phoenix14232

It just makes me want to PUKE thinking that I could possibly kill someone...but then again, I know that I'm going to make a great nurse. When I was working in Waterloo as a CNA we had a CMA make a huge med error--and gave a resident who was basicly independent, an antipsychotic and some kind of sleeping pill. The error resulted in a fall and a head injury. I don't remember what happened (if anything) to the CMA...but that still sticks with me. The family was...well...really upset, to say the least.

idk...I think RN covers most if not all the the prerequisites I would need for PA school...and It always gives me something to fall back on. Hmm...i'm going to need a bachelor's in SOMETHING anyways...I don't know. lol

Thank you everyone for your help! I just found out that there is a PA program at DMU here in Iowa. I'm excited!

Hello everyone, I'm starting LPN school in a couple weeks and am really excited about it!! I've been a CNA for about 7 years, so I'm familiar with the setting, but I'm also very nervous. The thing that worries me the most is med errors. I'm so worried that I'm going to get someone's medications mixed up or forget to give them. How do you remember who gets what when? And can't you lose your job if you mess up? Maybe this is a stupid worry, but its making me dread school.

thank you Laura!! That's what I wanted to know! I've read a ton of old posts, trying the best I can to filter through all the back and forth banter...and I'm almost 100% positive I want to be a PA. NP is a wonderful job I'm sure, but I know quite a few PA's..and I think it is the right choice for me. The reason that I am going through with the nursing is because its just the first step into a higher education. I don't qualify for other colleges right now (due to financial reasons) and Job corp's LPN program is free to me. I know that it is going to be a major struggle financially, so I chose the nursing path because I can earn higher pay while I progress (ie: LPN-RN or RN-BSN) and if will help me take care of finances instead of just going straight through a 4-yr. BS or pre-med degree. I know its confusing, and a lot of people think that its stupid to do it that way, but I WANT to be a PA, and I need a healthy, steady income as well while I am in school. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

ok, so what about the medical background that a lot of the programs have as a prerequisite to the program? nursing is listed as one.

I don't understand why it would be frowned upon to have nursing experience and want to become a PA. We're all working with patients, and nursing education allows for a lot of the required prerequisites. Oh, and every time I search this topic its just MORE people arguing over NP or PA blah blah blah. We're all in this together. Nurse practitioner or physician assistant.:monkeydance:

hello! i am starting lpn school at job corp in a couple weeks, and have recently decided that a career as a pa is something that would bring me a great amount of joy. i've been a cna for 7 years, and enjoy the work, but would like to get into diagnosis and actual treatment. i would love more responsibility, but still don't mind working with someone supervising me once in a while. my question is, what schools out there offer the pa program? what are the prerequisites? and can i become a pa if i only have my adn? or does it require a bsn? since job corp is free to me, and it only offers the lpn program, i'm going to take what i can get and use it as a stepping stone. would you recommend going for the bsn after the lpn, or going to adn, then bsn? i'm so confused!! help!

UGH! I'm so sorry that you have to go through that! I've been through those before...and believe me, I feel your pain. My mom is actually the hiring manager for her HR department (Though she's not a nurse) and she's always willing to give me advice on the interview process--she's NEVER been wrong!! The first thing she always tells me is to look nice. NO JEANS or tennis shoes!!!!!!!!! I know you probably know this, and i'm not trying to insult your intelligence (believe me) but no matter what the other people look like, my mother says she will NOT hire someone wearing jeans. She says its a sign that the person either doesnt care, doesn't take themselves, or their potential job seriously. The other thing is, she says if the question is "mostly" true, mark it true. They're using the "personality test" as I guide to good interview questions. Try to remember your answers so when they ask them you can explain yourself smoothly and decisively. though you may not be anyone's supervisor, they want to hire someone who is confident, firm in their ethics, and knows how to handle themselves, so being confident is VERY important! Like if they ask you "Have you ever made a mistake?" and you check "yes" be sure to explain what you've learned from it. EVERY MISTAKE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW!! Sorry for the cliches...and I don't know how this turned into a "how-to" manual for interviews, as i'm sure you know what you're doing. I wish you luck, and hope that i was helpful!! :)

"If you have your associates degree you could do an online RN-BSN program in 3 semesters." Really? I've always wanted to be a nurse practitioner and work in either hospice or women's health. I'm starting the LPN program in 2 weeks. I would rather do ADN but the school I'm going to doesn't offer it (and my LPN will be free) so I'll use LPN as a stepping stone. I've been trying to figure out how to go about getting my NP license. Finances are a major issue for me...so, I was thinking about doing LPN, then RN (ADN), then BSN, then NP. Would you do it a different way? Is there a shorter route? Or am I just crazy? lol I'M SO CONFUSED! LOL

That is rediculous. I have lived in Iowa for 22 years, and have MANY family members and friends who have been LPN's and RN's for a long time. Sure, To someone who is so used to living with inflation, $19/hr. doesn't seem like a lot, but here, where cost of living is so much lower, it is a reasonable wage for an LPN fresh out of school. In the Des Moines Metro area, you can find a 3br. 2.5 ba. Condo (brand new build) with a 2 stall garage, gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings, granite and stainless steel in the kitchen, hardwood flooring, etc. for $160,000. If you can settle for something built in the last 10 years, the price drops to $100,000. To me, seeing little one bedroom shacks in california listed for $550,000 is OUTRAGEOUS! For 550,000 HERE you get a palace! we're also close to so many things--adventurland, the botanical gardens, camping, fishing, museums, the capitol is here, and we have a thriving downtown district with wonderful night life. The RN's around here (associates) average about $62,000/yr...and thats for in-home care. It all depends on what you decide you like. We have a HUGE demand for nurses...to the point were a lot of facilities and institutions are turning to staffing agencies to cure the problem--but all it does is cost them MORE money. What a vicious cycle! This is getting so long, but in closing, I have to say that it all has to do with COST OF LIVING in the place where you're looking for a job. If you go to www.city-data.com, you can search just about any city in the united states, and it tells you everything...pop., crime rates, average income, cost of living index, median home price, etc. and even has people who do or have lived there commenting on questions. Amazing site for anyone thinking about relocating. GOOD LUCK!

well, I've lived in Iowa my entire life, and have worked 7 years as a CNA. I begin LPN school in a couple weeks and am very excited...though not about the wages! I used to live in the Waterloo/CF area, and recently moved to the Des Moines area. Depending on the type of work you do, LPN's generally make between 15-20/hr. An agency I worked for said that they pay their LPN's 19...and another said 24. So, you have to figure that non-agency work is going to be a couple dollars less an hour. Like I said, it all depends on what you're willing to do. I'm using LPN as a stepping stone to my RN...so, hopefully I won't be just an LPN for long. GOOD LUCK! :tinkbll: