runnerdoug87

Appreciate the feedback. If went down as an LVN/LVP kind of expect not working in a hospital probably visiting nursing. Be sweet to get corrections I have a degree in Criminal Justice and have about 4 year's of psych experience. Long term goal would be to get my BSN and work in the corrections system or large psych hospital in Texas area. Having an associates in nursing still would be able to find job's? The market is scarce up here in CT, but nurse's with bachelor's have a lot of job opportunities. Appreciate the feedback. If I can get a job making $18-$20 an hour I be content with that while going back to finish up to the next level in nursing. Any idea on Mental Health Worker pay? I see a lot of openings in the Houston area? Outside of major cities having an associates in nursing can still find work in a hospital? I heard Texas also has an LVN to BSN program, any truth to that? Again appreciate so much the feedback.

Hi, fiancé and I have been looking at moving out of Connecticut by possibly next year. We been looking at states along the Atlantic seaboard. We were interested in a few states, but Texas seemed to offer it all. Did a bit of research on the area and the job market. Nursing appears to be stable and many job opportunities. My fiancé is just starting the LPN program then going to bridge before we head on down. So we have some time to save money up. I am in the start of taking nursing prerequisites. I also have five year's of health care experience and currently work as a psychiatric/mental health tech./worker. I am thinking of going for my LPN so when I leave would be a nurse. Questions about LPN market in Texas is it good? How is pay? LPNS here make about $25 to $28 an hour, but that is due to cost of living. Also maybe 10 openings for LPNS every 4-5 month's. Are there bridge programs in Texas for LPNs? Up here in Connecticut about 15 of the 22 hospital's only hire nurse's with BSNs. Curious I'd same in Texas? Fiancé and I like to get are RN then bridge over to a MSN program, since both of us already have Bachelor degrees. Thinking of Dallas area down to Houston. Fiancé has family in the suburbs of Dallas. Appreciate any feedback you can give. Thanks a bunch.

Did some more research. Going into a LPN program with the state schools seems the best route. Relatively inexpensive and has payment plans set up. Additionally, it is a 15 month program...3 semesters. If I start in the Spring of 2016 I would be done by the Spring of 2017. If I start in the Fall of 2016 be done by the fall of 2017. RN/BSN routes have to take pre reqs which take up three semesters. Then most schools have a fall start date I wouldn't be a nurse until 2019. This gives me about a 2 year advantage. Also Connecticut is one of the highest paying states for LPNS averaging $25 to $28 an hour. LPNS are in more demand it seems in the state. Saw five openings that you work with the state. Many of the group homes hire LPNS here. Three to four hospitals hire LPNs. One actually only hires LPNS and BSNs. A lot of job applications for MAs I saw said they prefer LPNs. Also the community colleges reserve X amount of seats for LPN bridge students every application period. Only have to do two semesters before becoming an RN. This is a huge bonus checked with the schools for LPN guaranteed admission of can pass the TEAS and already hold a bachelor's degree. Now just have to find a night gig so I can go to school full time during the day. Appreciate the feedback.

Live in Connecticut I work as a Psych tech. Thinking going back to school to be a LPN. I was then planning to move down to Florida and work towards becoming a registered nurse down there. Curious how is the market in Florida for LPNS and RNs? Any good psych facilities in Florida? Here in CT only 5 hospitals take nurse's with associate degrees. Do hospitals down in Florida prefer BSN over RN? Any good areas to work in Florida? Appreciate the feedback.

If not am immediate opening and it's yours in 6-8 month's continue with the RN route much better job options. Myself I am an EMT doing the ladder to LPN to RN to MSN...but will get there hopefully time will tell. Good luck if you can skip a step do it for time, money, and better opportunities.

I am going to work. Leaving my $22 hour counselor job to be a $15 an hour ER night tech 32 hour's a week while going to nursing school. Thankfully won't be a huge loss since only work 24 hour's a week. Will pay for school out of FASFA, grants, and money from work reimbursement. Think it's doable. Three days a week full time 8 to 4 is the class schedule. Three days of school don't work. Study on the days not in school.

