Career Corner >> Career Advice >> please enlighten me.
please enlighten me.
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Posted almost 5 years ago I'm a 46 year old recent graduate of an LPN school (Dec. 07) and started working as a GPN at a local hospital at the end of Jan. of this year. I had 12 weeks of orientation and after that have basically been on my own. It seems to me that coming from an LPN program which was very condensed has not prepared me for what I deal with on a day to day basis. I am reminded of that every time my Clinical Director speaks with me. It's pointedly stated to me each meeting. I get told that it takes a good year at least to become comfortable with my skills and, at that point, I still will not have seen everything. I was also told that perhaps acute care (I'm on a med/surg floor) isn't for me. After speaking with a friend of mine who is an RN at the same hospital, I'm now inclined to agree with that assessment. My question is this: other than working in a nursing home or a physicians office, what choices do I really have as an LPN? I do intend to go on for my RN, but I need to work. Can someone give me some suggestions. Thanks. |
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| Posted almost 5 years ago Maybe med/surg isn't for you, but can you stick it out for a year to make sure? Sounds as if you're very stressed and perhaps you need to actively seek out relaxation techniques. I know, when I'm very stressed, it seems as if I'm not on the planet and I step back and take a few seconds to center myself. |
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| Posted almost 5 years ago Med surg is a stressful area.There is alot going on and to learn.I suggest keeping at it for a while longer.As your skills improve the rest will follow suit.If you decide it isn't for you then you have other choices.As you mentioned, ltc, or Dr's office.You could also try home care.Good luck!! |
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| Posted over 4 years ago Hang in there Lynn, you're gonna be a great nurse!!!!!!!! Unfortunately there are many nurses who just aren't patient and I think they've been in the field too long and are burnt out. These are the nasty ones that you got the unfortunate displeasure of training with. You'll find somewhere that you will feel comfortable with, trying new places will help until you are comfortable. I think I heard that you have found something recently in a nursing home. pattyglpn |
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| Posted over 4 years ago not sure what happened with Lynn, but this happens a lot. Med/Surg is a tough situation for a new nurse. And to have the nurse manager tell you that maybe med/surg is not for you! WHAT THE ??!??! That is the extent of their management ability? Like telling a first grader they are not ready for college. What a shame, that good nurses get chased away from such an opportunity to develop skills that will stay with a nurse their whole career. For you new nurses, talk to us here before you quit, if you are in this situation. A year of med/surg on your resume is gold, and you can get through it, just as we did. Don't let poor management deny you the opportunity to be a well-rounded nurse. Maybe you won't stay in med/surg, but at least get a year of experience and then go from there. You will be tested by fire, but you can survive it. peace Walter |
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| Posted over 4 years ago Well many school nurses are LPN, there are insurance companies- but they usually want a couple of years of med/surg, doctor's offices, sometimes law firms will use LPNs. Look around do you have a career fair? Every Oct. there is a nursing career fair and many schools and companies come to represent themselves. That is a great place to check into to find other jobs an LPN can do. |
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| Posted over 4 years ago I say to hang in there....Time Tells...but dont!!!!!....dont let someone else decide whats right or wrong for your career. You decide.... speak your mind..for those that matter dont mind and those that mind ..dont matter.. |
