Jo_deye_yuh

Very well put BethB! I totally agree with you. The skills and knowledge gained are only a benefit! The good news...I started my FIRST IV tonight! Ahhh, call me "all thumbs"! I know it takes practice, practice, practice. I have had some great preceptors, that encourage and support me. Thank you BethB for the great insight! Best of luck to you!

Mysti~ I agree with you! But that is the field we are in! A field of oxymorons...a field of healing/caring mixed with 'better-than-thou-isms' and injustice. I relish the opportunities that are coming my way, and know they will only benefit me,(and others). Yes it gripes me to no end, having had it stressed and crammed down our throats for years..."That is why RN's get paid the big bucks, they do IV's". Well now why? No, money is NOT everything, but there is principle to this. I have been told by RN students and RN instructors (the hospital I work at is an educational facility), that the current LPN program in my state is a condensed form of the 2yr RN program...not easier...in fact more difficult. 2yrs of information, education and learning crammed into 12months. Theory, principles, skills, treatments, diagnosis, etc etc etc included. Mysti, I would recommend looking into your local hospitals, colleges, and other medical facilities. Many are incorporating an IV certification class or can offer information to you on how to get one started within your workplace. Best of luck! Health and Blessings~ Jodie

ucavalpn~ Thank you for your response! If you have any other ideas or information you can share, I would greatly appreciate it.

Comments, ideas?

Hello, been a while since I last posted on this BB. Hope this finds you all in good health and doing well. This is in regards to new standards of LPN functions in South Dakota. "In July 2000, the Administrative Rules of South Dakota were changed to incorporate the functions of initiation and administration of IV therapy into the basic role of the LPN. As of 2001, the graduates of the LPN programs in South Dakota will have these skills upon graduation. Currently practicing LPN's who were educated prior to 2001 and who have not had training in the initiation and administration of IV therapy do not have this skill as part of their scope of practice. As a result, those individuals must obtain this knowledge and these skills prior to their performance of IV therapy functions."-South Dakota Board of Nursing I graduated in 1998, and am currently working in Med/Surg in a VA hospital. Working with LPN's and RN's, we carry very different roles. Depending on each individuals' "step/grade", depends on their scope of practice and role. It has been the ONLY difference, skill wise, between RN and LPN... the starting and infusing of IV's. Now we are to learn this, apply this and still be treated and paid as aids. Hmmm, I can see the good and the bad sides to this. I want to get my RN degree and I know this will only facilitate me in that process, however, I don't know that I feel all that comfortable being responsible for IV's on top of all the other pt care I am responsible for. Typically I have anywhere from 3-8 pts, and typically 1-2 of them would keep me very busy during a 8hr shift. As a LPN I have a 'resourse nurse' (RN) who is responsible for assessments and IV's and perhaps a couple pts. I pass PO meds, incision, drain, etc cares, ADL's, etc, etc for my pts. I am nervous about this new task at hand, the unknown is always unnerving. I know that I can do it and will do it, it is just change and change is just that. What are your thoughts on this subject? No LPN's don't have the 'critical thinking' teaching that RN's have, but now new LPN's are being taught more and more into that scope of practice, just not the RN pay scale...employers are getting a skilled work force for immigrant pay. Just my thinking at this moment, tommorrow I may change my mind! lol Anyhow, ya'll have a good day. -Jodie [This message has been edited by Jo_deye_yuh (edited January 31, 2001).]

I am proud to be a LPN. I am proud to have the opportunity to work beside gifted and talented LPNs, RNs, and Drs. I am ashamed of the identical things that rncountry states above. Best stated in her last sentence, "Never should we be ashamed of being a nurse, only ashamed that we seem to have the inability to take care of each other with the same zeal that we want to take care of our patients." I am ashamed of the healthcare system and the politics. Happy Nursing!

