ironman53

For example order states gives 20MEQ/15ml of KCL with 120cc of water. Why can't I just give the pt the 15cc of KCL? A woman was fired because she didn't dilute the medication when administering via GT.

As an LVN here in CA, LA area, I can say that it was the toughest thing I've ever gone through. It took me a little over 24 months of schooling plus an extra time for boards, and licensure waiting. I was working FT as a CNA too. Study time depends on you, and it's relative, meaning what works for you may or may not work for others. On school days, school was 8A-2p, I'd get home by 3P, relax, unwind, and eat, and start studying by 5p. I'd study until bedtime, usually 9P or 10P, with a couple half-hour breaks to digest what i was reading. If it was a long lecture or a tough one, I'd probably study until I feel asleep. LOL no joke i woke up one morning with my face planted on my textbook. READ, READ, READ is my advice. LVN school was tough, and my life really revolved around work and school with little time to mess around. LVNs at least here in CA are phased out of acute-care settings, with exception of small-community based hospitals still utilizing LVNs. Most hospitals are leaning toward the coveted "Magnet Status", and even RNs without BSNs are being forced to go back to school. One step at a time.you'll get there. Best of luck in your nursing career.

Yeah, there was a little regret in me when completing the LVN program, i already knew LVN jobs were hard to find and most job opportunities for VNs are in LTC, which isn't where i want to be career wise. I may be working as a CNA, but i'm proud to be an LVN. Thanks!

Hello all, I rarely post on here, but I really wanted to hear some opinions on this. I have been in LVN in CA almost a year now. I work in a LTC sub acute, where I pass meds, trach care, GT care, wound care, etc..I recently got an opportunity to work in a great area hospital on the floor in the following units: Tele,Neuro,ICU floor as a CNA, since i still have a valid CNA cert. Duties are strictly CNA. Most of my coworkers at the LTC think I'm crazy, but I see this as an amazing opportunity to explore acute care. I get awesome benefits. + tuition reimbursement, hourly pay is 3$ short than LVN job. Already been inspired by awesome ICU nurses I worked with. Want to go back for RN now and do critical care. I still work at the LTC PT. No, I am not interested in outpatient work. Most LVNs have been phased out of this hospital, except clinics. What's your opinion?

I say go for it and don't look back. If you truly hate the SNF and that work environment. It won't hurt to try new things, but if the salary is an issue, you need to find what is best for your finance situation. I did something like this recently, I took a small pay cut, except it's a CNA job in a amazing hospital, with a better work environment. I hated working in my SNF, but now I'm only part-time since it's my only LVN job. The place is toxic, but I like to think i'm doing good there, and i only see it once or twice a week now.

Thank you all for your responses, I have reignited my desire to become a nurse and finish strong. All your insight is appreciated.

Hello all. I'm a 21 year old male nursing student, currently a term 3 student out of 4 terms. I also work at a PEDS unit as a CNA. Been one for over a year now. I get very anxious whenever I perform skilled nursing care. My hands visibly shake whenever I do care that requires precision like catheterization, passing meds via GT, NGT insertion, and injections. I'm not good at it. Last time I passed meds via GT I spilled a little bit of water on the patient's lap. It wasn't my first time. I struggle to simply pour the meds into the syringe. My hands were shaking. I was afraid of spilling my medications. My patient saw I was visibly nervous and started crying. I felt horrible, and tried my best to calm her down. My nursing instructor came to the rescue and passed the rest of my meds. Heck, she even drew insulin for me once because I was so nervous. I never felt so useless. I sometimes forget things when I'm doing procedures. I recently started smoking too. I've gotten depressed and constantly question my competence as a nurse. I like working with babies for some reason. I just don't feel the pressure like I do with adult patients. Is that bad? I don't get very nervous, and I like treating children. I dreamed of one day working one of the critical care units like CCU as an RN, ED, ICU, or PACU. Somehow I dream big, but reality hits me hard. On a different note, work has been a little rough too. I sometimes have to excuse myself for a little air because I get all the panic attack symptoms coming on.