NurseLamar

Piggy backing off some of the other comments, I always come to work with my note pad and black pen. I work third shift at a assisted living facility so I arrive 5 min before my shift starts to meet with the second shift staff. I write everything that I do down because that's my sole recollection of what happened and when it took place. I do my rounds every two hours and get my patients up and dressed in a timely manner in the morning, then I leave. I don't stay around and mingle with people because that's how drama starts. Don't worry you will develop your own routine after about two weeks.

It depends on location and specialty. LPN's working in hospitals and doctor offices do not make a lot $12-14 (here in VA). But nursing homes base pay around $16, psych centers $18, assisted living $18, correctional facilities $19 and veteran hospitals $15. But then you need to factor in weekend, night, holiday and overtime shift differentials which are between $1.50-6.00. Don't fall for the hype that LPN's are being done away with, because they are needed. They are being let go from hospitals but hired constantly everywhere else. I'm a CNA but will be starting LPN school next month, and my employer already told me that I would be making $21-24 after shift diffs. So if those people are being truthful with you about LPN's making $10 you need to relocate.

Don't listen to what everyone is saying, their not doing the work you are. If you don't like the work leave. You say you don't need the money but the experience, you could volunteer at local hospitals/ nursing facilities or work in assisted living facilities or do companion work but whatever you do keep your can license active do prn shifts. Or work in a hospital as a Patient Rep to register people or care partner.

Hi NewNurseStudent I will be doing the same thing as you. My LPN program starts in September 9 months 8:00-1:45 m-f every other day (following public school system) and everyday second 9 months. I work 11-7 five nights a week as a CNA. Academically, my situation is a little different because I have completed all of my RN prereqs at a university but I'm leaving due to admin and accrediation issues and I don't want to go through the transfer process into another 4-year university because there maybe more prereqs that I would need to complete specifically for that university; so at least when I get my LPN within 6-12months of being a nurse I could transition smoothly into a LPN-BSN program. Many people have tried to discourage me from wanting to do an LPN program and/or working full-time while completing such a lpn program, but I tell them that taking nursing in steps makes me more well-rounded and versatile. As far as working full-time, I have to. Nevertheless, you will do fine and keep in mind that this is a stepping stone for your professional and personal advancement and for your child. Nursing school will become your life and you need to beware of that but once its over and you've passed your NCLEX it'll all be worth it. Good luck.

Here in VA, care partners (ER Techs) are prepared by their respective hospitals so their duties ranges according to their hospital's and state regulations. But the care partners are also licensed CNAs.