I mean I worked with some rude ones and some amazing ones. I really don't like the nurses that can't have the simple courtesy to hold open the door for anyone. Saw one slam a door on a Doctor's face once. Then worked with nurse's who protect their own. One of the nurse's favorite tech wasn't doing her work on the phone all the time at work. Nurse's were complaining to the director. So to keep the techs job this nurse made an anonymous fake tip that got me fired. This nurse also caused two director's to leave in the same department within a year. I have had nurse's tell me when advising about a patient that they went to school for nursing. That nursing is superior to a bachelor's degree. Have them question my work ethic...remember one nurse while in the middle of a note writing on a patient why aren't you working. Think in that sane situation told me to get out of the chair she needs the computer for more important work. I heard horror stories where clinical instructors will set students up just because they don't like them. With all that said I have worked with some amazing nurse's. Some are reliable ingenious smart. Some are great leaders motivators and team player's. Like any job you will just get those bad apples. Don't let it ruin it for yourself.

As far as I know been told by resp. Therapist to stay far away rub if you can from a degree in respiratory therapist...being there are not many or of any job's. Same with radiology tech, it's not as bad, but getting there. I looked into physical therapy, but not sure if it peeks my interest. $12,000 is relatively cheap I mean private college is $30,000 here for LPNs. The LPNS who get jobs in my state make about $25 on average.

In an LPN program knew it be slim pickings for job's as an LPN once I finish the program. Want to bridge over to RN once can I get settled with work as an LPN. For work as LPNS Ohio is the third with most openings. Feel that is a true representation? Never been to Ohio do have friend's out in the Buckeye state. Family lived there for awhile in Dayton, but wasn't born yet. Any feedback on LPNS in Ohio be great? How is Ohio I kind of think of it as a flat plain plave. However, I know a few ultra runners who say the state is home to some of the best trails you'll ever find.

Not to hash up old thread been researching job market for LPNS. Considering going the LPN to RN route. Once I get my LPN I want to run far away from state of CT, think the Healthcare market is stagnant and COL is high. Heard top 3 states to be an LVN are California, Pennsylvania, and Florida...does that seem true? I know California has a program the work doing here on CT is not licensed, but maybe 3 states license/train/school psych techs and they are LVNs/LPNs.

I have heard horror stories that A&P was a cakewalk compared to Microbiology. Apologize actually known someone who took it twice and helped, but really really really dragged due to repetitiveness the material stuck though.

Finish high school as a CNA use it while you work through college. In our state PCT/PCA is just advanced training in phlebotomy and EKG. However, coming out of high school as a CNA is a great start in your career. As far as pay it is a 4-6 dollar difference

I never knew why techs could not do ADLS and fall assessments. Was basically did they toilet click yes in the chart and a few other yes or no answers. Then fall assessment was yes continue plan or update we have to go to a nurse that would re evaluate the patient. Then if patient on dietary restrictions have to monitor and document percentage within the chart. I miss that job so much bummer laid off...ha off topic. Awesome job chart on four to eight patients, assist with ADLS, take vitals, do group therapy sessions, a few other documentations if need be, and do 15 min. checks or other safety checks. Also assist in medical emergencies and assist with CIWA evaluation. Transport patients outside of the unit to other units. Assist with EKGS mostly put the leads on and get the equipment. Then prior to state change could do outside hospital intake assessments. Other hospitals would also allow some techs do phlebotomy. All we needed was that and pass out non controlled medication I advocated for that would be a sweet deal. The PCA took vitals, stocked, tolieting, lifting, and lab samples/blood draws Nurse's did assist with charting, took most of the medical charting. Administer medication, assisted with checks, did their rounding and patient assessments, such as checking wounds and catheters, were assigned to. Administer I but normally last resort on our floor. Our unit was a well oiled machine.

I mean our state shut down a few LPN programs awhile back and the burden went to private institutions. However, I am seeing a resurrection of LPN and LVN within the state. The issue I have is a state program is $11,000 and private is $30,000 where a PCA program is $3,000 you learn scope of a CNA, but also other skills like EKGs and Phlebotomy.

Normally where I am they say EMT B but take a Medic. The hospitals for the ER here want a Basic to come in with phlebotomy skills.

