mrsgibson

I was nervous to come off orientation too. But, it really will be okay. On the last day of orientation, I had my preceptor drill me with questions and "what ifs" to make sure that I was on the right track. Also, know that you are not alone! There is always someone there that can answer your question! And do ask lots of questions! I always run new things by another nurse or the charge nurse just for my own piece of mind and to make sure that I'm on the right track. I'd rather ask then do something that could harm my patient. And lastly, just have confidence in yourself! Think back to all the things you've learned since you began working. Know that your boss would not allow you to come off orientation if she/he didn't feel that you were ready! And it's also important to be confident in front of your patient (even if you're shaking on the inside!) Once you're on your own the first day, you'll see that nothing's changed-you still have people there to support you! Good luck!!

I'm an LPN and I work in a hospital. I'm originally from Pittsburgh, PA where LPNs are quite limited in what they do. As far as here, I can do A LOT. I can do IVP medications, start drips, take telephone orders from doctors. I was not allowed to do any of this back in PA. The scope of practice for LPNs in NC is pretty broad but it depends on the facility that you work at to allow you to do all those things.

Oh cool. When do you start?

What floor are you going to be working on?

I didn't know about the daycare subsidy...fill me in please! How old are your kids? Are you going full-time?

I just found out yesterday that discovery health has a ce website. It's discoveryhealthcme.com. They show programs on Discovery Health each Saturday, which you can watch and then take the quiz online and print your certificate. You can also get the show via the website or podcast. And it's all free. I haven't tried it yet, but it looks pretty interesting. Hope that helps!

Nope, I haven't used them. But from what you said, I think you'll do okay. I'd just review all the systems one more time (esp. the ones that you have trouble with) and your pharmacology and drug calcs and you should do great! Just don't stress too much about it (easier said than do,I know!) and don't second guess yourself. Good luck!!

Hey, I'm fairly new to Fayetteville. We got here in March. I hope to answer some of your questions. 1) I think you could better figure this out once you start school and get into clinicals. I thought I would love peds and it turns out that I really didn't enjoy that too much! 2) I've only worked in a hospital and assisted living. I prefer the hospital just because I think you get the best experience there. I was told to do the hospital for at least one year just to get experience and then if you want to try something else after that, then go for it. 3) About a month after we got here, I started putting in applications. I put in my application with Cape Fear on a Sunday and they called me the next day to schedule an interview and then I had my interview that Thursday and was officially hired less than a week later. They are in high demand for anything patient care related. So I'd say I don't think it's that hard. And I don't even have that much experience. As soon as we knew we were coming here, I knew that was where I wanted to work and I was happy to get there. I've heard a lot of negative things about the place (and I've seen some not so great things) but you'll have that anywhere. 4) I work 12 hour shifts. And at Cape Fear ppl usually do a track schedule so it's the same thing every two weeks. You work Monday and Tuesday, then off Wed. and Thursday, then work Fri, Sat and Sun. Then the next week you're off Mon. and Tues., work Wed. and Thurs. and off Fri. Sat and Sun. But they also have a weekend program where you just work Sat. and Sunday and that's still considered full time. That's the program that I'm going to be working. 5) That was my main concern. As someone else said, Cape Fear has it's own childcare center. I don't use them but I hear that they are great. I found a really good babysitter that's understanding of my job and my husband's (Army). I'd suggest asking your co-workers what they do for childcare. I actually found my babysitter on Craigslist but I definitely made sure she had good references, etc. I know that some managers may be willing to adjust your schedule but that' something you'd have to talk to them about. Hope I helped