greenclover

I recently got my license as an LNA and applied to a local hospital to be an LNA. The recruiter called to tell me that the position was filled but that they wanted to consider me as a PCT on the CCU stepdown unit during 3rd shift. I am really excited about this opportunity and am interviewing this week. What kinds of questions might I be asked? What is the work like for a PCT on this type of unit? If you are a director of nursing and/or in managment, what would you be looking for in a candidate for this job?

I have signed up with a nationally known agency to be placed in various jobs. I am an LNA. My first contact was with the recruiter who seems quite nice and straightforward. I went in earlier this week for orientation. The HR person comes in and is pleasant. Ok, fine. Then the director/RN comes in and tells the group that "I am the person you see when you mess up" and proceeds to vent for several minutes about several LNAs who have simply not shown up for the shifts/properly call in. While I can certainly understand her frustration, I thought the tirade to be rather odd. There was nothing remotely positive or welcoming in her tone. Yesterday I went in for the remainder of orientation. I showed up on time and waited 20 minutes to be seen. As I waited, I saw the other RN pull one of the recruiters into her office and loudly saying to her, "I am very upset..." before closing the door and having a heated conversation. Now granted..maybe the recruiter messed up..but there just seems to be a pattern of ugliness and negativity here...am I setting myself up for failure???

Honey, I wish I could. There is one other LPN program that is 18 months and requires you to jump through a million hoops. The 2 year program does not.

I am coming here because I hope that I might be able to get some guidance. I am a 30something single mother to two young girls. I recently completed my LNA certification and have yet to find even a per diem job. It seems that everyone-nursing homes, hospitals and agencies-wants experience. I have opened up my job search to include working as a pharmacy tech at Rite Aid(I figure that the position is in the healthcare). At this point I am looking at two career paths. The first would be nursing. I like medicine and promoting healthy living. I was thinking of beginning an LPN course in Fall 2010(RN has a 2-3 year wait list so forget it). The course I will enter is 2 years(summers off) and is an hour's drive from my house. I would not be able to go to school, work and take care of the kids. I just don't see how it could happen. I know that I would qualify for grants, but would they be enough to support my kids and I while I am in school? Could I get student loans as well? I am also hesitant because it seems that no new grads can find a job these days. LNAs or LPNs, that is. Maybe RNs are in a better place? Also, few nurses here appear to be happy with their chosen profession. It seems like everyone is afraid of being sued, overworked, screwed over, fighting with management.... On the flip side, being a 30something single mom, I know that I won't be the only one of my species in nursing school, kwim? Unlike my other career path which is.... Pharmacy school. A program in my area requires 57 credits of various classes but not a BA/BS. I could earn most of those credits online(within 2 years) and then start the accelerated PharmD program(34 months). I know I could make good money as a pharmacist but, again, are those jobs plentiful? And will I find camraderie in my class? Most pharmacists I know are male and tend to be younger... What should I do?

Thanks Caroladybell-but what about not meeting the family prior to the case assignment? It is a job where I would accompany the father in his van one state away to the son's school(to pick him up for the weekend), help him pick the son up and then spend Sat/Sun with the family, accompanying the father/son back to his school on Sunday afternoon. I mean, I would not enter the car of a stranger, so why should I do that here?

licensed nursing assistant. now can someone tell me if i am being too paranoid with my concerns?

I am working with a local staffing agency. I am an LNA but ,due to financial issues, would take on a PCA case if offered. I found an ad which stated "pediatric case" in ABC City(only a few miles from my house). I submitted my resume and the recruiter called me back. It turns out that the client is 18 years old. I feel that "pediatric" was a bit misleading but let that go. The recruiter and I talked. I guess the way they do things is they(the staffing agency) interviews you first and then they send you off to the job. I am working with another agency and they actually have you meet with the family before you accept the position. I am trying to be open in my new career path but want to be street smart,too. Any input here?

Facebook is Devil's work....just wanted to put that out there.

I am looking to work for a staffing agency. As a new LNA, how much can I expect to earn per hour?