Dresdenchick

We have the critical elements highlighted, they are the skills that you CAN'T miss. It's a good way to know which ones you can't forget.

In my STNA class today we had a guy come in and talk to us about continuing education and he mentioned that all the hospitals in our area are planning on getting magnet status. From what he said it sounds like in order to work in these hospitals you will have to have your BSN or MSN, is this true? I am currently debating between an LPN program or an RN program but it's not a BSN program. Does this mean that I will have to get my BSN in order to work at a local hospital? I don't really have the financial aid to go for a bachelor's degree so I really don't know what to do here. Anyone have any information about the magnet status? Anyone having problems finding jobs because of it?

I won't be able to take the test for two weeks. Do you think that they will be interested in holding out for me? I know the are hiring a lot of people so it's possible.

I am just finishing up my STNA certification class. I did update my resume on Career Builder even though I won't be able to take the state test for a couple of weeks. I didn't expect anything to come of it, but today I got a call from the place I did my clinicals at and was planning on applying to, they found my resume! I don't know what to do know. Should I call and tell them I am not tested yet, but will be in a couple of weeks? Should I just not call back and wait to put in my resume when I am tested? Not really sure what I should do here, never been in this situation before.

I have to agree that I would inform the school that you were flagged by the employer, just so that nothing unfortunate pops up at a bad time. I wouldn't stress over it too much, red flagging is more for human resources to know you aren't a good candidate for a position than it is for anything else.

Just because they have you on their list doesn't mean you will be on the list for the school. As far as I know the facilities don't do background checks on the students, that is the school's job. At least where I live you have to go through a background check and drug test to be accepted into the program, so if you are clean for those and get accepted I doubt there will be a problem. When you are doing clinicals you aren't working for the facility, you are working for the school. Hope that helps and good luck!

Unfortunately real world experience doesn't mean a whole lot in the academic world. I have never seen a program that took experience and used it as a criteria. One of the RN programs in my area has very few requirements but it is common knowledge that you need to have taken both A&P classes, all the basic classes, and have nearly a 4.0 GPA to even be considered due to the programs popularity. Yes it sucks, but it's just the way that academics work. I have always had a problem with the 4.0 GPA requirement because you can be really good at school but be a terrible nurse. I know a lot of people who can ace any class they are in but should not go anywhere near patients due to their lack of people skills and common sense.

Don't give up. A lot of times programs will not require something but will give preferential treatment to people who have that extra leg up, especially if it's a program that gets a lot of applications. My advice would be if you have to wait to apply to the program again, go ahead and take the biology class. Also, look at what other classes aren't specific to the program that you can take before hand. It will show that you are dedicated and are willing to make that extra effort to get a head start on the program. Also, look into other programs in the area you are in, with tons of people applying to programs these days anything you can do to get ahead of the pack is a plus. It's not fair and really not ethical, but it's unfortunately the way these things work. All I can say is don't give up, if this is something you really want to do keep plugging away at it.

I am getting ready to take my nurse assistant test in Ohio. I am not worried about the written part, but I am worried about the practical exam. I am afraid I am going to forget something from one of my skills and that will make me fail. Anyone have any study tips or hints for me going into the test? Any advice or experienced-based tips would be greatly appreciated!

I am perfectly fine with LTC. I figured that was where I would end up as an LPN anyway. Since most hospitals around here don't hire LPNs anymore assisted living and nursing homes are the way I will have to go. I keep seeing thread after thread about people not finding jobs, so I just wanted to know if this is the norm or if it is a real serious trend. I keep hearing about the severe nursing shortage but I don't seem to see it in reality. I guess all I can do is keep my hopes up and hope that by the time I graduate the economy is better.

I am starting an LPN program in July here in Ohio. I have been really excited about it because I have always wanted to be a nurse. Since so many of the RN programs have waiting lists I decided to get my LPN then bridge over to RN if that is what I decide to do. However, I have been looking at post after post about lack of jobs and being unable to work that I am getting really worried. I really don't want to waste 18 months of my life for something that will lead me to nowhere. I looked into medical assisting but decided against it, no I am not so sure. I am currently working on my STNA certification so that I work while in school, will this help me in the long run? I know the economy is bad, I have been unemployed since February. I guess I just want to know if it is really worth it or if I should just start looking into other areas instead.

I am a night person, I usually stay up all night and sleep all day anyway, that's why I would prefer nights. Also it means that I can go to school during the day.

I am starting to look for work as a CNA and I am really hoping to get a 3rd shift position. I was wondering if anyone had any information or advice for someone going into 3rd shift. I don't really know what it's like working 3rds as a CNA (I know about 1st and 2nd from clinicals). Also, what is a good shift to start on? I know in a lot of areas 1st shift is coveted and it's hard to get hired for that shift. Is that the same for CNA work? I really don't want 1st shift but I am curious.