JennJillO

IV starts can be an art form. Keep in mind not all angiocaths are the same. You've only had a few attempts at IV starts... We all have been there and it takes time. I still miss veins sometimes, all nurses do. It's more about confidence. You have to tell yourself "I've got this. That vein is not going to get me". It's the lack of confidence that. Makes you miss. We all have off days! It's ok... Just practice. I like teaching people to practice ivs on me so I can critique and give suggestions. When you're in clinical, ask one if your preceptors to watch you and allow them to give you suggestions. Usually when you go next tons vein, it wasn't anchored properly. Sometimes you can't advance and need to pull back a little and float in in with a flush. Also, maybe ask if you can spend several hours in ER where a ton of iv starts happen so you can practice. One last note, you need to make sure you have the right size iv for the size if the vein . Sometimes the iv is just too big. Hope this helps and remember every nurse has been there. If they say they are perfect, they're lying. Lol. Good luck and just be confident!

I'm an RN, ADN working in my BSN. I was an LVN for 7 yeas and certified as a CNA and EMT. Most hospitals are looking for a minimum of a BSN. Unless you live in Texas. The only way you will find a job as an ADN is if you already work in the hospital and they grandfather you in to their new grad program. I always suggest whatever program you are in to get a job at the hospital wether it be as a CNA, ward clerk, EMT etc asap. many schools frown upon working and going to school but unless they are going to pay my bills, the reality is, its a must. I have friends that I graduated with, who will be amazing nurses, but are still looking for an ADN job almost 2 years later. If you can avoid the ADN program, I would. Now, for science classes, what I did was take my A&P and Micro through National University. If took me 6 months for those classes instead of years. It was expensive but well worth it. My friends who didn't listen to the working while in school part are the ones without jobs! I hope this info helps! Best of luck to you! You're still young and waiting the 6 years for something you want isn't really all that long. It's crucial to have some life experience to make a good nurse. : )

First of all, good luck to you. It's all possible! I was an LVN for 7 years, now an RN and working in my BSN. I tell people, if I can do it, you can do it. I started my Bridge program with a 6 month old baby, working nights full time, going to school full time and dealing with a terminally-ill mother-in-law. I still pulled straight Bs. Could've had As but just too much going on. You end up "just doing it". You do what you can do. I didn't sleep much, often times going to clinical with 30 minutes sleep prior. I'm a safe nurse just so you know. It's 2-1/2 semesters, anything is possible. I brought my notes everywhere with me. Try to eat a nutritious diet and try to sleep. Study but don't over study. Take breaks and do some fun things for yourself. Like unsaid if I could do it, anyone can. : )

I was an LVN for 7 years and then obtained my RN a year and a half ago. Although imam grateful for the experience I received, if I could go back, I would've gone straight for my RN, BSN. I was very fortunate to have always had a job in the hospital. I never wired in a nursing home. But the trends right now involves no LVNs in the hospitals. Then with RN programs, do not do an ADN program. Again, most jobs out there are BSN and above. I still have friends that I graduated with that cannot find jobs. If you're ok with potentially working in a nursing home, than LVN/LPN is ok. It's not as easy as everyone thinks to get in to a Bridge program. Not to mention, had to retake classes because the RN program wouldn't accept certain classes. So, in the long run, it's not a shorter path. I loved my work as an LVN but just wish I had 8-1/2 years of RN experience instead. Good luck to you!

Flashcards help for sure but memorize the suffix of the name. For example typically... all your "pam"s (diazepam, alprazolam) are anti anxiety/sedating medications such as valium and ativan. There are "olol"s which are beta blockers/BP meds (atenolol, betalol). "pril"s - lisinopril - ACE inhibitors/BP meds, etc. Memorizing that part will help you significantly!

Pre-Req's depend on the individual school... most include Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Psych 101, Soc 101, Math 060. Some require Chemistry and Life Span Development. Just an FYI guys, a lot of LA hospitals are now only hiring BSNs! Uggh...

