[kikikiki27]

Hello! Geez, where to start. Iam a new LVn on the med-surg floor. I am lucky somewhat since this floor actually utilizes the LVNs and gives them there own patients (with RN oversight of course).

However, the schedule is HORRIBLE. Not only am I working noc shifts but I am required to work 7 nights per pay period. And it's not like 3 shifts on, 3 off. It's two nights on, two off, etc. It's horrible. My life is upside down with this night shift!

On top of that, my back has been KILLING me since my 2 week there!

I've only been there 4 months and was thinking of quitting at 6 months and taking a clinic job. (I LOVE 8-5). I was told NOT to do this since I will learn so much more on MED-Surg. But I don't want to work med-surg/icu/er etc in the future. I really want to be a public health nurse or perhaps a doc's office. Do I suffer and stick it out for a year on med-surg? There are really no other opportunites for LVN's in our hospital except med-surg....

what should I do? any info is greatly appreciated!!!!

[Blackcat99]

I would stick it out. One year hospital experience looks real good on a resume. Good luck. Go and see a chiropractor about your back.

[kat7ap]

I would try to stick it out just for the experience. See if you could talk to your manager about changing up your schedule. The longer you stay there, the more seniority you will have and let them know you would like a day shift if any thing comes available. I too had back pain when I first started and then it just went away on it's own, I think my body was not used to being on my feet all day. Good luck with your decision.

[starbucksnurse]

I know how you feel. After 2 years, I finally said that it for me. I now work for agencies only. Best of all, I have the flexability that I want and need. I would definately stick is out for at least six months. A year would be even better. I believe that med-surg is the basis of nurses and you definately need the experience. After that, you can pretty much do what you want.

[floridagirl6]

i feel your pain, and they give 6 to 8 patients. yuck

[Brownms46]

Hello! Geez, where to start. Iam a new LVn on the med-surg floor. I am lucky somewhat since this floor actually utilizes the LVNs and gives them there own patients (with RN oversight of course).

However, the schedule is HORRIBLE. Not only am I working noc shifts but I am required to work 7 nights per pay period. And it's not like 3 shifts on, 3 off. It's two nights on, two off, etc. It's horrible. My life is upside down with this night shift!

On top of that, my back has been KILLING me since my 2 week there!

I've only been there 4 months and was thinking of quitting at 6 months and taking a clinic job. (I LOVE 8-5). I was told NOT to do this since I will learn so much more on MED-Surg. But I don't want to work med-surg/icu/er etc in the future. I really want to be a public health nurse or perhaps a doc's office. Do I suffer and stick it out for a year on med-surg? There are really no other opportunites for LVN's in our hospital except med-surg....

what should I do? any info is greatly appreciated!!!!

Life is too short to be miserable, and I would not suffer another day! I never did the year of med surg, and never supported the premise that it was the way for all new grads to go.

I have met very experienced nurses who gained that experience working in a clinic beside a provider who gladly helped them expand their knowledge base.

Nursing is a very diverse field, and what works for one person may not be the best way for another. Listen to your heart and go in the direction it is pointing you to.


Working nights is difficult, and working with back pain is not a good thing at all. Take care of YOU!

[eldragon]

I feel your pain. I'm 4 months into my first LPN job, also, and it's a trial.

I'm working in skilled nursing, though, and my schedule is worse than yours! I work all the time! (It's not just my schedule, it's the way the facility schedules.)

I work days - with every other weekend off. That means I have one weekend off, then I'm off - say Thursday - then work 4 days - off Tuesday - then work 3 days - off the next weekend. So the schedule for me is :

Off 2 - work 3 - off 1 - work 4 - off 1 - work 3- off 2 - repeat. I feel like I"m never off!


And I have 28 patients.

I work 8 hour shifts, and am exhausted by the end of the my day.

I wish I was getting med surge experience. It's hard to land those jobs as an LVN/LPN.

I do feel your pain.