I know a few hospitals here only hire PCA/PCT or Paramedic. Our state it is regulated I think don't quote me on his some of the hospitals can let the Medic who is a tech in scope of practice start a line but that is only in the ER. The PCAS are trained in phlebotomy, EKG, and a few other advanced skills. For the PEDS not sure about the NICU know PCAs and Medics can wirk there. Also have to have ALS and PALS certification in addition to CPR and all that fun stuff. I remember a lot of aging PCAS at my previous hospital wanted to work in the ICU. Stating minimal lifting and toileting was bathing the patient. You were trained to watch the monitor for any changes alert the Nurse's.

I would love if they would allow PCAS with bachelor's to document patient care. I loved doing interviews with the patient's and enjoyed doing intake assessments before the state mandated RNs and Social Workers to do it. Do feel PCAS should be able to give out medication if trained, but not controlled substances. You go outside a hospital they have programs for residential care of provider's taking courses to give out medication. I guess being a hospital probably litigation and state mandates have to respond to.

We have in our state CNA that takes a month of training, PCA takes additional three to four months of training plus have to have your CNA cert or add it into training...depends it is about 140-160 hour's of training...then LPN/LVN training which is a year to year and 1/2 of training in our state.

Ha yeah it is kind of the norm. There are good, not so good, and some that have claws in the health care field. I have a bachelor's degree some nurses had associates degrees act like they are royalty of the unit. However, others were supportive and team player's. Our PCAs were paid decent at least an extra $4 over the norm making $20 an hour in our state. Our PCA load was one PCA a shift for 30 patients. As a Mental Health worker trained in doing vitals and lifting so gave them a break split the load when we could. Think a few PCAS did file greviances. Know nurse's did as well. I overall enjoyed my experience. Kind of a circle if you look at Doctors being rude to nurse's as well. We had a great young psych doctor who actually was a PCA before becoming a Doctor. Was the most respectful individual ever. I can't lie the nurse's who were a tad rude , looked down on you, and had this sense they know it all left a bad taste in my mouth. It happens every where. My friend had similar experience where she worked and I know a nurse like this as well. However, what I remember most were the nurse's who had your back that is what I aspire to be.

Been in the health care field for about 5 to 6 years. Recently involved in a lay off took a job that was state funded...so money and stability is not great. I want to get back into the hospital setting again as I am interested in nursing. I volunteer within the EMS system but I am not a tech. I was debating to get a certification as a EMT or PCA? They are about average pay in the state $16-$18 an hour. I see some positions can substitute being a CNA as a EMT. Any advice or feedback on which route to go? Thanks

Have to say we had some of the greatest PCAs where I worked!!! Was a Mental Health Worker, but always enjoyed working with them and helping them out when I could. We were a 30 patient unit...at times did reach the max, but normally never fell below 25...then there was a lot of other odd patient counts, but that is a whole different story. Anyways we only had once PCA to our floor normally in a shift the took vitals at least twice sometimes four times on a patient, assisted us with safety checks for us, and did lab work.

