School Smarts That Can Help You Be A Good LPNPeople usually say that having LPN careers is very different from studying in a nursing school. Most of the time, this can ring true for many nurses. However, there are some school smarts that you can use to become a good LPN, whether you are in a nursing college or working in the hospital. This article aims to help you see how the tricks you used in school can serve you better at work. Below are some school smarts that you can use while working as an LPN: Taking notes Taking notes might seem elementary, but this habit can serve you well as you pursue your LPN careers. LPNs usually have to take tabs on their charges by noting their conditions. Keeping a record of the changes in their conditions by taking notes can help you identify and determine irregular changes which could be symptoms for a more serious illness. Multitasking You learned how to listen to your teacher, write your notes, and review for your Bio quiz while sitting in Algebra. This knack for multitasking can serve you well as an LPN. Nurses often have to multitask in the course of providing quality medical care to their charges. You may have to feed a patient while ensuring that the catheter is in place and observing vital signs especially if he or she is in critical condition. Cat naps Remember how you squeeze in a few Z's during lunch break at exam week? The art of taking cat naps can help you stay longer in your LPN careers by preventing burnout and stress. An LPN usually serves 12-hour workdays dealing with fussy patients and uncooperative charges. Similar to how you recharge after a particularly grueling session with a terror professor, a cat nap during break can help you rejuvenate yourself for the next patient. Organizing If you have a fairly hectic social life and an academic standing to maintain, no doubt you have a handy little planner where you jot down dates of parties or exam schedules. This can serve you well as an LPN. By organizing your schedule, you can be sure that you won't miss medication time with one patient or dressing the bandages of another. You can also keep track of when your charges are due for lab tests or therapies. Taking breaks You remember the feeling of attending a party after a test? Feels good doesn't it? Breaks like these make hard work more bearable. Similarly, too much work can make for one cranky LPN. During your days off, reward yourself with longer sleep, nice dinner, or a good book. Relax and listen to soothing music so you will feel refreshed enough to face a new day at work. |