Scorpio,LPN

I agree with the above, education is NEVER a waste. I feel so terrible for you, you havnt gotten to use your newly gained skills though. Keep your head up and apply everywhere. It seems everwhere here in Iowa is hiring nurses, is it the area your in by chance?

I have decided that the attitude at which you approach something will directly impact it's outcome, therefore I will do my job, all that is asked of me (within reason) with a positive attitude, and be thankful that I am blessed to have an education and employment. I will also remember that there are many people who would love the opportunity I have recieved, and quit whining about unimportant matters.......That said, thank you for listening!

Dont get me wrong, I undewrstand what you are saying, what I mean is that is now the practice at this facility, LPNS stopping med pass to feed, pass trays, clean the diing room, help with showers, etc because the CNA,and CMA are complaining! And the supervisors are supporting this.

Yes CMA can pass meds, and they are upset that there are now 5 rotating LPN's on the floor, and our floor supervisor is the one who said we will now be rotating the floor working as CNA'S!!!!! I'm really upset about it. I do beleive direct patient care (bed pans, toilting, etc) are part of my job and I should assist where and if I can, but I have been a CNA I went to school so I could be a nurse. Eyerolling, refusing to do VTS, WTS, making LPNS clean dining rooms, stop passing meds to feed residents, it's just a weird concept to me, and here is the kicker, I work for the state, so taxpayers make up my check, to pay me $19.00 an hour to work on the floor as a CNA is a waste of money and my skill. I'm just frustrated, maybe I should just be greatful I have a job and quit whining. Thanks for the advice about keeping a notebook, I'm going to start that! Even if I cant write warnings (which I'm not sure LPN's can there) at least next time my supervisor asks for examples I will have plenty to hand up!

Since when do they teach CNA's how to assess? Or change dressings? Or sterile techniques, so on and so forth!!!!! Many hospitals dont use LPN's Why? Because it's cheaper to have a CMA do meds than employ an LPN to do it. And I beg to differ as far as LPN's are not needed, WHY then is there such a cry for LPN's in smaller hospitals RN's dont want to work in? maybe when assessment and other skills are taught to CNA's LPN's wont be NEEDED but until then.......

Been that way in Iowa for a LONG time, they are CMA's here, but work under LPN or RN, however they have to ask one of us to sign off all the PRN meds BEFORE they give them.

Good luck! i just graduated, got my first nursing job, and am happy I have a job with the market being what it is lately!!! So i know all to well what the new job jitters feel like!!! Congrats! Did you move far? I'm 2 hours from home, might as well be 24 sometimes, but it's a new beginning nontheless:yeah:

I started as CNA and it gives you appreciation for what you are asking others to do for you, even as LPN you still do alot of CNA things in LTC anyway. I recommend it, but pursue nursing as far as it takes you, its a wonderfully rewarding experience. most programs require you to have your CNA first i think.... Good luck, it's a challenging but rewarding journey..(school and the job)

I'm in Iowa, work for the state, just graduated. Starting pay $18.63, free insurance for worker and family, plus other benefits. However, I beleive this is the hightest starting pay for LPN around Iowa I have heard of.

