RN's are so overburdened to the point that the majority of their day is paperwork, and just a fraction of direct pt care. I know that's not all aspects/specialties of nursing but I do know that it's not making me regret the decision to start with my LPN. I really appreciate everyone's input, helps me clarify things much better! I've done a lot on my own but it's such a big relief to have a lot of people here that have gone through the same things I have, as well as having their support. I know all of you aren't holding my hand, but this helps. thanks!:redpinkhe

thanks ms_sgr, i guess it really is all about the financial aspect of things that i'm worried about.

OK So i'll try to compress as much of this as I can... I graduated from a Medical Assisting program in May of 09 only... midway I wanted to leave just to go straight for nursing. I've been working in ophthalmology for nearly 2 years now and am finally on my way (hopefully:uhoh3:) to LPN school this January 2011... I am currently 22 y/o living with my fiancee, we support each other financially and I've been on my own right out of high school with no help from the parents. With that said, I am choosing to go for my LPN first because of the shorter duration of schooling, allowing me to work with higher pay and save more along with getting more experience before going for my RN. I currently am so TIRED of my manager (not my job) so I am looking for something Per Diem until LPN school starts. Should I just grin and bare it? I absolutely adore the pts i have in ophthalmology :hug: of which most are geriatric pts. which is also why i'm excited for grabbing experience in LTC as an LPN. BASICALLY, I get a bit nerve wrecked at times because I feel like i'm bouncing all around, or is this normal? People tell me I'm wasting my time w/LPN school if ultimately I want to go for my RN, however I could not imagine letting my fiancee support both of us while I go to school for 2+years. Is it alright for me to feel this sort of way, am I getting ahead of myself? Any advice... criticism, lol chastisement would help...

I'm having a bit of trouble trying to find out whether or not if I am able to challenge the CNA exam here in Philadelphia Pennsylvania (or even New Jersey). I can't seem to find any locations around here that would allow me to challenge the exam, any help/input/advice would be great! I currently have a diploma in medical assisting....working as an ophthalmic technician....awaiting to enter LPN school hoping to challenge the CNA. Long list i know:crying2: If anyone has any information available i'd highly appreciate it! Thanks so much!!

Heya! I'm trying to decide on which kind of program I should go for. I really want to get started asap however I have no previous degree. I understand the accelerated nursing programs for BSN can take anywhere from 11-12 months depending on the program however, they require a previous degree. I'm curious if it would be wise to go for an associates in liberal arts then transfer, or go for my ASN and go for BSN, or go for Drexel's 4-5 year Co-op BSN degree. I know nursing school is nothing to be rushed, I'm just not a huge fan of working under doctors as a Medical Assistant/Tech. I've such a strong passion to get started and get out there -Confused

Hi, I've been snooping around drexel's site, specifically the bsn co-op program and had a few questions about the pre-reqs. Is everything at the top of this list right above the nursing courses the pre-reqs for the course? http://www.drexel.edu/catalog/degree/nursing-bs.htm# Sorry, just slightly confused because when i check the plan of study, i see some of the above courses already listed in the plan of study, any feedback would be great. -Confused

I found a nice list of nursing aide programs in Philadelphia, PA for all those having a hard time seeking places that offer training. http://www.pde.state.pa.us/career_edu/lib/career_edu/County2009.pdf

Well i've come to the final decision that instead of trying and getting on the job training which is considerably hard to find but possible, I've decided to go with the Red Cross and their program. Although it is about $1,400.00, after you sign out the initial papers, an automatic scholarship is applied, reducing the price to $800, as well as offering a youth scholarship service for youths 18-21 without work. I am technically about to become unemployed after my Tempwork as a MA is finished. I figured since school is a year away, and since I want more patient care/interaction, why not go for my CNA. Medical Assisting is great on an administrative point of view with a brush of clinical skills, but I'm just not able to help/work with patients as much as I want to. Thanks so much for everyone's input!!!!!!!!!!

Should I contact human resources through a hospital to find if they offer a CNA training course? and thanks mafornow, i'll be looking into that if I cannot get this CNA situation situated. I really appreciate all of everyone's input. thanks so much!

thanks much! Any other information on CNA training in Philadelphia would be great! Center city area would be amazing

Well, after having the huge upset/reality check of graduating from Medical Assisting school and working in a clinic, Medical Assisting is nothing like i've imagined it to be, nor have been lead to believe. The many days on end learning/practicing clinical skills in school slowly became simple 2 second tasks we'd have to perform just to rush out and continue paperwork. 95% of the day consists of paperwork and 5% consists of bathroom breaks and clinical skills. I wanted to do this to be able to work with patients, help patients, just spend more time with patients. I'm already registered for school for my ASN next year, but in the meantime I feel almost disgusted at how much of our knowledge goes to waste in the setting I'm in. After deciding to put school off for next year, I tried to think of what I could possibly do to have more patient interaction and I've came to the conclusion of possibly working in a nursing home. I'd love to help out at one however I'm wondering if it'd be required to get a certification in nursing assisting or if I'd be able to apply as an MA and learn the rest of the training hands on. Any advice would be great... I know paperwork is to be expected, but the ammount of it and the time used doing it just makes me feel like i've been cheated. I want to help as much as I can, not push papers. Sincerely, Worried (Jon Jon)

I am actually scheduled to attend Jefferson's ASN program in the spring of 2010 however, I'm extremely eager and would absolutely love to start as soon as possible. I was hoping for some advice if it would be wise to start out as an LPN then go to BSN having the experience and knowledge to make it a bit easier, or if I should be patient and wait to do the 2 year ASN followed by another 2 year BSN program. Also, wouldn't going from LPN to BSN be a bit shorter? Yours Truly Confused:o

Got my net scores! math 100 english 80. Really wanted to go for the fall of 2009 but I didnt get all my financial aid ready by the deadline (May 1st) any advice? Or am I better off being well prepared for the next time?