#lpn nurse

[medcadre]

Benefits and Challenges of Pursuing a Career as a Travel LPN

For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with a restless spirit and a thirst for adventure, the call of the open road can be deafening. Travel LPN positions offer a tantalizing blend of career growth, financial rewards, and the chance to explore new horizons. But is it all sunshine and smooth sailing? Before packing your bags and hitting the highway, let's navigate the pros and cons of becoming a travel LPN.

Benefits

Higher pay and perks: Travel LPNs earn significantly more than their staff counterparts, with hourly rates often exceeding $40. Additionally, many agencies offer generous benefits packages including housing, travel stipends, and even health insurance.

Flexibility and adventure: Imagine ditching the routine and choosing where you work next! Travel LPNs pick assignments based on location, desired length, and specialty. This autonomy opens doors to exploring new cities, experiencing diverse cultures, and fulfilling long-held travel dreams.

Skill expansion and career growth: Stepping into different healthcare environments exposes you to varied patient populations and treatment protocols. This constant learning fosters professional development and broadens your skillset, making you a more well-rounded LPN.

Escaping workplace drama: By nature, travel assignments are temporary. This avoids getting entangled in long-term workplace politics and allows you to focus solely on providing excellent patient care.

Challenges

Loneliness and isolation: Moving from place to place can leave you feeling disconnected from friends and family. Building a support system in unfamiliar cities and managing solo living requires extra effort.

Constant adaptation: New facilities, staff, and routines can be daunting. Be prepared for a steep learning curve with each assignment and the challenge of quickly integrating into new teams.

Unpredictable work conditions: Some facilities may need more staffing or challenging patient populations. Travel LPNs need to be adaptable and flexible, embracing the unknown that comes with temporary placements.

Deciding your path

Pursuing a career as a travel LPN isn't for everyone. It requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of independence. Weighing the benefits and challenges against your personality, priorities, and life goals is crucial. If wanderlust and professional growth fuel your fire, then embracing the road less traveled might be the adventure you've been yearning for.

Tips for success

Network and build relationships: Connect with other travel LPNs for valuable advice and support. Strong professional connections can lead to future opportunities.

Stay organized and adaptable: Manage your finances, pack efficiently, and be prepared to adjust to new environments quickly. Flexibility and a positive attitude are your best assets.

Why MedCadre is the right choice to find your next job? 

MedCadre is a great place to find LPN and other healthcare jobs in the USA. Just send us your resume, and our team will review it. They'll match your skills with suitable jobs. If there's a good match, they'll call you with details. You can also look at job openings on our website and send us your CV for any job you're interested in.

Submit your CV: https://medcadre.com/careers

Conclusion 

Choosing a career as a travel LPN comes with its unique set of advantages and challenges. On the bright side, it offers higher pay, flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth in diverse settings. However, it's essential to consider the potential feelings of isolation, the need for constant adaptation, and unpredictable work conditions.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue this path hinges on individual preferences, adaptability, and career aspirations. For those intrigued by the blend of adventure and professional development, the travel LPN route can be immensely rewarding. To embark on this journey successfully, networking, staying organized, and leveraging resources like MedCadre can make all the difference in finding the right opportunities and support along the way.

[seraphm001stamps]

[therapeuticsoul]

Day Three of School

Today was much better. I scheduled my fingerprints. It wasn’t as expensive as I thought it was going to be. I still think the school should’ve paid for them but I digress. Class felt unnecessarily long and drawn out today but I’m getting a bit of a groove. I will have sooooo much work to do for all three classes!!!! So much information that I’ll need to study and hopefully remember. There will hardly be free time. I need to make a schedule for myself for studying each class material etc. Also, my birthday is this month and I’ll be in class 🥲.

[mariancollegeschoolofnursing]

[weirdratblogs]

Crying, screaming, going to throw up, and pass out.

I'm in school to be an LPN, right?

Well, I already have training as a CNA.

I wasn't great at BP, but I could get it for you.

Except for now, for some reason. I've been getting systolics in the 160-180 range. On everybody.

Well, this is the first stethoscope that's ever been mine. I'm not big on their use yet.

