Danika

On a piece of paper (for each disease/problem/etc) write out the following: Problem/issue (example low respiratory rate) What causes it What are the signs and symptoms of having a low respiratory rate (normal range is 12 to 20 per minute) What can be done to fix/improve low respiratory rates? (give oxygen? sit them up so breathing is easier? Give medications?) MOST IMPORTANTLY.....when you ask each one of these questions (as you are writing out your notes)...always give your reason for why it makes sense. You'll understand it instead of just memorizing it. Hope this helps!

You are correct in your assessment of the current job outlook for LPN's in the U.S. There might be a demand for them in some areas, but based on personal and anecdotal evidence I think it is unwise to think that you'd be given a job as a LPN....especially when you consider that your potential employer will have to jump through some hoops with Visa's/permits. I completely understand that you don't want to work in an office and just feel like a warm body shuffling papers. You mentioned that you have not had any science classes but that you want to help others. Before you consider nursing, take a few science classes (biology 1 and 2, anatomy and physiology 1 and 2, and microbiology). If these classes are too challenging or you don't have an interest in them, I would absolutely encourage you to take a look at social work. The pay is less and the job demand is lower, but you'd be doing something you would feel good about. I promise you that nursing is NOT all about "caring"....if you don't understand or like the science side of nursing (which is a huge part of it)....you are NOT going to be happy with nursing. I hope this helps. I am not familiar with the program you mentioned...these are just my biased opinions.

I took a rather unusual route (due to really crazy circumstances). I am a LPN but I am now in my final semester of my RN program. I sat for the NCLEX-PN because I had already finished all but the last semester of my RN program. I could not find a job as a LPN to save my life. The bridge programs in my area wanted 1,000 hours of experience working as a LPN. Kinda hard to get the experience without a job lol. So just a week ago I traveled across the country to the state where I originally attended nursing school and I'm doing my final semester. It's costing an arm and a leg, but it's worth it. I know I'll be able to get a job as a RN. My home state allows CNA's to take a six week course that allows them to pass meds. So basically LPN's are obsolete....they just make the RN's work harder lol. Here's another thought..... If you are considering working as a LPN to get experience so that you'll have a relatively easier time in your RN program (or just have a leg up on clinical stuff)....I wouldn't bother. There's the academic way of doing things and the real world way of doing things. You could find yourself thinking that something should be done one way because that's how you did it at your job as a LPN, only to find that it's a big fat no-no at school or whatever. Get the pre-reqs, get into the RN program, graduate...live long and prosper. LOL. Good luck!