Final copy going to go over grammar and work in any additional input tomorrow: I am highly interested in working with Newport Academy. I have more than two years of experience working in healthcare and working with the public for over five years. I am an individual who enjoys life and taking on challenges. I am an energetic and enthusiastic person with amazing interpersonal skills. I believe my personality, education, and experience will be a great contribution to this organization. I have extensive experience working with the public and have a great understanding of human behavior. I am an individual who strives to be empathetic towards others; work towards gaining respect and trust. In doing so has assisted me within my career in the mental health field. I have been employed at “blank” inpatient behavioral health center for two years. While working for “blank” I performed similar roles that would benefit working with the Newport Academy. During a daily shift at “blank” I would provide individual therapy sessions with patients. I would make observations regarding any mental status changes and work in identifying treatment goals. Encourage patients to remain focus with treatment and encourage self awareness to current issues. In recognizing issues would work with patient regarding different responses to actions, deeper understanding of emotions regarding situation, and how a different approach was possible. I further collaborated with the Multidisciplinary Treatment Team providing feedback regarding patients’ current treatment while admitted at the hospital. I have assisted PCA’s as well as nurses in taking patient’s vitals , ADLS, setting up equipment for EKGs , and other medical procedures. In addition would assist nurses in performing and also have an understanding of work regarding CIWA with patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms. I have facilitated a variety of different therapy groups while working at “blank”. During my shift daily group would perform involved process group therapy. I was responsible for responding to any issues dealt with during the day and in the group setting; encouraging patients to open up about any goals in progress or accomplished, in regards to their treatment. I encouraged interpersonal interactions with peers during the group and a healthy supportive environment. I have run other groups as well which include sensory integration therapy groups and experiential groups with adolescents. Thus with these groups focus on encouraging peers to perform activities in relation to treatment that would encourage opening up about current treatment needs. In addition, I have worked alongside the Occupational Therapist, Art Therapist, Movement Therapist and Deacon in assisting with these therapy groups. I have been involved in several committees while working at “blank” that focused on improving care towards patients. Was a rewarding accomplishment working with peers on addressing changes to the adolescent unit. My input with colleagues established schedule changes and ways to encourage more interpersonal interaction with the adolescents, in relation to treatment. I am an ideal candidate for this position because of my enthusiasm, experience, and education. I look forward meeting with you and to further demonstrate why I am the ideal candidate for this position.

Hi I hope I am posting in the correct forum, normally post in the CNA/MA and Health Tech section. Quick synopsis...graduated college in 2011 with degree in Justice and Law Administration. It is a human service degree that focus on business administration as well. Have worked five years within the healthcare system. Previous job was a Psych Tech/Mental Health Worker at an inpatient behavioral health unit. Laid off after Memorial Day of this year. Have an interview Friday with a adolescent behavioral health center that focuses on dual diagnosis treatment. I have extensive experience working with the public and have a great understanding of human behavior. I have been employed at "blank" inpatient behavioral health center for two years. While working for "blank" I performed similar roles that would benefit the position applying for. During a daily shift at "blank" I would provide individual therapy sessions with patients. I would make observations regarding any mental status changes and work in identifying goals regarding treatment. Other roles I performed in my position as a psychiatric technician involved fifteen minute rounding on different units and assisted patients with Active Daily Living Skills. I have assisted PCA's and nurses in taking patient's vitals and setting up equipment for EKGs and other medical procedures. I have assisted outside departments on the unit such as physical therapy/occupational therapy and speech therapy. I have training and experience of proper body mechanics in lifting patients and assisted patients having difficulty using mobility equipment. In addition, I have worked with patient's on a one to one basis. In doing so was for their own safety and ensure avoiding self harm. I also assisted in positions patient's and helping with feeding patients. Also, I have worked alongside security in de-escalating conflicts keeping patients and environment safe. I have facilitated a variety of different therapy groups while working at "blank". During my shift daily group would perform involved process group therapy. I was responsible for responding to any issues dealt with during the day and in the group setting; encouraging patients to open up about any goals in progress or accomplished, in regards to their treatment. I encouraged interpersonal interactions with peers during the group and a healthy supportive environment. I have run other groups as well which include sensory integration therapy groups and experiential groups with adolescents. Thus with these groups focus on encouraging peers to perform activities in relation to treatment that would encourage opening up about current treatment needs. In addition, I have worked alongside the Occupational Therapist, Art Therapist, Movement Therapist and Deacon in assisting with these therapy groups. I have been involved in several committees while working at "blank" that focused on improving care towards patients. I worked or the adolescent unit committee which focused on schedule changes and ways to encourage more interpersonal interaction with the adolescents, in relation to treatment. I am an ideal candidate for this position because of my enthusiasm, experience, and education. I look forward meeting with you and to further demonstrate why I am the ideal candidate for this position. It is a rough draft so needs some work done. Place applying to as mentioned above is a dual diagnosis center. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Yep yep done ADLS, bathed patients, assisted with one on one feeding

Appreciate the feedback looks like only way to challenge it is have a clinical rotation within past 2 years for LOAns and Student Nurses. Going to ask and see if my year's in healthcare field can replace clinical rotation.