victoria.

Where can I find the information on the prep classes?

Uhh...really a good new nurse. I'd say by completing a head to toe you are just a nurse. That's your job. Actually those questions can help complete a picture of your patient quite a bit. No use?! You've got to be kidding. I think you need to review the clinical implications of abnormal breathe, heart, and GI sounds. As I see it has been asked before...what the heck are you charting? If you are not using your stethoscope what other things are you cutting corners on? It's really disheartening to see this and have other nurses also say they don't use it.

I attempted Excelsior to complete the LPN to RN without success. I found I couldn't just read the material, teach myself, and test out. I am now about tot graduate from traditional classes with my RN and am looking at BSN programs. Do you think the amount of support WGU offers is more like taking an online class or closer to Excelsior style? Thanks!

Does anyone know if you need your BSN for certifications such as wound or nutrition?

This was so helpful...I have been looking for options myself. I plan to obtain wound care certification as well as nutrition. Tying both in together will be very beneficial.

This is a really good and helpful point. I reminds me that even though I really loved the population I was working with, I did feel limited in my use of skills which is one reason why I love nursing so much-you never know what your gonna get youself into from one day to th next. Thank you!

I agree that material things do not make a person happy but a house cannot really be considered a material object. A house is a place you come home to after a stressful day, a place you spend time with family, and raise your children in. With higher pay, I wasn't looking at the ability to buy things...I was looking at the long run for things such as the ability to travel home (halfway across the country), or pay for family to fly out to visit, go on vacations, send my future kids to good schools, retirement, etc. Choosing a job that pays over $10 per hour more than the other would afford more life opportunities.

Hey all, I need some advice and thought that others might find it a helpful topic as well. I am currently and LPN and am two semesters away from obtaining my RN. I have been an LPN for 5 years now and have worked in several different fields. I started out in a nursing home/rehab facility as a floor nurse, went to a day center for special needs pediatrics, moved and got a job in a clinic, then a management position in an assisted living, and most recently doing home health nursing for adults and geriatrics. My position now pays very well and higher than most RNs in the area and I would easily be able to transition to an RN position in the company after school. My predicament is that I do really enjoy my job and love that I get to really use my skillset in the field, but I have a real PASSION for special needs pediatrics. I would have never left that job but my husband is military and we had to move. He will be getting out soon and we have the opportunity to purchase an AMAZING dream home for an unbelievable price. If we purchase the home it would really limit my employment opportunities and I would most likely stay at the company I am at. If we don't purchase the home, we could move someplace else and I could find a job working with special needs pediatrics but knowing that I will take a substatial pay cut and have missed out on our potential dream home. So, what is best? A specialty you get paid extremely well at and do still enjoy (variety, skill use, and patient contact) and a house of your dreams -or- the prospects of the specialty you have a passion for, getting paid substantially lower at, and missing out on the home? I will really appreciate some input on this...thanks in advance!