committedtonursing

advanceforlpns.com actually, I just tried signing up for their free subscription, and it wanted my phone number and stuff (and I don't give that out to things like that); anyway, I'm checking into buying a book called "The Long-Term Care Nursing Desk Reference"; off the top of my head, I can't remember who the author is; I'm having the bookstore order it in and then I"ll decide if it's really worth the money (need to see hard-copy before buying).

Thank you :) Actually, I was researching online, and managed to find a book-The Long-Term Care Nursing Desk Reference 2007; I'm going to check it out this weekend at the bookstore and see if it is worth purchasing ($150); the book is geared toward various aspects of nursing in long-term care (right up my alley, as I plan on focusing on the geriatric population as my career develops anyway), so I'm hopeful it will provide me with what I was looking for. I'll definitely give an update on what I find out. Thank you.

I'm a new LPN (just started orienting at a LTC this weekend) and am just wondering if anyone has any advice on reference/resource materials that would be really helpful as a new nurse. I know I should have a drug-reference guide with me, but would like to know if there are "nursing data collection and intervention tools" available for nurses-there is SO much information presented in nursing school regarding s/s and interventions if your patient exhibits those s/s, but it would be helpful if there was a quick reference guide I could have should my patient present w/ such things so I could "review" what to do-i.e. nursing interventions for abnormal lab values and/or "patient presents with A,B, and C thus the nursing interventions could be D"-am I making myself clear? I know the basics, but besides calling the Doctor, I just want to anticipate what I can do, and do the right things, before calling the doctor, is that clear as mud? If anyone has any advice in this matter, that would be great! Thank you for any input :)

I just took and passed the NCLEX-PN and am looking at going on for my RN; my prerequisites span from 1998 to 2005 (3 different schools, two different states). My husband and I are planning on eventually moving back home to MN (we're in Colorado right now), and now I'm trying to decide if I should spend the $20,000+ to get my LPN-BSN here in CO (no time limit on pre-reqs at Regis University and University of Phoenix) or wait until we move (which won't be for probably another 5+ years) and try and get in at a community college and just go for my Associate RN in MN. To make the long story short, here's info I found from Anoka Ramsey Community College about their program, which I'm imagining is about the same for most community colleges in MN. Good luck with your pursuits. Hope this info helps. http://www.ar.cc.mn.us/nursing_program/GeneralInfoPacket.pdf http://www.ar.cc.mn.us/nursing_program/FAQ_Sheet.pdf

Melina, Thank you for your response. I have not attended an information session yet; I probably will within the next few months. I'm still trying to decide between University of Phoenix and Regis; please keep me posted on how school goes. As far as I know, clinicals are always on a weekend (as opposed to Phoenix, which varies). Well, good luck in your studies and thanks again for your reply!

Is anyone attending or know anyone who is attending the CHOICE BSN program at Regis University? Couldn't find anywhere on their website what the actual class schedule is like (said it's 1-2 nights per week with clinicals on the weekend), but how many classes are taken per semester? Just curious. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Thank you for replying; it is nice to hear from someone who is currently in the program, as I am now looking further into UOP since I have graduated (graduated Concorde May 2007). I've met with an enrollment counselor and she has given me a lot more information that will help me make a decision about school. So far, my plan is to attend UOP and take advantage of their LPN-BSN program, now I just have to figure out when to do it (multiple factors in life to consider-like, can't possibly see myself starting in January and then not being able to start a family for 3 more years...). That being said, please keep me updated on how school goes for you, including the clinical experience-(counselor unable to tell me how many days a week we'd be in clinicals when they are scheduled, just the number of total clinical hours in the program). Good luck with school and I hope to hear how it goes-I'm sure you'll be busy. Thanks again for the input.

I just spoke with someone from my place of employment and she thought that I might be able to work as a GN (or GPN, whatever the title is) before I take my NCLEX-PN; while I am waiting to hear back from her to confirm if my facility would allow me to do that, does anyone know if the state of Colorado new LPN grads can do that? I have heard they stopped doing it because of the short timeframe between taking NCLEX and getting results, but the term GPN/GN was still listed on the Nurse Practice Act for LPNs that was last updated July 2006. I'd hate for my facility to allow it and at the same time it be illegal! Thanks for any input.

Welcome to Colorado (I just moved here from Minnesota about two years ago). I suggest looking into getting your CNA certification if you don't have any medical experience. Since I got my CNA in MN, I can't say what the programs are like here in CO, but in MN it was a pretty short course. Hospital CNA work (I've heard, as I've only worked Long term care) is much harder for the pay vs. LTC, but its excellant experience, esp. if you plan on going on for your nursing degree (I'm currently attending Concorde for my LPN and plan on going on to University of Phoenix to get my BSN). I think it makes a better nurse if you've worked as a CNA first, but it's not absolutely pertinant I don't think for applying to nursing schools. Hope this bit of info helps, and good luck in your endeavors!

I'm waiting to hear from University of Phoenix. Does anybody know anything about the school? Specifically, LPN to BSN program: cost of tuition # of credits I can transfer in FT/PT etc. options Reputation length of program I know University of Phoenix Online offers RN to BSN, but not LPN to BSN, but not much else! I know the LPN to BSN exists at Phoenix here in CO, because an instructor that teaches there came to Concorde to vax us, but didn't get a chance to ask her any questions about the school. Just want to get some info before I talk to them. Thank you for anyone who knows anything about the program :)