kkluczynski

thanks for the info

re: Would I recommend Excelsior...So far I think the only thing i find is difficult is the self motivating part of it. Its all on you and there isn't anyone to guide you. So other than that I'd say its working out so far.

Thanks to all who replied, I really appreciate it! Helps make me feel better..

I'm currently working on the LPN to RN program through Excelsior as well. How do you feel about the program? Do you feel you're prepared? I'm so worried about this because I'm not sure what to expect in the end..tell me more about your experience. Have you done any hands on clinical things? What exactly is the Cpne..I'm only about 3 classes in so any information would be great.

:) Hello..Ok so I'm doing online schooling to obtain my RN, I've been working as an LPN for 3 years. I'm terrified that in the end when I start a new job as an RN that the skills I currently have won't be enough. I'm not suggesting that LPN's or myself are incompetent by any means..I personally am just worried that I won't remember things that are basic or things I learned before that maybe I don't use on a regular basis now..don't use it lose it type thing. Sorry if this sounds crazy..basically I was wondering if any RN's out there or others who have went through the transition can offer any guidance or advice. Appreciated in advance.

Ok, so I am an LPN currently working on getting my RN through an online program. I currently work in LTC on the skilled unit, I have been there for 2.5years. I know nothing about homecare and have always been kind of scared of the idea of being out there alone with no co workers around to help if necessary. Recently I have considered the idea because of flexible scheduling. Im considering having a baby and working 2nd shift wouldn't be convenient. So my questions include: how does home healthcare work, what would my duties be, how do I work around the hours that would be convenient for myself and family, the pay is it more or less vs. LTC, how does charting and orders from the doc work, and any other information that would be helpful. I appreciate any input, Im torn between wether or not to stay where I am at or to move on. Thanks in advance

The sponge wasn't sutured into the wound it covered the sutures helping remove excess drainage.

We had a lady recently where I work who had a vac placed over a hip replacement incision. I never had seen it either until then but I was told that its something surgeons are doing now in order to speed up the healing. It did work well and the incision healed nicely.

little old lady= LOL

LTC nurses are nurses, that statement is just crazy. I work in LTC/rehab and I enjoy it for the most part. Sometimes you get those LOL who are on a rampage like last night I got hit in the jaw by a LOL receiving a haldol injection, she wasn't very happy to say the least. But overall I find that everyone needs nursing care whether it be the young or old, nursing home or hospital.

Thanks that makes us feel good!!!

Got an order from the doc the other day it reads " please do not disturb this resident between the hours of 11pm and 8am, these are her normal sleeping times at home. also serve a glass of warm milk at night." Really? This resident has a personal alarm, is unsteady at times and confused, but he wants us to leave her alone...hmm.....

Ok so last night went better. He showed up about a half hour into my shift and all I could think was why? why did he have to come in the start of the shift, what a way to start. So he didn't say anything right away. He came to the desk and asked if the dietician spoke to his wife about her food preferences, because he was paying for a meal and it should be what she likes to eat. I told him yes they came down and talked with her about her likes and dislikes, he said well my wife said no, they didn't come. So I called the kitchen and found out for sure that they did. He said thanks katie for checking on it. WHAT? I thought to myself he said thanks to me. Well the rest of the time he was there was pretty quiet suprisingly. But he still wont acknowledge me as a nurse, he calls me by name, which isn't bad, better than the other night, I'll take what I can get. I don't know if managment spoke to him or not. No one said much to me about it yesterday at work except the admissions lady, she said sorry to hear you had a bad night. So I guess everything is ok now, at least so far. I still was feeling a little nervous around him, its like walking on eggshells, because I know the wrath I will have to face if something happens to his wife, like a fall or something. Once again thank you all for your kind and encouraging words. I really appreciate the support here at AN. Katie

Thanks everyone...Im starting to feel a little better. I appreciate the support. Im leaving for work in about an hour so I'll keep everyone updated on how tonight goes. Hopefully better. Thanks again

Thanks, I appreciate your encouraging words, really I do.

