Suggestions for additional training

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

Hello! I am currently an Excelsior student working towards my nursing degree. I am seeking suggestions for any additional courses or training that would be beneficial when I complete my degree and boards (~2 years) and enter the field of nursing. I have been an EMT for 8 years and a CNA for almost 2 years. I have often been complimented on my people skills, but in order to provide the very best care as a nurse, I will also need to have a solid educational background (besides, people skills can't be taught... if someone doesn't have those before entering nursing, then they are really in trouble!) I am proficient in I.V.s. I have taken some additional training in EKG interpretation and am currently pursuing a medical terminology course. I have always sought additional training opportunities as an EMT. On more than one occasion I something that I gleaned from additional training has allowed to me to improve the quality of patient care I provided. In EMS there is a huge difference (and a steep learning curve) between being certified and being a competent EMT. I'm sure the same is true in nursing. I just want to enter the field with a working (book) knowledge and the tools I need to acquire the field knowledge. Thanks for any suggestions!

[luv4nursing]

I would suggest after graduating EC, taking a nursing refresher course that is offered at most community colleges. They are designed for nurses who havent practiced for a while or who practiced in a setting where they lost their clinical skills, but I think it would be beneficial to you as well. They teach you the nursing process and how to apply it, pharmacology, clinical skills, etc. and there is actually a clinical component at the end of that. I think the whole process takes a few months. Im a new LPN and will be signing up for EC soon. If I feel I need more training after this is over, then I may sign up for a refresher course too. Clinically speaking, RNs dont learn any more than LPNs do in school (except IVs which even LPNs can get IV certified in most states). It is a matter of more theoretical knowledge that is learned when one goes from LPN to RN. Im not sure what all you learn as an EMT but it has to be related bc EMTs are accepted into the LPN to RN bridge programs around here, and so are RT's. You can also look into graduate nurse programs that offer an extensive orientation/preceptorship. Good luck to you! Ill bet youd be great in the ER!

[KatieBell]

I would look into getting certified in ACLS and PALS. Unlike TNCC, unregistered people can take these courses. Most do not because of course you can not give the drugs, but as you will be graduating- I'd say go ahead and take the classes.

ACLS and PALS are not required for many settings, but for ED, Pediatrics, and any ICU- at least one of these certifications is required, and they are not difficult to get- used to be, but somehow in the past years its a "Kinder gentler" ACLS world...

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

See if you can get a nurse externship at a local hospital while you complete your studies- you'll get paid, and get great nursing experience. A lot of facilities will also offer you a position after you're done as well.