montecarlo64

Hello, I am an AZ RN looking to apply for a CA endorsement. I didn't take Microbiology in my program, which was back in 2010. I did have Advanced Physiology with lab and Chemistry with a lab. Does anyone know if these will be sufficient? If not, has anyone taken micro through Straighterline? If so, was this acceptable? Thank you for any guidance!

I was an LPN for 17 years before becoming an RN. Most of of my LPN years was in LTC. I found it difficult to find work as an RN in the hospital. I ended up applying and getting an ER position at a rural hospital. I absolutely loved it! The teamwork is amazing, lots of orientation, and the doctors/providers are right there in case you have a question about something. I would recommend the ER for those reasons. Good luck to you!

I need some career advice. I almost 56-years old; and, I have been in the healthcare field all of my adult life: 6 years as CNA, 4 years as medical secretary, 17 years as LPN, and the past 10 years as RN. I have been working in the ED for the past 7 years, but I have not worked in the past few months. I have been through a lot. My husband passed away 9 months ago, I sold our home, and I have moved in with family. I have cleaned up most of my financial devastation. But, I still owe about $50,000 in student loan debt; and, I have very little in savings. I would like to go back to work, but would really like to work in a calmer area than the ED, as I suffer from anxiety disorder. So far, my anxiety has been well managed with self-care, grief support, and medications; however, I would like to work in an atmosphere that is not as labor intensive and stressful as the ED at this point in my life. I do have a BSN; and, I would like to remain a bedside nurse, as I do not want a managerial position or anything with on-call responsibilities. I am thinking about a Rehab Hospital or an inpatient oncology floor. I have previous experience in LTC and sub-acute prior to the ED. I have never worked the floor as a med-surg, tele, or ICU nurse. But, I might be interested in these floors. I also am very interested in pre-post op or pacu; but, all of the positions I have checked into require call. I really need to get back to work soon so I can start saving for housing that I will be able afford into retirement. I do not want to do home care or hospice at this time, as I do not have a good car and I do not want to spend so much time driving, the unknowns of going into other's homes, and the varied hours associated with home care and hospice. What is your thoughts? All comments, advice, information, and opinions are welcomed.

East Central Indiana in ER. 9 years experience as RN (2 years BSN), 17 years as LPN $29/hr base + 10% shift & weekend diff

Hello All, Does anyone know exactly what are the California education requirements for an endorsement for a CA license? Is it an education level, such as BSN or ASN? Or, are there particular classes in the nursing program curriculum that they are looking for? Thank you for all responses!

I've been looking into that program, too. I do not believe that this degree will qualify to be an educator at a university. I think you have to have a masters degree in education, not just a nursing educator masters. Maybe a doctorate degree will work. I've been looking at job postings at a university in Indiana, where I plan to move back; however, I am not qualified for any of their faculty positions. I think maybe at a community college for an adjunct instructor for clinicals, but I'm not real sure. At this point, I think I'm going to put the masters degree on hold or do the leadership path. Or, I might just wait until I get back to Indiana, since their are projects that need to be done at the workplace. The adviser told me I could start in one state and then transfer my project to another state and employer; but, I am not convinced this would be an easy transition. Good luck to you!

I am so very sorry to hear about your mother. Thank you for all your information and good luck to you! Again, congratulations for your accomplishment!

I was an LPN for 17 years before getting my RN. My wages have remained flat to minimal increase from LPN to RN. I went from top tier LPN rate to lower tier RN rate. It depends on your state and what you want to do, how old you are, and how much debt you want to incur. To do over again, I would have not pursued the RN so late in life. I went to an LPN-RN ASN program; and, no one was interested in an ASN. I just completed my BSN; however, my pay has not increased. I would research the opportunities in your area, cost of education, and what you want to do in nursing. RN gives you more choices; but, not necessarily more money. I would also encourage you to be cautious of going into nursing if money is the primary motivation. Whether LPN or RN, the work is very hard; and, it is a profession that you must love or you will be miserable. Good luck to you!

You might be able to sign it as a "late entry".

Congrats! I just finished my BSN at Indiana Wesleyan RN-BSN program. I am thinking about going through the WGU MSN education program. I am also interested in how the competency exams are proctored. And, were you able to do your capstone at your place of employment? Did you need a contract? Thanks!

Hi neighbor! Do you think you can fit this pedal car in your pick-up truck and give me a lift? I had an accident on my way to work today. Thankfully, I only have some bumps and bruises; but, my car is a total loss. I tried to call in; but, since we are short-staffed, they told me to get there ASAP!

My hospital has a ratio of 4:1 for acute patients. In the acute zone, we get strokes, stemis, chest pains, syncopes, and other acutely ill patients. Even if a code comes in, there is no one to take over your other patients while attending to the code. This has been a struggle for me, since my previous hospital was 3:1 for acute and 4:1 for non-acute. Recently, the ratio for ESI 3,4,5 patients (and some ESI 2s) has increased to 5:1 for the norm. This area is non-acute; however, we see GI bleeds, PEs, some chest pains, sepsis, some syncopes, kidney stones, nausea/vomiting, acute abdomens, head bleeds (found out after the fact), and other extremely time-consuming patients. I really enjoy the work and staying busy; however, I am really beginning to feel that the patient load is becoming unsafe. I am an experienced nurse and I feel comfortable in most situations; however, lately I am thinking that this kind of patient load is unacceptable on an ongoing basis. All of the nurses are drowning all of the time. I am curious as to what state you work in and what are the typical ratios. If this is the new normal, I think I might be better to find another specialty. Thanks for all responses!

My hospital is acute patients 4:1. ESI level 3,4,5 are 5:1. When I worked in Indiana, the ratio was 3:1, with sometimes 4:1 ratio in non-acute or stable patients. Good luck!

AZ ED ratio 4:1 for higher acuity patients and 5:1 for everything else. I make $33/hr. as ASN (recently completed my BSN) with 4 years ED experience, total of 7 years RN experience and 17 years of LPN experience. Good luck!

I have been waiting a little over a month for my fingerprint results. Still says 'pending'. I am an RN and have applied for an endorsement from Indiana. I initially mailed my packet in February. It seems to be a long process to become licensed in AZ. Good luck!