So I graduated just a few months ago and was SOOOO excited when I got the job I wanted, the only one I interviewed for as a matter of fact. Life was good, I felt like I was walking on clouds. Dont get me totally wrong I'm still very excited to be an LPN and love the work I am doing. However, there are some things I have noticed in the short time I have been on the floor. The floor I was choosen to work on was in the middle of an overhaul, apparently there had been some not so professional attitudes and some changes that needed to be made. I go to work every day with a positive attitude hoping that the day will be better than the one before. I'm becoming very discouraged. When a request is made to a CNA for help, eyes are rolled, attitudes and even bobble heads are the respons, not just to me mind you, other nurses who have been there longer, even to the overall floor supervisors!!! At report a few times these workers even yelled at the supervisors and made excuses for why cares were not completed. When simple things like vital signs are asked to be completed, or a weight being taken, becomes an ordeal what do you do? I have spoken with my supervisor and seem to not have been really heard. This is the tip of the iceburg. Now I'm grown I realize that every job will have it's challenges to overcome and not everyone "gets along" but theses women are viscious, not only with each other but especially the LPN's. It's like they have forgotten what thier job discription is and whom they should report to. I'm so frustrated and I've only just begun. Some of the nurses I work with have called union reps, bid off to other units, etc.... All I really want to know is how do you get someone to treat you with respect, if they believe they dont have to? I feel as though I am walking on egg shells everyday at work. It's unlike me to feel this way. I would never dream of treating an RN or anyone with such distain. Forgive the analogy please..but it's like the "the animals are running the zoo". I've asked the other LPN's and even the regular RN what can we do to make it better, and they seem at a loss for ideas as well. I'm not a quiter, I dont want to throw my hands up and walk away, that would be silly. I just dont understand how this is happening. On top of this the CMA's are throwing a fit cause they are only passing meds 2 times a week, and there are too many nurses now, so we are being asked to work the floor several shifts a week? Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thank you so very much! I was used to getting much higher scores in class, so when I get theses lower results I thought maybe I had just retained the information for that particular test. I'm using another Saunders book in conjunction and get like 95%, si maybe its just the QBank thats difficult. Thank you again:)

I am a recent graduate of Kaplan University. I got excellent grades in class as well as with HESI exams, now I using the Kaplan QBank and freaking out. I am ranging anywhere from 66-70% and am losing my mind. Is this normal? My classmates and I are required to take a 2 day review class offered by Kaplan and my attutude is hopeful...But nontheless I am feeling like I need more schooling. Does everyone feel this way when getting ready for the "Big Test"?

Well I'm an actual Kaplan student, we graduate in about 3 weeks and although I have gotten very good grades through the program I am VERY nervous about taking the NCLEX! From everyone I have talked to it seems that it's a normal feeling. What our instructors keep telling us is to use positive affirmation. Sounds kind of silly I know, but it actually does make me feel better. You must know quite a bit of something to have made it this far, so build on that and trust in yourself! Did you ever take a test taking strategies course or read those kind of books? I know they help some people. Instead of asking them what your doing "wrong" ask them what you should do to help your scores...Just an idea. Good Luck, I'm not far behind you:)

All of the above mentioned! Everything that could happen has: husband layed off, his ex passing away and being in the middle of a cusody battle with her family for his kids, my 2 year old nephew died in a tragic accident, battling personal health issues, but mostly the hardest part was feeling as though I was neglecting my girls! The guilt of not being able spend the time with my 11 and 13 year old daughters and pushing most the responsibility on thier father as I tried to focus on school! It still tugs at my heart. Having to tell them sorry no girl scout camp this year, or no I cant make that track meet I have clinicals, etc..... I'm 3 weeks from graduation and I know it's all gonna be worth it, now I'm wondering did I learn everything I should have, what if I forget, what if i cant pass the NCLEX? All that...... As far as family and friends I dont think anyone really understands the dedication and determination it takes to make it through nursing school (unless you've done it) i suppose if I had to choose one word to sum it up "TIME" thats the most stressful part!:)

I agree with the above! There has to be some program that will take you, you'll probably have to retake classes, but the upside to that is you should get a great grade! I went into the first program that didnt have a waiting list, they only offer the PN portion. What we were not told is that our credits dont transfer as other colleges consider my school as a vocational school, not the private school that we were told it was. So 3 weeks from graduation some of us are scrambling for a program that will take us to obtain our RN. Worst case scenerio is that I have to take some of the same classes over agian which costs time and money, neither of which I have tons of with kids. However, I should get awesome grades!!! Good luck and dont give up, there has to be some alternative. Where there's a will, theres a way right!!:)

