Friday, January 31, 2014

A slight detour


I was chatting with my mentor the other day and mentioned that the more nursing skills I learn, the more frustrated I become with the limitations of being a CNA.  She replied "GOOD!  What are you going to do about it?"

Well, I'll tell you.  Instead of taking the summer off, or working on BSN classes, I'm taking the Transition to Practical Nursing class (with Professor Barb!).  Two weeks of online class, two solid weeks of clinicals, a test, and the LPN NCLEX exam.  I'll have my LPN license by August.

What this means is 1) I can use the skills I learn in school, 2) I'll earn more, 3) I can work as a nurse while I finish up my RN. And the BSN.  And I'll have a head start on the 2-3 years of clinical experience required to apply to a nurse-practioner program if I decide to pursue an advanced degree.  And since it currently takes  a few months to a year for a new RN to find a job in the Denver area, working as an LPN will keep my skills up. Plus, I can say "I'm a nurse."


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