I've been covering the hole in the smaller bell with my thumb, thinking I'm helping myself hear better.

Y'all, I've been reading my own "hypertensive since fucking 17" ass' high-ass blood pressure.

[wolfwarrior142]

hii um this may sound totally weird but i was just wondering, and you totally dont have to answer if you're not comfortable, but was it really hard to do the schooling to become a nurse? did you have to do any residency the way doctors do? did you have to do a lot of hard chemistry classes in school?

im just a college student who's trying to switch majors and i just needed some advice and i keep seeing that you're a licensed nurse and you can totally shut me up now.

again dont answer if you're not comfortable, no worries!

Hello! Oh it's totally fine to ask! Nothing wrong with it at all. I'm no expert on this and may not give the most helpful or concise answer, but I will try my best. And you're more than welcome to also message me to ask more about it, I'm happy to say what I know (and imma post this so other people who may be curious can read it too).

I'll be totally honest. Nursing school is worth kt for those who are interested in the field, but it is also extremely taxing to most people. Depending on your school, you will take 1-2 years of prerequisits, then 2-4 years depending on if the school has an associates or bachelor program. If the school has only an associates program, you will most likely need to complete 2 years beyond that school to earn your bachelor's. Most hospitals prefer or even require RNs to have a bachelor's degree, so unless you work at facility that's desperate for staff or don't want as broad of job options, you'll need the bachelor's. So that's 4 years in actual nursing school, plus 1-2 years of prerequisits if you don't already have some done.

For what prereqs you'll need, that depends on your school. Chemistry was by far one of the hardest prereqs I took, and statistics suuuucks. I'm usually decent with math, but stats has SO much word problems that it's just as much deciphering written problems as it is math. Its very confusing, and the teacher I took it with was new so she didn't have the best grasp on explaining stuff yet. Definitely recommend finding someone to work with in that class cuz you may need the extra brainpower to figure shit out.

Anatomy and Physiology really depends on where you go. Some places have great teachers for it, some have decent ones, some have teachers that make you wonder if the teacher only got their degree so they could torture and shit on students (I had the latter. Our teacher's average class grade was a C. When she started, most people failed the class. And she was proud that her students had such low grades. She made it seem like it was out fault, despite the fact that basically everyone had shit grades in her class. I'm pretty sure I somehow passed with a low B and I hated that class).

That's only some of the prereqs, there are many more and they depend on the school. Thankfully a lot of schools are good about transferring credits between institutions, so if you took the class at a different places the credit should still be mostly good.

Now for the actual program. Do objective research on what nursing school is actually like, preferably from people who have actually done it. Look at multiple sources. Ask students at the place you'd take it at if possible. Get an idea of what it's like. Then think on it for a while and decide if you're willing to deal with that.

Nursing school is tough. It kicks your ass. It changes you as a person, both by making you more nurse-oriented and just as a person in general. It is very worth it, but it is also very intense and taxing for most people. If you are truly hesitant on if you want to pursue it, don't. At least not for right now. I'm serious. Nursing school takes a ton of work, and if your heart isn't in it you may have an extremely hard time passing. Or may not pass at all. And if you are any kind of neurodivergent, you'll likely have an even harder time. Trust me, I know.

Most nursing teachers are nice or at least chill. Some are mean. Some are absolute assholes. Doesn't mean they won't be beneficial, but they may make things harder for you. If they offer to help, then take em up on that offer when needed. There's a lot of things that take a lot of practice and studying to understand, and if theyre willing to help explain shit, that can make it easier. Besides, we were taught early on that being curious and asking questions and vital for nursing. You'll ALWAYS be learning new things, no matter how long you've been a nurse. And while you're in school, teachers who are willing to help you when needed are lifesavers. But be prepared that most of em will not help a ton as they do not want to hold your hand.

Find friends to study/work on stuff with. Figure out your learning style (hearing, reading, writing, hands on, a combo, etc). Develop a studying technique, and be prepared that you may need to alter it. Be prepared to spend most of your days engrossed in reading stuff for classes, as otherwise you're not gonna learn enough and you'll struggle. However, youtube videos from credible sources can really help.

