Random Questions...

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 11, 2007

Hello, I am new to the boards. A little background on me....I have worked in various positions in the Healthcare field, from a CNA to an Office Manager. I have decided to become an LPN for job security and to get back into a hands on position. I am hoping to start an LPN program in April. I have taken the entrance test and so long as I pass I am in.
Here are a few random questions I have thought of while reading this forum.....
1- Have any LTCF gone paperless?
2- Once you become a nurse to do have to retest for your boards occasionally or do you just need to keep up with continuing education credits or something?
3-What is the difference between an LPN and LVN?
4- Is there a difference in wage from working in an office as opposed to LTC? How much?
5- How long after you finish school do you have to wait to test? Do you have to wait a certain period or just wait for the test to be held?
Hmmm...that's it for now, I am sure I will come up with more at some point... TIA for your time!

:welcome: Welcome to these forums!

1. Some LTCFs have gone paperless, and have converted to computerized charting. However, I still have a preference for the old-fashioned paper nurses notes, as they seem more 'defensive' to me. As they all say, "Chart for the jury." My very first LTC job had computerized charting and forms.

2. Once you pass NCLEX, you do not have to retake it. It's a national exam that applies to all 50 states. You simply have to fulfill the CEU requirements for the state in which you reside. If you are licensed in 1 state and would like to move out of the state, you'll simply need to apply for "licensure by endorsement" in the new state.

3. There's no difference between the LPN and the LVN. California and Texas refer to their basic nurses as LVNs, while the remaining 48 states call their basic nurses LPNs. I have licensure in CA and TX, so I am called an LVN. If I were to relocate to Nevada or some other state, my title would change to LPN.

5. I live in TX. In my area, office LVNs are usually paid between $13 and $15 hourly. The LTCFs pay between $18 and $22 hourly. Therefore, the pay difference between office nurses and LTC nurses is significant in my region. When I lived in Southern CA, the pay disparity was similar.

6. The sooner you take NCLEX, the better. Some people have taken it within a week of graduating. Studies have proven that your success rate plummets when you wait greater than 60 days after completing the LPN program to take NCLEX.

softstorms · Jul 4, 2008

I agree with commuter, I work in a converted LTC facility. That means we do LTC on one side and Rehab/acute care on the other side. We use our comp system to retrive labs and input admissions. We can't chart on pts. there yet, but are working on that. Even with the computer, I still make a hand written note in the chart. I have had to account for myself once in court. Thanks god for my note LOL.

In S.C. Ltc and re-hab centers pay best, Dr's offices have great benifets, but pay lower. Remember that LTC and Rehab are 24/7, Dr's offices are closed on holidays and weekends. I also agree that the longer you wait to take the exam, the more you question yourself. Good Luck