Our scope of practice is very limited with regard to taking care of post anesthesia patients! (I'm an LVN too). We can't assess them, we can't give them IV meds, we usually need to be ACLS certified and certification of ACLS with an LVN doesn't allow you to do much. Therefore, we really are useless in that scenario. I worked for a surgery center for awhile and after I completed the pre-op for that day, I'd help in PACU but what it was, was "collecting data". I'd collect vital signs, help fill out d/c paperwork. I could only assist with the patients who were under MAC (Monitored Anesthesia Care aka Twilight). If they received General Anesthesia, couldn't go near em in a sense. Hope that helps!

The Scripps system!!!! Loved Scripps Mercy!

I haven't heard of any new laws that have passed stating cancellation of the LVN to RN bridge program. However, many programs are being cut. Also, a lot of schools, for some, reason prefer to teach new RN's staight from the begining. I am in an LVN-RN Bridge program as we speak. I got in pretty quickly but that's due to the hospital I work for has a grant with the school. Many of my friends have had to wait quite awhile to get in. Also, more requirements are being established to even apply to the program. Yes, ALL of your prerequisutes must be completed prior to applying. You also have to take what's called a TEAS exam. Your science classes must be withing 7 years of applying otherwise, you need to retake the science classes. Most schools, not all, require Chem, A&P, Micro, Sociology 101, LIfe Span Development, certain math classes etc to apply. It's best to truck through all of your gen ed then apply, taking science last so it doesn't expire while you wait. I have mixed emotions on my career path. Part of me wishes I just went for my RN vs LVN to RN. But then again, I think I will be a much stronger RN because of the experience! Don't quit, you've put too much time and effort in to it. There are some schools that might be easier to get in to such as Antelope Valley College. Be careful with any online courses that promise LVN to BSN such as The COllege Network. Beware of private schools. You must make sure if you choose that route that the classes you are taking are "regionally accredited" not nationally accredited. Only regionally accredited classes will transfer to state schools and CC's. The nationally accredited schools will only intratransfer so therefore, you'll only be able to go to places like University of Phoenix or National University (National is actually both regional and national). Good luck. Be sure to check the BRN website to see which schools are accredited and are in good standing.

Oh, one more thing.... try to go to a reputable school. Stay away from the on-line courses like The College Network (big time scam!!!!). I found out the hard way!

Hi there! First of all congrats on almost finishing! Be very proud of yourself. As for myself, I am starting the LVN-Rn Bridge in a couple of weeks here in So Cal (LA). First and foremost, most schools here require 6 months of work experience as an LVN to enter the bridge and cannot apply until this and all pre-reqs are done (nothing can be "in progress"). Most schools do have a relatively short wait list but it really depends on how well their students are doing in the generic RN program. I mean by this, most schools do not cater to or have a specific LVN to RN program. We take a semester of a Bridge course and then have to wait to see if a student fails or drops out before a seat opens in the 3rd semester of the generic program. At that point we are integrated into the generic program. Be careful cuz each school has very different pre-reqs and application deadlines. Most I found to accept aps twice a year with the exception of Antelope Valley, they take aps and start classes year round. COC, accepts aps twice a year but only offers the Bridge Program in the Spring once a year, and only if they have enough qualified applicants. Some schoold require Chem, Soc, LifeSpan Development where others do not. I started the application process last year this time. I applied at COC, Pasadena and Antelope Valley. There is a new entrance exam to be taken called the TEAS that must be done. I was accepted in to all 3 but had to declined due my getting pregnant. I reapplied only to COC (I failed to mention, I got accepted but they stated I had to reapply for Spring since the BRidge wouldn't be offered for Fall) in the Fall for Spring. I got accepted. I now start in 2 weeks. COC told me that I will continue all the way through - enter 3rd semester in Fall of 2010. However, there are many cases that although you get accepted in to the Bridge portion, people had to wait a semester or 2 before they entered the 3rd semester (again having to wait for a previous student to either fail or drop out). I hope this info helps! If you have any questions, please let me know! Good luck and again Congrats!!! P.S. I am glad I've been a LVN for the past 6 years. However, getting in to the Bridge isn't as easy as everyone tells you when you sign up for the LVN program. Remain positive, get your experience and you'll do well!!!! : )