The tests are brutal. They're different than most tests. There's literally a whole textbook made to help you figure out how to properly understand and answer NCLEX questions for a reason. There's a whole damn process on how to answer NCLEX questions. There have been many times where while answering questions at work for training (questions that are given to Medical Assistants (MA) as well as nurses), my MA coworkers will be confused by the question and why there's multiple right answers. And I just laugh and say "Oh I can immediately tell from the style of this question that it was written by an RN in NCLEX style. I'm so sorry." Questions on nursing tests are a whole other breed of questions, and that's because they help your brain think through things in a way that is beneficial when dealing with real pts. Which is useful, but also a pain in the ass.

You will HAVE to get used to understanding the process of stuff rather than just memorizing a single answer. Rarely are questions just about remembering a simple answer. They're mostly about understanding a process of how something works, and using that knowledge in the context of the question to answer it. If that makes sense. Like I said, nursing school rewires your brain. And when it actually works and you realize you're able to think about stuff and process it in that way, it is SO rewarding.

There's a lot. Nursing school is intense. Like I said, if you're truly hesitant and have strong doubts, don't commit to it for now. You have to be truly determined to give nursing school your best shot to start it, because if you're hesitant then you're mentally not gonna be as prepared as you should be to complete it. You still can, but it'll be difficult as shit and there's a solid chance you may not be able to.

I HIGHLY recommend getting a job in healthcare first if you don't have much experience with as a healthcare professional and are hesitant on if you want to do it or not. You can earn your CNA license, or go a step above and earn your MA license. Then work in a setting where you get to utilize that license. Then if you do decide to advance to get a nursing degree, you'll have a major leg up as you'll have medical knowledge and experience that will be very beneficial. Besides, many programs require students to earn a CNA license first, so you'll probably have to anyway.

There is nothing at all wrong with waiting a few years to get into nursing school. Tbh, a lot of my classmates were in their mid to late 20s or older and they seemed to have an easier time than us younger people did. They had their head on their shoulders better. They had an easier time focusing in school it seemed. Plenty of my classmates were also my age or younger and also did very well, but it really seems that being a bit older helps for a lot of people in nursing school. And the more prior medical experience they had, the easier it was for them.

I will fully admit that I didn't complete Registered Nursing school. There were multiple things that made me withdraw when I did. But I completed enough to obtain my Licensed Practical Nurse license (in my RN program, it's the first full year and first quarter of second year, as what is taught there is essentially equivalent to what an LPN class it). So I didn't finish yet, but I'm still making use of what I did learn. And after a few years, I plan to complete an LPN to RN bridge course. Currently I'm working as an LPN in a clinic to help build my knowledge in prep of that, and because my LPN license is still extremely useful and shows that I did at least something. Doesn't stop the absolutely raging imposter syndrome, but at least I am still a nurse and have something to show for what I did complete of nursing school (I withdraw close to the end of 2nd quarter of 2nd year, so after almost 5 quarters in. Just 1 quarter shy of a full RN license, which sucks, but I was struggling SO bad).

Do research. A lot of it. Look into what nursing school is like and what is required at the school you want to go to for it/at the school you're currently at. Nursing school is not for the faint of heart and it is not an easy degree. Some schools are a TON easier, but those schools tend to also not teach their students as well and produce people who have a harder time passing the NCLEX as a result. My program was very tough to get into, with hundreds of students applying each year and only 150 being chosen. And they grilled us HARD. But the harder programs tend to also produce more knowledgeable nurses. Hell, I passed my PN-NCLEX first try after only having to complete half the test before the computer program determined I didn't need to do anymore because of the score I already had (there's an algorithm that runs during the test that gives you harder or easier questions depending on if you get them right or wrong, respectively, and eventually it ends the test early if it determines that you've answered enough that you'd either pass/fail the rest of the test if you were to finish it. If that makes sense. It's super cool). And I hardly studied before the test because I was a nervous wreck (thankfully you can take it multiple times with not penalty except cost, which is SO comforting). And I like to think that the way my program taught us helped me have an easier time passing. Compared to some other people I know, who completed their whole nursing program from other schools and had to take the RN-NCLEX multiple times before they could pass it. The programs that are easier to get into are also easier to complete, which is SO nice, but they'll also probably leave you less prepared for the standardized state NCLEX test and nursing in general.

