sgherzi4

Ms. Mig; Who are you that I know you? Where are you located?

Hi all; About how long can one expect an elderly person to survive on HD; he began treatments 7 yrs ago when he was 80. Now he is experiencing pain during txs; begging not to be sent to the tx center and has mental confusion along with severe gait issues and weakness; recently experienced a TIA. I know you are all "seasoned" dialysis nurses. Thank you!:redbeathe

Yep; I DO agree with you; it is just so difficult breaking down those hug, high walls that seems to keep up where we are! I that MOST of the nursing programs here in CA will NOT take science credits from online classes...duh...even those they are not listed on a transcript as such. I am very close to just throwing in the towel; enjoying my life as it is; taking vacations and not worrying about school until such time as I have the funds and the time off to physically attend as these nursing schools dictate. I also hear it is almost impossible to attend a nursing program while having to work full time as we need to do.:angryfire

It seems that CA Board of Nursing is a real pain in the b*tt...one would think :hey - we have a nursing shortage; lets make it easier for those LVNs (whom we don't like anyway) to become "Real Nurses"; but NOOOO - they want to make it HARDER than every to accomplish this. I, too, have to work FULL TIME minimum of 60 hours a pay period (5 twelve hour shifts every two weeks) in order to keep benefits for myself and my family...maybe just easier to remain as an LVN; I make $30/hr where I work...prob. won't make much more as an RN after all the time and $$$$ I would invest...

Hi all' THANKS to caliotter3 for her priceless advice! I had an appointment tomorrow AM with a rep. (AKA salesman) from TCN..now going to cancel that appointment. I am going to just register with ISU on my own and test out without using TCN's pricey stuff. BTW..no clinical sites here in CA anyways, other than up north - Stockton - which is a 5-6 hr. drive for me as I live in the mountains above Bakersfield. I am just going to do enough of the gen. ed subjects to get me into a local college's ADN RN program; since in CA you are not compensated for having a BSN vs ADN degree anyway.

Hi; Maybe some can enlighten me a bit; where in California can I do clinicals? I searched on the ISU website but only find facilities OUTSIDE on CA - mostly in Indiana. I guess I might have to call and find out; but nothing even remotely close to where I live - which is near Bakersfield.

Are any of you out there past or recent graduates from the LVN program @ North Valley Occupational Center, Mission Hills CA? I graduated in 1981 and it was a wonderful training program. I had such great experiences and have worked in just about every avenue of nursing. Never have gone back for my RN though, because I am satisfied with who I am and what I have done and am doing at this present time. Would be nice to hear from any of you...

Hi all; I am a graduate of North Valley Occupation Center's LVN program back in 1981 and it was a TERRIFIC program. We trained in everythhing - from Central Supply learning how to make sterile packs for surgery to actually observing a patient in the OR to Labor and Delivery and ER. I very tough program but what a wonderfu learning experience. Probably the most inexpensive of all the "private" LVN school in the LA area. Good luck!

Yes, my adult education school in Los Angeles had that mandate when I graduated many years ago. I was, in fact, very very proud to wear that white dress uniform, shoes and my nursing school cap! It was one of the proudest days of my life. My parents attended and were ecstatic! In fact, my dad, being a pastor said the closing prayer and it was all so beautiful. Be happy, wear what you must and above all else, BE PROUD of this day and look to the future.

Hey... You have to decided what you REALLY, REALLY want out of your career and then go for it. There were always be sacrifices along the way (don't I know this) either financial or personal - such as family stuff. For me, NOT getting my RN has not been that big of an issue..I tend to believe that you are what you are...you "prove" yourself no matter whether you are an LPN or RN and the respect you earn far surpasses any and all time spent in nursing schools! Not to mention the personal satisfaction!!! I have learned this along the way...

Hi... Graduated 1981 from LA City Schools/ LVN program and have been working ever since. I live in a remote area - about one hour away from any community colleges where the RN program is offered. I have been commended on my nursing knowledge and skills...but because of my living situation I am kinda depressed knowing that I will probably never attain my RN status. I have had to be content with my LVN and doing that very best I can for our profession.

I LOVED working @ VPH as an LVN - worked there in ALL med/surg/ICU areas for over 10 years and was treated VERY well; respected and commended for my level of nursing care. Even though I have been gone many years from VPH I still miss it and the many friendships I made while working there. You will enjoy it and the people...learn all you can and pick the brains of other nurses...they are all willing to help you!!! I miss it!!!

Go to the California Department of Corrections online; there is an online application and easy "test" for you to take...but beware...watch and guard your new license very carefully...I used to work in one of the prisons as an agency LVN and was paid very, very well...but saw many infractions; and witnessed many other LVNs and RNs being "walked off" the prison grounds for such things as over familiarization with inmates; also medication errors, etc. The benefits are great...but one also has to work FIVE days a week eight hours/day...too much for me - I am too used to the 12 hours shifts with my FOUR wonderful days off every week!!! Good luck!!!

Hey mama; Have only ONE word for you...PENS...and lots of them! If the hospital you are going to be working at is NOT computer based then you will bo doing lots of documentation. I cannot tell you how many pens I go through in a years' time. We are not doing computer charting (a small hospital up in the mountains) and I do so much documentation during my shifts and that is on a good night WITHOUT any incidents! Also, invest and spend some GOOD MONEY on the best pair of running shoes you can afford; since your feet are going to be feeling it. A podiatrist told me to buy good running shoes NOT walking shoes since they are built for foot abuse! Hope this helps!

Hey.. Responding to the question: no, I decided LOONNGG ago that I would never pursue the RN option. I wanted to be the best mom to my two sons; and like pagandeva have done just about EVERYTHING within the field of nursing; short of working in an OR. I am making right now MORE than a new grad RN and know that as an RN it would take me around 5+ years to reach the pay scale where I am presently. I am quite content; have earned a lot of respect from even RNs; and upper level management with my knowledge and skills. I believe that one has to be content where they are in their life and career. I am VERY PROUD of being an LVN and have never, ever regreted NOT getting my RN. Thanks, pagandeva, for inspiring and encouraging all of us!!!:balloons: