What to expect???

[NurseBetty_RN]

Hello, I am in a 12 month LPN program, and although I know the jist of the industry, I want to hear some inside thoughts or experiences of some of the experienced LPNs, what are us students to expect once we start working as an LPN???

[ashsoontobeRN]

Great question as I'm wondering the same! Congrats btw!

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

Mostly that being a LVN is on-the-job training. You get the basics in school, but the "real world" is an entirely different animal. It is overwhelming and sometimes terrifying to be a nurse. Even us more seasoned nurses get overwhelmed and miss this, forget that, etc.

Ask lots of questions. Work on getting over the fear of "sounding stupid" if that's an issue for you now before you start a job. I still ask questions and really don't care how they sound to others. I want to know or I wouldn't have asked. Knowledge is power as they say and the more you know, the more you'll catch and the better off your residents will be. I would much rather train a new nurse that asks me a zillion questions and wants to hear the rationale than a new nurse who is quiet and silently trying to figure it all out themselves. You will have a wealth of knowledge in the nursing field in your coworkers. (including CNA's. They know the residents better than most nurses do.) You would be wise to tap into those resources.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Expect to deal with coworkers who have varying mentalities. Some of your coworkers will be the most ethical and generous spirits in existence, whereas other coworkers will be selfish and dishonest.

Expect to deal with a variety of patient populations. Some patients will be highly appreciative of all that you do for them, whereas others will want you to assist in their perpetual cycle of self-destruction.

Expect to deal with a wide range of family members. Some family members will be realistic and on the same team as you, whereas other families will have unrealistic expectations of what healthcare can do.

Expect to deal with interesting physicians. Some physicians will elicit your suggestions regarding the patient's course of action, whereas other doctors will throw temper tantrums when things don't go their way.

Expect to be a member of the interdisciplinary team. Some interdisciplinary teams work together professionally for the benefit of good patient outcomes, whereas other teams remain trapped in a game of one-upmanship with no winners.