I am a mother of 3, grandmother of 7, and great grandmother of 2. I have been a LPN for 30 years and can I say things have REALLY changed in the past 30 years of nursing. I was a nurses aide for 10 yrs prior to certification was required. I was then grandfathered in to take the certification test and worked as a CNA for another year and half before becoming a LPN. My reason for becoming a LPN, I was a young mother and I wasn't treated very nice by the nurses that took care of me. I decided then, I wanted to be a nurse so I could make a difference. I was told by a nurse friend that I was only one person and I wouldn't make a difference. My response to that was, If I make a difference in only one persons life then I will have done what I have set out to do.
I have worked in clinics, hospitals, the VA, a correctional facility, and I have been a Nurse Manager in an Alzheimer's facility. Now I am working as an LPN at Heart of Hospice with LHC Group in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
I have taken CLEP test for a lot of my prerequisites obtain my RNs, but Iife has a way of changing your plans. I am raising my 10 yr old twin grandkids (1boy-1girl). I have had them since they were 6months old. I am planning to achive the certification for Palliative and Hospice LPN.
I feel it has been a privilege and an honor to be able to walk with the families and patients in the final journey in life that I have been able to. My hope is that in this journey I am able to "Make a Difference" for both the patient and their family.
This is me!