Just passing through here and I see that someone quoted me from another board. I feel I must add...just recently I recieved a call from a local VA hospital. They want me to come work for them on the Med/Surg floor! I just got done complaining of "no" options, and here one rings at my phone out of the blue! (He works in mysterious ways.) I am currently in the wage negotiation stage and took the time to investigate this opprotunity. They offer a $400 sign on for clothes, or whatever. After one year of employment they offer to pay for and pay me to get my RN. As my previous post states...I earn $10.91/hr, no benefits, etc. The VA initially said they would give me $12.00/hr starting with shift diff and full bennies. I am bargaining for .50 more...what the heck...might as well go for it! I love my job as a physicians nurse in the clinic atmosphere, and also assisting in surgeries for the OR experience. I have been nursing for 2 years and concurrently was the only Ortho/Urology/Triage Nurse for the clinic. I have created protocols, forms, and fill in ANYWHERE the need be. (Internal Med, OB/GYN, Surgery, Reception) When I approached my doc with the news of a new job opprotunity, I wanted to give him and the clinic a chance to keep me, before I walked out the door. As I see it, I am their investment and it is within their best interest to keep me. But his response was, "You will never be replaced, and all that you have given to my practice and patients can never be matched. But I know this place won't offer you a penny more. Look out for you, and if you have the chance to further your education, do it." Well then...so I am awaiting to hear back from the VA DON as to what the "board" decided on my wage. The down side is shift, holiday and weekend work, and the longer drive. But the pay is worth it, not to mention the floor exp, and education opps. So I guess there are avenues for those that are dedicated and work their a** off! ha ha. It is a compliment they sought me out, there are some that have their applications in for years and never get hired! Well, time will tell. Lord grant me strength, wisdom, and courage for decisions/changes that lay ahead. Health and Blessings to you all. Keep your chins up! Some of the best nurses I have had the honour to work with are LPN's!!

I will chime in with Darla80...there are many pros to working in a Dr's office vs. hospital. The hours are more dependable, typically Mon-Fri, 8-5, with no shift work and the flexibility to work around your family. The pace is hectic, esp in growing clinics, but like Darla80 said, the chance to fully interact with patients is a huge plus on my scale. You establish a rapport with young and old, patient and family. It is very personable and patients even bring fresh baked pies or home crafts to express their gratitude. You just don't interact with them in a one time illness/injury like in a hospital...you see them often (some more that you like but that puts variety in the day) I am the office nurse for an Orthopedic Surgeon. I care for patients ranging from 2yr old humerus fx, 93 yr old bi-malleolar fx, 48 yr THA, etc. I also scrub and assist my Dr in surgeries. When a new patient comes in with hip DJD and in need of a surgery, I am able to follow him/her through the initial visit, planning of surgery, pre-op instructions, peri and post op cares and for their PT/education and FU's from there on out. It is very rewarding to see a 48 yr old male on the verge of complete disability, transform to his former self-sufficient, working, happy life. Also being apart of the clinic has allowed me experience in other fields. We have OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Urology, and traveling dr's of other specialties that come to the clinic throughout the month. I have worked in almost all of these, and at one time was the only full-time Ortho nurse, Urology nurse and Triage nurse combined. Wow what experience and skills I gained! I am the "new grad" there, (I have been there 2 years), and now I am teaching nurses, that have been there for years with 20+ years experience. Working in such proximity with a variety of physicians and talented specialized nurses gives you educational opprotunities daily. The relationship between Dr. and his nurse is rewarding. You are able to work side by side, gain education and friendship. The title of Dr. So-n-So's Nurse gives me pride and I have a lot of say as to how his practice runs. As I said, I also assist him in surgeries. Working at local hospitals and surgery centers. I prefer the surgery centers over the hosptials. There is a less corporate air and more personable. But love the OR setting and opportunities to be apart of that side of health care. I have the best of both worlds. I wanted to go into Med/Surg but love the routine of office nursing. The cons: ~wage...you do make less than hospital wages but as Darla80 stated, the lack of shift work and flexiblity balance. ~paperwork, paperwork, paperwork... ~insurance companies, Medicare and the like are very frustrating to deal with and make the job of caring for patients challenging. When I was in Nursing School, I was given the impression that clinic nursing was easy and not challenging. That nurses lost their skills and basically the end of a career of hospital work. HA. Just the opposite. I wish you luck in your journey. Over time your preference toward a particular field will lead you to decide on the best place (hospital/clinic) for you to work in. Each type of nursing appeals to different people. It is limitless.

