question about EC

[ct1tx]

I am a new LVN just started working in a urgent care clinic in Dec07. I really want to get my RN but I'am working full time and I have one kid and one on the way. I feel that going back to school and spending 3-4 days a week in class would not be a option for me. Well what my question is if I do the EC there is no clinical training and I am afraid that I might really need that. I would like anyone's opinion on this issue. Do you think the clinical you would recieve in a bridge program is that important, or is just studying the procedures at home enough. Where I live it is almost impossible to get a job in a hosp as a LVN. Let me know what you think please I am very interested in everyones opinion

Thanks!

ct1tx

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I was worried about the lack of clinicals myself until I helped orient some new grads in the ED ... we had to teach them a lot of those basic skills, and that's to be expected, from what I've been told by RNs in the ED. The only new grads that had any of those skills were those who were LPNs before becoming RNs. :) (But I still had to teach most of them to do IVs, and I was such a sucker that I let them practice on me first. LOL)

We are already healthcare providers ... our previous training/clinicals and our work experiences ARE our clinicals. As a paramedic student, I had hundreds and hundreds of hours of clinical time, and much of that was in a hospital (which I thought was a little strange for a prehospital profession, but now I'm glad! LOL). I've been working full-time in an ED for more than three years now, and it's been a fabulous experience, in terms of learning from patients and coworkers alike.

Much of an RN's skills are gained AFTER he/she begins to work as an RN, not before. For the CPNE, we are expected to be able to perform as a first-day graduate nurse. There are also a plethora (I love that word, ha ha) of workshops that you can attend when you begin to prepare for the CPNE that can help you "get there" in terms of understanding what EC wants/expects.

Good luck, whatever you decide! :)

[akanini, MSN, RN]

Everything Lunah wrote makes much sense. Also remember you are getting clinicals on your job EVERY TIME. There are also CPNE workshops available. When I finish LPN school in August I will be working in a LTC facility because their union is paying for my education. However, when I start Excelsior and CPNE eligible, I will attend a workshop. Try it!!I read something the other day that stated, "Stop coming u with all the excuses you can't do something and find the one reason why you should!!"