Mimi2bRN

Thank you Kimberlina, I had a feeling it would have been phased out by now. I had worked on Cardiovascular-Thoracics (LPN) at a teaching hospital in 1979 to 1985, and for a person who had unretractible PVCs, like salvos and tended toward V-tach., they would use Lidocaine drip. The trouble was, it had major side effects and toxicity, and at times, when they tried to wean it off and begin an oral med., the PVCs would start all over again. This kind of problem occurred with my own mother when she was having her cardiac problems.

Is it "as measured by"? Or something like that. It's the substitute for "as evidenced by".

I'm pulling up a chair... what April 1 changes???!!!! I'll be taking the NCLEX later this year, if all goes well with the CPNE. Now I'm getting worried (like I wasn't before- not!)

That's just what I was wondering. I don't know if it's being used currently, but ~20 years ago it was used to control dysrhythmias- particularly PVCs.

I am really pulling up a chair on this discussion, but really have a strong opinion so wanted to contribute. I have been an LPN for 38 years now; I graduated from PN school in 1974. Everyone was still wearing nurse's caps, including at work- not just for pictures. I even graduated before they began being able to wear pan uniforms (which was a real curse, trust me!) Nursing caps catch on everything when you are caring for patients with multiple lines and wires attached, heavy equipment overhead like trapeze bars, and monitors hung above a bed. There are dress codes to address keeping hair need and out of what you are doing with patients. Since the wearing of caps is pretty much extinct in the workplace, I do not see why one should be made to wear them for the pinning ceremony. It just doesn't signify anymore. Plus, to me, the cap has always been a symbol of servitude, not caring. Nurses are more than servants, and I believe we should avoid all symbols which would agree with that view. I'm in school now, almost finished. I wouldn't mind a pinning ceremony, that is a matter of pride and nurses do still wear their school pins. I very much doubt that I will go to any ceremony, though, as I will have plenty of expenses, am working on a strict time table (under a lot of pressure to get done) and won't wait for a ceremony. I am >50 years old, and don't need that to know I have an Associate's Degree. I hope I haven't sounded too hard-line, I just do by now have strong feelings about the nursing cap, etc. Hope this gives someone a new point of view.

Thank you, Esme12, for the advice, I'm sure going to follow it! And, thanks for the vote of confidence. Could definitely use it now! Did you study through Rue, by chance, or did you get the Excelsior books during your studies? We have different books than the Excelsior-used, so don't know how much different the Rue-used ones are. I have a Nook, so will look to see if that book you recommended is available as an e-book. I could also, I suppose, look at Amazon. Again, thanks for your help, and I look forward to your further answers.

Hi, ToledoLPN2RN! First, I'm a neighbor... I'm in Columbus! GO BUCKS! (just had to say that). I in fact work at the Wexner Medical Center at OSU. So nice to see that a fellow Ohioan is also a member. So you are with Excelsior, also? I did decide to take both at the same time. Lord help me! And that is an actual prayer! I'm also taking English Comp which I started 2/4, so all three will finish at the same time. I really thought about this for a while before deciding to go ahead with it. With jobs on the line, I felt I really need to show that I'm doing what I can to get finished- especially since it had been established that I and my co-worker who is in the same situation would be finished ~May and now that will be impossible. It has a lot to do with budget and applying to transition our position- plus they are laying off some University/Medical Center positions besides getting rid of LPNs. My co-worker and I are likely the only LPNs left in the medical center. Yikes! So, I'm going to have to really forsake a lot and dig in and keep on track.If we're lucky it won't be as bad as some seem to think. So, waht about you? I didn't see when you posted, think I caught this same day as you sent it. Just got home from taking Intro to World Religions exam this afternoon. Please let me know what you decide?

Thank you all for your feedback. This helps, though the answers are really varied. It's a little frightening because I'll also be taking English Comp. at the time. But I'm on such a time limit, I think! Will have to see how I'll be impacted at work, I guess. Keep the responses coming! The more the better. Thanks, Mimi2bRN

Hi, Fellow Students! Has anyone out there enrolled with Excelsior College taken both components of the FCCA simultaneously? I and a work-mate are at this point, and have been disheartened to find out that each module is 8 weeks. We have pressure at work to finish and get our RNs, and did not bargain for it all to take this much longer! We would be appreciative to hear from anyone who has done both at the same time and how you did? Thank you, Missy, LPN

I'm about to take Health Differences, too. Was wondering the same thing. Since I hadn't contracted with Rue to take this one, I decided to do independant study on this one, my last clinical course. Then 2 Gen Ed's left, and done! It does make me nervous to be studying it independently though. I'm going to have to be very careful. I got the study guid from EC, and will have the books- so wish me luck! Good lluck to you, too! @tnmarie, I hope by saying there's a huge difference, you mean this one is a little easier! I'll keep checking to look for a reply.

I've taken Chronicity, Transitional, LS II and about to take LS III. Didn't do as well on Chronicity, so with LS II I bought the practice exam. I know it ain't cheap, and who needs more expenses, but it really did help, I think. It helped me focus my studying even more. I am taking it that you are talking about taking the Excelsior Exams?

To Merlyn, quote: "Now me and my wife of 40 years:" So, there must have been something you like about it if you've been married for 40 years, right? Go ahead, fess up! :doh:

Oops.. see below.

Hm-m-m. Here, I thought nursing was all about teaching patients and families self-care, to take care of their injury or disease, and NOT to be dependant on (you)! You mean, I've had it backwards all these 37 years as an LPN? My, oh my. How's that for drama? LOL

Good point, thanks!