In this world of cut backs, monitary compensations for a job well done are pretty much nil. But recognition of a staff's extra efforts and dedication is the next best thing. It is amazing what the simple every day words..."Thank you, or Good Job", can do for the esteem. When staff begins to feel neglected and used, it shows and others pay the high price. By keeping lines of communication open and staff CONFIDENTIALITY, it assures trust and fellowship. The team really does reflect it's leader. The "awards" or acknowledgments should not be condescending..."here is a lolli-pop for picking up your room". It should be geared to the improvement of each staff members own performance. Goals set, even if one is not the over-achiever of the team, but still puts the effort and dedication toward their work every day, should not get lost in the giving of recognition. "Prizes, awards, treats, etc." can also be given to team units as a whole, to maintain kinship and detract from competitive do-gooders. As leaders, we sometimes have personality cliques or clashes with some staff, but that aside each staff should be treated based on job performance and their idividuality. One staff member may be the "apple of your eye", but the one that makes you scratch your eye's out, may be the one that makes a difference elsewhere in the facility. Personalities vary allowing for a broad spectrum of ways to show appreciation and acknowledge of good jobs done. I applaud you MEG4 for caring and trying to keep moral up with your staff. Wish my DON did the same! In staff meetings, a time could be set for recognition of performance. Categories of monthly achievments can be pronounced with 'certificates of award', doing weekly or monthly parking awards, (this is where the one acknowledged gets to park in the highly sought after parking space..closest to the building), a communal gift box that each employee donates a gift (homemade craft or $5.00 gift)that can be a source of prizes given, making sure the person receiving the gift isn't getting the gift they donated . Special deed awards...for doing something above and beyond expectation. If a resident or patient remarks about a staff members talents or job well done...resident kudos award..etc. The main thing is that as leaders you care for your team and encourage a positive working environment. Everyone is rewarded with that! [This message has been edited by Jo_deye_yuh (edited July 28, 2000).]

On your way through South Dakota...keep going, don't exit off the Interstate! I am an LPN of 2 years, working for an Orthopedic Surgeon, as his clinic nurse and scrub in and assist him in surgery such as; Totat Joint Replacements, ORIF/CRIF, amputations, Carpal Tunnel Releases, etc. I earn $10.91/hr no benefits (after raise). I have also worked in a LTC and made about $1.50 less. New grad LPN's make approx $9.30/hr. Options of change are extremely limited in this rural western part of South Dakota. The cost of living does not reflect upon the wage either. Average mid-west cost of living on peanuts for pay. I want to get my ASN but when other RN's with 20+ yr experience make $13/hr and fresh RN grads are starting out at $12/hr...where is the reward in going back to school and adding another school loan to my list of bills? This is a great place to raise my son, and my husband has a secure good job, that he would not want to leave. So my options stagnate.

The vast avenues that can be taken in the nursing profession are truly amazing. Your preference and personality lean you more toward a particular field than another. But no matter the choice, if working in a hospital, clinic, or LTC there are problems, out of the power and control of those that are forced to work under them. I work in a clinic and hospital. I am frustrated with short staffing, pay cuts, overpricing, and the short tempers the above mentioned create. But I have never been more passionate about a 'job', than I am as a nurse. I live with stress and frustrate over issues I feel powerless to approach. Short staffing drives me to the brink of insanity. I not only have to do my nursing duties, plus due to cut backs I have to answer phones, triage, paperwork, cover for nurses not in my specialty; all while on hold with some crappy insurance company listening to funky elevator music, waiting to pre-cert a surgery. In the midst of my hectic day, I still take the time to offer help to other nurses around me. Seeing them struggle in trying to do 6 things at once, carry 3 conversations at once, and thinking, "any moment the laws of evolution will take over and a third arm will form, allowing them to get all accomplished". I get angry at what I see around me, but what I feel I have control over is...how I treat my patients and co-workers. Even if it is a total of 30 seconds I spend listening to a patient tell me about their family, that MAKES A DIFFERENCE. That also give me a lot. I think it makes me a better nurse to be able to manage those things and I gain skills I wouldn't if I just threw my hands up in the air and gave up. I am in awe and admire many nurses I have worked with. Their knowledge and talents amaze, inspiring me to improve. I am a spirited person at heart, and smiles come easy. But there are times when some are more forced than felt...but no matter, being a nurse gives me great satisfaction. What you can do with your nursing degree, in addition to previous degrees and experience is never ending. You are very fortunate to have them and what ever you find that intrigues you, test the water...if it is something you are captured with, what ever the bad stuff that eventually comes with it, you will be able to 'tolerate' them while doing the work you enjoy. {-: [This message has been edited by Jo_deye_yuh (edited July 28, 2000).]