Still absolutely nothing wrong with completing an easier program, tho. You can only learn so much in nursing school and you leave it with only a basic knowledge of nursing in general. They cram a LOT into your brain and make you drink it from a fire hose, but there's SO much about nursing that is learned after you graduate. And you'll always be learning. ALWAYS. So the program you choose is only a starting point. Just your choice which one you go for.

I'm sorry, that's a lot. Nursing is a LOT. There's a reason why one of the phrases I adopted and used a TON in nursing school was, "It'll be worth it in the end, but god at what cost." (Also started and still frequently use "It's better to be safe than sorry.") It was tough, and I'm not super looking forward to when I complete my RN degree. But for those who are determined enough, it is so, so worth it. Its impossible to know what it'll be like until you're there, but just know it takes a lot of determination and accepting that it'll kick your ass. Your life will be Nursing School Only while in the program. You will leave a changed person. But if you're willing to do it, especially after doing some of your own research into it, I highly recommend it. It kicked my ass but I don't regret it for a second, and I definitely want to complete my RN at some point.

I'm driven to help people and have always wanted to do something in a medical field (animal or human), and nursing is one of the main ways I saw myself doing that. And even with my LPN license, I'm still in a position to help people. I have helped some people and always strive to do so when possible. I have no regrets. And despite how hard it is, I highly recommend at least considering it if it speaks to you as well. It is not a light, easy decision, but it's a worth-while one if you choose it and set your mind to it.

[icepoptroll]

I'm a private duty nurse filling in with a school client today and I feel like this

[x-lovely]

I’m not finished ranting so ima rant here

This dumbass CNA told me that she did a wound dressing on my resident like bitch what stay in your lane I said that’s not within your scope of practice and she puts her hand on my shoulder and is like honey I’ve been in the hospital for years doing wound dressings I just gave her a thumbs up but like bitch how u gonna do the wound dressing without knowing the doctor’s order, what solution to put on it, what size the gauze to cover it and my resident’s fucking allergies? She buggin like stay in yo goddamn lane Jesus

[freetospeakknowwhatimean]

MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

YOU CAN EXPECT NAUSEA, TACHYCARDIA, AND DIAPHORESIS

[thefuturern]

Statins

Which laboratory values should be monitored in a patient taking statins? 

a) Blood glucose and hemoglobin 

b) White blood cell count and platelets 

c) Liver function tests and creatine kinase 

d) Serum potassium and sodium

-------------------------------------------

Explanation: Statins are a class of medications used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. As with any medication, statins can cause side effects, including damage to the liver and muscles. Therefore, it is important to monitor liver function tests (such as AST, ALT, and bilirubin) to ensure that the medication is not causing liver damage. Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in muscle tissue, and elevated levels can indicate muscle damage. Therefore, monitoring CK levels can help detect muscle damage associated with statin use. Blood glucose, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, platelets, serum potassium, and sodium are not typically affected by statin use and do not require monitoring.

Answer: The correct answer is c) Liver function tests and creatine kinase.

[lovingempress]

Week 3 of nursing school and still questioning why I put myself up to this

💀

[queenofsimplicity]

Any fcking way I have 17 days left until my pinning ceremony🥹

I’m not going to lie these past couple of weeks have been beating my arse but I’m going to stay resilient

[crossmyheartandhopetodie94]

There are endless articles about nurse burnout, depression, mental health being destroyed by the career. I have personally experienced this. I became a nurse at 19. I was a CNA working in the healthcare field before I even graduated high school. I started having migraines after I became a nurse, got addicted to caffeine, then came the sleeping pills, then the anxiety pills, the panic attacks at work. The endless fatigue. The morbid jokes among coworkers about finding the best bathroom at work to cry in. Watching people die and finishing the shift without blinking an eye. Do that enough you’ll become cold. You have to to survive… nursing during COVID . That is when the national nursing shortage got really bad. Because for once- nurses decided it wasn’t worth the mediocre pay rates and lack of respect and appreciation that comes with the job. 90% of offices operate with medical assistants now. Because-

There are no nurses around.

