McConnell

Wow, that's good news. I wasn't sure if I could apply for initial licensure in Ohio if I went to school in Kentucky. I would love to work in Kentucky because it would be closer and for tax purposes, but just looking at job postings, there seem to be more LPN opportunities in Ohio.

Hi Vince, Sorry about your troubles. I think it sounds discriminatory as well. You may want to look into it. If you were competent to get through your CNA training and get certified, there shouldn't be an issue with your health. Have you thought about having a doctor give you documentation of a passed physical? Not that it is any of an employer's business, but it's a thought. In my opinion, employers are just being picky now because they can be. With so many people looking for jobs, they finally have the luxury of really hiring who they think to be the cream of the crop. Whether that turns out to be true or not, is on them. One sector that always seems to be hiring and pays well (as well as or better than LTC, from my experience) is working with people with developmental disabilities. Your CNA will help you, but you may not be working as a "CNA". Some places will give you documentation to submit to keep your license current even though you are not working under that title. Again, just a thought. About working while you're in school: I am starting an LPN program in October, and it has pretty much been pounded into my head that working and going to school is a terrible idea. This isn't an issue for me, as I am not working before school and don't plan on working during it. I had my CPR class today, and a girl who was in it is going to school there and has to work too. She said she cries a lot... suffice it to say I am thanking my lucky stars I can just focus on school.

Two questions for Beckfield Grads: 1. I just read about the 120hr internship you're supposed to do after your NCLEX-PN but before permanent licensure... How does that work and does Beckfield help you find a place to do it? 2. Being so close to Cincinnati, how does licensure work if you find a job in Ohio? Any insight/info is appreciated!!!

I start the LPN program in October. I was at Beckfield Spring quarter in the medical assisting program because at the time, I didn't have the money for nursing (I'm paying a significant amount out of pocket). I really like Beckfield, but it is expensive. Right now their NCLEX-PN pass rate is 100%, so I am hoping I will get what I am paying for. Having been in the medical field for nearly all of my professional life, I agree with other posts that it takes a very tough skin to deal with co-workers. It's an emotional job. People take it home with them, and they also bring home to work. If you care enough to be a good nurse, it is often hard to "turn off" everything you care about at any given time. I think the hardest thing for me (other than math ) will be keeping to myself so that I don't get involved in drama. I am a people person and I love talking to people and learning from them. I really feel though, especially after reading some of this, that privacy will be the best policy. I am an honest, open person, and I don't feel I have anything to hide but I think I am definitely going to have to learn to turn my filters on!