KLG2004

Commuter, Yes, I did apply at Cook's and was passed over. I am in no way suggesting that I am a rock star, I've got A LOT to learn and will continue to learn throughout my career, but I have been a bit surpised that I have been passed up considering I come with experience essential to being successful in pediatrics. I've got some soul searching to do. . .

I am finishing my LVN/RN bridge program next week and I am really struggling with my move from here. I have been practicing for 10 years with 6 months in tele/med/surg and 9 1/2 years in pediatric home health. As crazy as it may sound, I'd like to go back to a hospital setting. To stay in peds, I have basically 2 choices in Dallas, Medical City Children's and Children's Medical Center. Both are BSN crazy and I won't have that until this time next year. The reason(s) I'd like to move on from phh. . . I find myself less and less stimulated and challenged professionally. (I am not saying that I know everything there is to know, I never will, but this I know well.) Getting to comfortable isn't a good thing, that's when mistakes happen. When I first started, I enjoyed the autonomy and learned a great deal by being on my own. I still enjoy the autonomy, but I miss working closely with a team (my team is based in offices 20 miles away). I desperately craving stimulation and challenge, but I don't want to give up working with children as I am truly passionate about it. I have applied at both Children's and Medical City and haven't heard a thing, except crickets. The only feedback I have gotten is to continue doing what I am doing and build a strong foundation of pediatric assessment skills and get vent experience. (HELLO! What do you think I have been doing five days a week for the last 9 1/2 years.) To be honest, I don't think my resume is actually being read because my resume reflects several years experience with both of those things specifically. My husband thinks I should just take anything, peds or not, that comes my way as he thinks I am burning out. I can assure you that I am hungry to learn new things, but I'm not burned out. Should I stay in phh until I get something from Children's or Medical City, or do I take my husband's advice and just grab the first opportunity that heads my way? Thanks in advance. Best, -K

I just finished bridging from LVN to RN. I have been in pediatric home health for 9 years. I am absolutely passionate about what I do. While explaining exactly what phh is, the person I was speaking to said: "Oh, like babysitting only the kid is sick. I didn't go to nursing school to babysit." I found that to be offensive. Nursing is not a career you should choose to make yourself feel important. Thanks for posting. -K

Althought it was 10 years ago, I remember how much we all needed that break. We took our Neuro exam the last day before the holiday and the average was like 70. We were all already on break in our minds! Recharge and enjoy the holiday break!

You can do it! I was a single mother of a 3 year old with very little help with my child or finances. It was the most demanding year of my life but well worth the sacrifice. My schedule was lecture 2 days a week from 0830-1530 and clinical 3 days a week from 0630-1430. My program went from July to June with 1 week off at Thanksgiving and spring break and two weeks off at Christmas. It's tough but doable. Best of luck!! -K

Our entire class feels, or has felt, exactly the way you do. The testing average was in the 70s this semester and many were very worried about passing. I think we're all in good shape. I need a 21 on my final to pass and a 71 to keep my B. It'll all be a distant memory very soon. Best of luck!!! -K

We all have our moments. Being a great nurse is more than making an A on a test. I'm not a great test taker and I find that I read too much into questions when they are easy. I sometimes look at my answers and wonder what the heck I was thinking. Dust yourself off and don't be hard on yourself. 2.0=RN. -K

I waited 6 years to go back. As soon as I felt comfortable with him staying home alone for more than just a couple of hours, I started. Most LPN/RN progrmas require 1 year work as a LPN, at least the three I looked at in my area did, but I understood that one year to be by the start date of the program not the application date. Check on that. I know you are probably schooled out, but go back as soon as you can. Don't put this on the back burner. In my area, if you don't want to work in home health or a nursing home, you really don't have many other options. No hospitals (that I know of) here are hiring LVNs. I graduate in 8 days and I will finish my BSN this time next year. Best of luck!! -K

I survived as well. It's a big committment and takes serious dedication. Don't be hard on yourself or GPA obsessed. I saw a lot of this during the two semesters it took me to complete the program. Remediating or getting a B or C isn't the end of the world. It will be over before you know it, trust me. Best of luck to you all!

I am finishing the program in less than two weeks and can safely say that I will not miss the uniforms. As not.done.yet said, they are thick which is both a blessing and a curse. I only had to do half of the program, but I can say that they didn't relax until I only had a couple of clinical rotations left. Wash, wash and then wash them again. And invest in granny/granddad undergarments, you can see right through those babies. Good luck to you all! -K

CollinNursing2013, Do not feel like a terrible Mother for asking your mother to help with your child while you get an education to not only offer you a better life but, your child as well. Please don't see it as "giving" your child up. You are getting much needed family support while you work toward a better future for yourself and your child. My child lived with my sister when I was in LVN school. It was hard but I woke up everyday knowing that it was temporary and in the end, I could take care of my child on my own. Hang in there and stop beating yourself up! I admire your decision.

For those of you still in Micro. . .What campus/days? I may be in class with you and not even know it! I'm T/TR afternoon at SCC. As far as working. . .When I was in the LVN program I didn't work at all. Class M-F 0830-1530 and my program only lasted 11 months! I'm surprised I didn't have a book growing off the end of my nose! This time around I will be working FT. There is just no way around it. The good thing about it is that I will still have plenty of study time based on my schedule. As far as I know, I don't have an orientation yet. I do my first semester skills check-off the end of April and have another challenge exam in August. During my bridge semester, I will then have second semester skills check-off and will be placed accordingly based on the results of my exams and check offs. I'll either bridge into the second semester with all of you in the Spring or in the third semester with those who started Spring 2011. Talk about confusion.

Yes, I'm transitioning so for me it works a bit different. I start my transition semester in the fall then based on my challenge exam scores and my skills check offs I will either be placed with your class in the spring or placed with the spring 2011 class. So, in short, I will either have to so 2 or 3 more semesters left after my transition semester.

I got in!

Thanks! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!!!!! I'm sure you will get in. Please keep me posted. Supposed to hear something by mid-March right?