There’s none left.

I’m still here. Still fighting to keep going. Still trying to make a difference.

But I don’t for how long.

Because everyday I start with a positive attitude. And everyday I get torn down just a little bit more.

And that shit starts to come home with you after a while.

Starts to wear on your soul. On your ability to be a mom, a wife. A caring person at all.

We’ve given it all away at work.

And we got nothing back.

So now we’re all empty.

So here’s to all the nurses out there.

You are appreciated.

And you are needed

Because we know- not everyone can do what we do.

[rnnursing]

I truly believe that working as a physician, doctor, Nurse, anyone working in the health care field, this profession is a calling. Many people want to do it, but few are chosen to do the right job. Being a CNA is still hard and rewarding. I am not a medical assistant but I am sure that job is also stressful. I am a CNA and I understand what is taking care of a patient bedside. I know how to be a healer and I witness the job of a nurse and doctor because as a CNA I see their job. I believe i can become a Nurse. I just need to start studying for my TEAS and hopefully I start going to school next year. God is with us. I really want to be in school soon! 🙏 📚 📖 ✏️ 👩‍🏫

[bobbierandle1]

This comprehensive guide will help you to accelerate your nursing career

As a result of modern healthcare requirements, the nursing field is evolving rapidly. As healthcare needs increase, more Licensed Practical Nurses wish to become Registered Nurses. The 6 month lpn to rn program. This concise but detailed guide will show LPNs how to make a career change.

LPNs seeking to be RNs in a short time can benefit from the LPN to RN Bridge Program. The curriculum is designed to help LPNs get ready for the high-speed field of registered nurses by improving both their theoretical and practical understanding. The curriculum provides LPNs with advanced nursing and critical thinking abilities.

This 6-month LPN RN curriculum can be challenging, due to the short length. The curriculum covers the basics in depth. These include nursing in pharmacology and pediatrics. To prepare students to become multifaceted RNs, the program emphasizes evidence-based nursing practice, patient management skills, nursing management and leadership.

There are prerequisites for the LPN-toRN expedited curriculum. A valid LPN licence and some work experience are required by most schools. It is necessary to pass microbiology, anatomy and physiology with at least a B-grade. LPNs need to confirm the school requirements.

Although the six-month program might seem long, it is designed specifically for LPNs. LPNs with busy schedules or online classes can study while working at colleges. LPNs are able to achieve RN status without sacrificing their jobs or other obligations.

A significant advantage of this program is that it accelerates the nursing career. Graduates may take the NCLEX. If you pass this exam, your LPN status will be upgraded to RN, allowing for more career opportunities and higher earning potential.

It is not for everyone. Fast-paced courses require motivated students with dedication and talent. It is important to evaluate your readiness and commitment before enrolling in the Fast Track.

RNs specialize in a number of different healthcare fields. They also have the ability to manage, supervise, and improve patient care. Being an RN requires a dedication to ongoing study, professionalism and improvements in healthcare.

Beyond personal and career growth, a LPN to RN 6-month curriculum offers many benefits. RNs, with their broader practice scope and enhanced abilities, are valuable healthcare professionals. RNs also have a higher level of job security, and can advance their careers faster than LPNs. RNs are also paid more and the program makes sense.

Due to its expedited pace, the six-month program requires students to fully commit to their studies. It is a demanding course that requires discipline, time management and solid study habits. There are many schools that offer help to manage the workload of students.

The LPN program to RN is a 6-month course that promotes professional nursing networking. Interaction between students and instructors helps to foster teamwork.

[excedrins]

the only person i've stayed in contact with from my hs is doing a phd in an extremely niche humanities field at a prestigious university about 10 hours away. i'm thinking about going to visit her but its just so weird to talk about our lives the last 5 years post hs. im not upset about the way my life has been since graduating or want her exact life- ive had a lot of adventure, unique opportunities, and work experience the past few years- but it always makes me a bit melancholy-reflective when i talk to people my age who've taken the more traditional route.