happynewLPN

I use both the tic tac toe method along with the ROME acronym and it's never failed me yet. Also, the scenario that goes along with your patient will lead you to the answer.

Great site! Thanks for sharing. :)

I'm in my final semester at Mott, and I highly recommend the program. It's been a great ride, and I can't believe it's almost over. 9 weeks to go!

I am currently attending Mott CC for my ADN. I'll be finished on Dec 18th!!!

Thanks for the reply. I know that some LTCF's require NAPNES certification before they will even hire a new LPN, so apparently this might be optional?... Being that I've received no formal IV training, I do not feel comfortable flushing PICC lines, manipulating drip rates, etc. Granted, I'm getting exposure to that during my clinical time right now, but that is as a 'student', not an 'LPN'. I'll be sure to post an update when I talk to the BON tomorrow. Thanks again!

Hi all, I am a new(er) LPN who will finish her RN in about 12 weeks! In the meantime, I am employed at long-term care facility and there is question regarding my scope of practice, what things I can and cannot do as a licensed practical nurse. For example: 1. Can we pass oral medications without having taken any sort of test, such as NAPNES? 2. Are we allowed to transcribe verbal/telephone orders from a physician? 3. Are we allowed to flush PICC lines? We have a resident with a PICC line and we flush it q 12 hrs using saline and heparin. 4. Are we allowed to hang new IV antibiotics or monitor the IV without prior training? 5. Also, we do not always have an RN on site to supervise activities on off-shifts (2nd and 3rd shifts). Is this permissible? Thanks for any info. I will be calling the State Board of Nursing tomorrow, but I just wondered if anyone could give me a heads-up in the meantime.

Thanks to all for the good wishes. I just finished four afternoon shifts in a row, and I think it was a huge help that I was put on the same floor each night. I know my residents quite well now, and I can do each med pass in about an hour. I'm getting quicker! It's slowly starting to settle in, as far as paperwork, meds, charting, etc.

Big congrats on your RN license. :)

Hi everyone! I am a new LPN, and after 12 orientation days in a LTCF (I'm spoiled, I know), I was put on my own two nights ago. I work 3-11 shift, and for the first half, I am responsible for 20 residents. After 6:30pm, that number changes to 28. Two med passes, treatments, documentation, shower checks are also included. Whew.... I survived. I managed to get everything done and clock out at 11:34pm my first night, and last night I was outta there by 11:40pm or so. I still feel very nervous, overwhelmed, but I think that each day that passes, I'll get more comfortable. Just wanted to share with you all, since I know you'll understand my feelings. :) Please tell me it gets easier! Lisa

I took Nutrition as a Distance Learning course back in '05 with Jentzen. It was a doozy, but very straightforward.

I found that for the PN test, the Saunders prep materials were the way to go. The questions even seemed very similar in wording. I'll use the same materials for RN test.

I just accepted my first LPN position in a local LTCF, and I'm very excited. I think it's going to be great. I figure any experience with meds and procedures is great. I'll be finished with my RN this December.

There are plenty of per-diem LPN opportunities here for new grad LPN's. I'm sure you can find some.

Great job!!!! :) I'm there with ya...I'll be finished with RN in December of this year. Can't wait!!

Exactly...kill 'em with kindness. Don't let them bring you down to their level. If you feel comfortable approaching your manager with your concerns, try that. In any event, keep your head held high!!