HangingInThere2

Have you had to take the math calculations test before? We have to take it at the beginning of the semester and pass (only able to miss 2 at this point). Let me tell you... I failed the test during my first semester (luckily you get two shots) but only because I didn't practice. I thought I was going to be a big ol' bad @ss since I had just completed calculus with an A. Ha! The joke was on me. Honestly, it is not that hard. If there is someone that you know who has taken the test before and can show you the easier ways to complete the equations.. take them up on it. Otherwise, there are books available to you (hopefully) in your bookstore. As far as pharm goes... I made the mistake of taking it online. I didn't learn JACK that semester. I still have to look up drugs and make cards to keep everything straight. You will do fine. Try to enjoy the rest of your winter break!! :)

Not sure about question #1 and #2, but I know for a fact that a local hospital in my area has had many LPNs in the past years as Nurse of the Year.

Hi there. I just finished 4th semester. Took my PN boards on November 30th and passed. The main reason that I went ahead and took the boards is for two reasons.. #1- being able to actually gain hands on experience in the nursing field to make me more appealing once I become an RN... PLUS.. we have over 70 students in our class alone.. that is a lot of students who are going to try and sit for the RN boards upon graduation. Who KNOWS how long it will take before I will be able to sit. I'd rather be working and keeping everything sharp then sitting on my tush. and #2 - having the experience of taking the boards. Glad I did take the boards. I feel a little more prepared for what is to come in May. Difference between PN and RN.. more critical thinking involved. PN boards are your more general and basic knowledge item questions... which freakin' scares me to death because I was spazing out on whether or not I was going to pass the PN boards. I had to pay $285 to sit for the boards, but I felt that it was worth it. Best of luck to you in 4th semester! :)

Okay.. so I have only been an LPN since December 3rd, but I have sent out numerous resumes and nada, zelch, zero (to quote Monster Garage) has been the interest. This is highly discouraging. Last year this time, nursing homes were begging for LPNs and when I finally get out into the market I can't find squat. I really want to work during my last semester before I get my RN for the hands on, but what's a girl supposed to do? Beg? I plan on calling around starting Monday to a couple of LTC facilities. I am willing to work weekends. My dh just thinks that I sent out my info. to late or rather just before the holidays when PRN staffing is greatly needed. BUT I believe that my lack of experience and hands on is a major contributing factor. I have also sent my resume` in to a nurse staffing agency (two to be exact) and nothing. Do agencies usually prefer more experience? Like every other job it seems.. how are you supposed to get experience if no one is willing to take a chance with you? Just frustrated. Sorry for the vent. Happy Holidays to all!

Just curious about an online LPN program. How will you do clinical time? Are they set up with a current hospital that will doing clinicals? Reason I am curious is because I will be going on to get my BSN next summer and it will be online. I have heard though clinical experience is very limited. I am just amazed that they can do these programs online. I actually took my 4th semester MedSurg class online, but I still had to meet with the instructor once a week for clinical. And our progress was watched oh so closely to see if there was a need for "the talk." I have to tell you.. it was hard. And up until I started my nursing classes, I had taken every class online-- approximately fifty-something hours. So when I signed up for the MedSurg online I was sure that I would be able to handle. Let me tell you how close I came to flunking out.. -> I can laugh now (because I passed), but I would highly recommend taking Critical Care in a classroom. I thought I was going to have to get sedatives to make it through.. just too bloody stressful. Boy, got off track there.. overall.. I was just curious about how it works.

Just curious about an online LPN program. How will you do clinical time? Are they set up with a current hospital that will doing clinicals? Reason I am curious is because I will be going on to get my BSN next summer and it will be online. I have heard though clinical experience is very limited. I am just amazed that they can do these programs online. I actually took my 4th semester MedSurg class online, but I still had to meet with the instructor once a week for clinical. And our progress was watched oh so closely to see if there was a need for "the talk." I have to tell you.. it was hard. And up until I started my nursing classes, I had taken every class online-- approximately fifty-something hours. So when I signed up for the MedSurg online I was sure that I would be able to handle. Let me tell you how close I came to flunking out.. -> I can laugh now (because I passed), but I would highly recommend taking Critical Care in a classroom. I thought I was going to have to get sedatives to make it through.. just too bloody stressful. Boy, got off track there.. overall.. I was just curious about how it works.