WOW! My blood is boilng right now! UNACCEPTABLE! It's kind of scary to say but if this "person" takes any action to put you in harms way call the police, press charges and contact the board yourself, to have made it this far she must hold some license right? Get her revoked! As far as the school, if something is impeding your learning enviroment its a no brainer that something should be done, finish what you've got to do but on the principal of the situation I would contact a attorney. If someone made threats like that at my school they would be kicked out of the program. What business does a person like this have taking care of other people, what happens if an elderly patient or someone not able to defend themselves upsets this person. WOW, I'm so sorry you have to put up with that, I'm shocked! I'd let everyone know, that way people would think twice about attending that school. I agree with the person who wrote "get a hold of the media" newspaper whatever!

We havnt had any tech. diff. but maybe you could call the 800 HESi number and go at it that way. As far as getting a higher score the next time around, dont you get the rationales (excuse the spelling) and remidiation? We have taken many HESI's focused ones, and a practice V2 and my numbers have been way above 900, but as far as preparing call HESi and find out where you remediation is, maybe it will help. I'd be frustrated to, over the whole situation honestly though in my experience arguing with faculty just makes you more frustrated. A couple of girls I go to school with had issues and they found that faculty generally sticks to together and backs each other up. It sucks to say but it's a "It Is What It Is" type deal, my heart goes out to you! Try to focus on what you can change:) Good luck on your next one, I'm sure you'll be ok, your scores keep going up:)

We have taken MANY Hesi's as well ;OB/peds, pharm. fundamentals, V2, etc..... The material on the exams really isnt what you cover in class, its more application of what you have learned. There are a lot of questions about "What is the best intervention, or what would you do first" in many scenarios. ABC's, Maslows, etc... If you know there is one comng up like OB for example review the material you have learned "the facts" and think about how to apply it. I didnt buy and HESI study book, infact I didnt even know they existed until I read this thread, but thats how I prepared for them and I was way above the required 850/900 mark. Good luck:)

I'm getting ready to graduate in 4 weeks and I still feel like it's a huge juggling act! I found for me schedules worked really well, I scheduled study time and everything in between. Nursing school takes a lot of time and immense dedication because of the demands not only of the program but life. Cutting out all the extras is what got me through financially. I went out to eat twice a month, got my hair done like 4 times in the last 2 years and I kept my eyes open for cheap entertainment when I actually had/have the time to so something else besides study. My whole life changed when I started the program, everything was centered around school first. The demands of clinicals, lab, classroom hours, work, kids and everything else can be overwhelming but you just do it, you suck it up and keep your eye on the prize. I'm almost done and looking back on all work it's so worth it. Find a routine that works for you and go with it and take it as it comes. Good luck and congrats on making it this far:up:

I am 4 weeks from graduation and I feel the same way. I'm scared I dont know enough to be an effective nurse and that I may not know what to do in a particular situation. I have worked my rear off , just like you getting great grades and being at the top of my class. There are some skills I have only practiced in the lab and not in a clinical setting. It's overwhelming to realize that in a few short weeks my life as a nurse begins. All the "what if's" can drive you crazy if you let them. My best advice is to realize how far you have come, have confidence in yourself and your intelligence. Focus on what you do know, and take it as it comes. I have had conversations with my instructors about feeling this way and they tell me that it is a good sign, it means I care about being a good nurse and that they would be worried if I wasnt nervous. So I'm passing that on to you. Your not alone just about everyone I go to school with says they feel unprepared. I suppose after the fundamentals are learned the rest comes with experience. Good Luck:up:

So maybe it's kinda cheesy but we "my class" are looking for ideas or websites for gifts we could present to our instructors. I am on the planning comittee for our class pinning and our nursing instructors have really gone above and beyond (I suppose lots of people feel that way), we would like to do something special for them. Any ideas are very welcome, and much appreciated! Please help. Also if you have any ideas for a pinning ceremony that would be wonderful as well. Truthfully trying to finish this last term and plan pinning is VERY overwhelming! Thank you!!!!!