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!!

Hey there...I remember you. There are plenty of dedicated, smart, very caring RN's who didn't pass the NCLEX on the first OR second try. You'll get it, I'm sure. Good to see you here! BTW, I'll start my first LPN job on May 27th!! I'm so nervous. It's at a nursing and rehab facility in Lake Orion. I'll finish up the RN portion at Mott in September. I'm ready for school to be finished!

Hi everyone! My name is Lisa, and I took the NCLEX-PN boards in March, and I'll begin my first LPN job on 5/27 at a great LTCF here in MI. I'm so nervous!!

Just starting my first LPN job here in MI at LTCF and my starting pay is $21.50/hr.

I live in mid-Michigan and I am getting more offers than I can shake a stick at. It's amazing. I have three interviews and more in the wings. I'm working toward my RN degree, and I'll be finished with that in December of this year. I hope the good luck continues for that career path as well. :)

Don't give up being a nurse. There are better places out there that will be happy to have you. Find another place and resume your dream. :)

YOU CAN DO THIS!! Make this your mantra. I work full-time 2nd shift at a local hospital, have a husband and a 9-yr. old son. Just for fun, I've thrown marathon training into the mix and managed to finish my first year with high honors and just passed the NCLEX-PN. Always remember...this is short-term pain for long-term gain. You know that the road may be bumpy, you'll be sleep-deprived for stretches at at time, but this too shall pass. Just prioritize, prioritize and prioritize some more. Make certain you give school the proper amount of time and energy, and you'll be fine. The biggest obstacle to some is not having an adequate support system. Rally your troops around you and you'll be fine. :) Good luck, and I look forward to hearing your success stories.

I'd say if you're not already, get organized! Get a good planner and ensure you have plenty of time for all that is on your plate (family, friends, school, work, etc). If you make the time for school, you will do well. Don't put things off. As for NCLEX, start doing NCLEX review questions NOW! Our program encourages us to start doing them from the very beginning. We also utilize MedsPub online (http://www.medspub.com/) and I think that has helped immensely. Good luck to you and use the resources right here for tips and advice. There are a lot of great people that will help you. :) Lisa

Congrats!!

Yay!!!! I'm so excited...what a strange test, though. Some questions were totally out of left field, but I just took my time, read thoroughly and it shut off at 85...I figured I either did well or stunk so bad they didn't think it would be worthwhile to continue...teehee... I'm so excited!! I'M A NURSE!!

I passed my LPN boards!!!!!