Hello everyone at AN, this is going to be a slight venting session. I will apologize in advance if it becomes a little long... I am a LPN, graduated last March and I've been working at the same facility since June 08. Well let me just set up the scenario for you all. Last night at work I had an ugly and unfortunate run in with a residents husband. Now this resident is a new admission as of yesterday she has only been there for 1 day. He came into visit, his wife did not have oxygen on and he proceded to go to the desk and ask the STNA's why wasn't it on. The STNA directed him to me, I explained the order I have is for O2 at HS. He said " where did you get that order? thats not right I GAVE THE ORDERS TO THE HOSPITAL!!!" (he has a phD, but is NOT an MD) Well he then walked away, but only for a short time before he came back to attack me again.... So he comes back to the desk, I'm trying to chart. He says "You're the nurse?" I replied "Yes" He said "Well you can't be youre not an RN, LPNs aren't nurses and when I signed my contract here I was told there was always an RN here." Needless to say we got into an argument that I have never encountered with anyone let alone a family member. He kept going on and on about how I'm not a nurse, but his daughter is a RN, I said good for her and congratulations!!! He was disrespectful to myself and my aides. He told my aides they didn't know anything, were they just a bunch of highschool students etc..and the list of name calling continues. I was so upset in the midst of the argument I told him I don't appreciate the way he was speaking to me and I walked away. I could feel my face steaming hot, I was shaking, my heart was beating in my ears, UGH I was so mad. Mad because I know I do my best at my job and I am a good nurse. Mad because I'm not like that with family members, what happened to my customer service skills, Im supposed to be so helpful....Mad because Ive never been so disrespected or verbally attacked, especially in the middle of my unit. Mad because I know Im not an RN but I don't need someone to repeatedly remind me of my short commings by yelling at me and enforcing the ramblings that YOURE NOT A NURSE YOURE NOT AN RN YOURE NOT A NURSE. So after being so mad and the situation kept running through my head, of course I cried. I cried myself to sleep last night and I'm crying now. Even though so many residents and family members have said they appreciate me and the other staff, I'm so nice and go the extra mile to assist in any way, I still felt like nothing..just an LPN. I'm sure tonight will be tense. He will be there again and I'll probably have to speak to management because of the statements the STNAs and I wrote. But I will be as strong as I can, I will not let him see me break down from the effects of his rudeness. So to everyone out there who has a lesser respect for LPNs remember we are nurses too. We took our state boards, we went to school, maybe not as long, but we busted our butts studying and learning as much as possible to be the best nurse we could be. I have respect for RNs and someday maybe I'll get there but for now I'm just an LPN.... Katie

I work LTC..usually in my pockets pens scissors highlighter change keys to my cart alcohol wipes

Wow thats a lot of questions... well I graduated March 08 took my nclex April 08 got my first job May 08. I remember taking the nclex, I was terribly nervous, every fear and emotion going through me at once. It was very scary but I survived and passed. I have 2 children, i wasn't married at the time but got married shortly after I graduated. I took an 18 month LPN program in the evening, i enjoyed the classes they were all nursing focused. Best thing about nursing school was I knew at the end I'd have a good career. The worst thing about it was staying up late to study even though I was extremely tired with 2 kids and working in the daytime. I have not returned to school to further my education....yet. Ive only had one job since I graduated at a LTC facility, I still work at the same facility but on a skilled unit. I work 2nd shift, advantages I don't have to get up very early and I can get my kids on the school bus and I don't have to deal with upper management too much at work! Disadvantages, sometimes I'd like to be on 1st shift just to get the day over and go home with my family. The average salary in my area is 25-35,000 for new grads rough estimate. Most satisfying part of my job is knowing that I've helped in some way with a patient/residents care and they will be going home soon. I would encourage my kids if they were interested in nursing, even though they are both boys and would probably more likely choose a superhero at this point, lol. If I could do it over I wouldve stayed at the university I attended initially when I first considered nursing, but I just had my first child at the time and my focus wasn't in school, I wouldve got my RN. But Im happy with my accomplishment now, Im a nurse regardless of the letters that follow my name, someday I might go back to school for that precious RN title, but for now Im happy where I'm at. Good luck to you...

Feeling like you are making a difference in a patient/resident because of your care. I had a residents wife make me potholders because she said I'm so nice and helpful. Awww, wasn't that sweet.. made me feel like Im really doing something at work even if its just fulfilling a small request or educating the patient and family.

Happydrunkcat: How do you like that program? I considered doing that myself but was nervous about doing it online and ive never heard of this college. Did you go through Rue Education? I would appreciate some more information from you if you don't mind. Thanks alot, Katie

Geez. Becoming an LPN is a huge accomplishment. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

I went to school full time at night, worked during the day and my kids were 18months and 5 at the time. thank goodness for my husband because he was with them at night and picked them up from daycare/school. I came home at about 10pm and would study until i couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. i did well in school just kept organized and found a good way for me to study and remember the information with having to memorize to much. looking back now it wasn't too bad but during i didn't think NS was ever going to end but i got through it so can you.

I graduated march 2008 took the NCLEX-PN mid april. I got my results within 2 days online and all my paperwork with license etc in the mail I think by the end of april started my first job june 1.

nurses that don't know what they are doing...literally. i work with this nurse who had a resident pull out their g tube and she had to put it back in, fine but then i noticed her looking in a med reference book. she said i forgot how to verify the placement??? huh?? don't you check placement everytime you give meds or flush? are you kidding??? i said use an air bolus and listen for the "swoosh" she said i did that, oh wait i forgot to listen?

im in ohio, a lpn and we had an iv cerification class during school. we don't take blood but can start and manage peripheral iv's.