Burned out after only 2 years

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in LTC.

Just a vent and not really expecting any advice (although it's always welcome).

I've been an LPN for just 2 years and have gone through 6 jobs in long-term care. I was doing nothing but passing meds in my last job, which I thought would be easier, but I was wrong. It finally hit me that I needed to stop what I was doing for awhile because I was so burnt I felt like I was becoming a danger to my residents.

Now I realize that I will never "grow into" working in nursing homes, it's just not in me. The problem I'm having now is jobs outside LTC for LPNs in this city are few and far between and I have painted myself into a corner because of all my job-hopping. Hospitals do not hire LPNs here or I would have applied a long time ago. I've taken a per diem position with a home care agency where all the clients are probably going to be an hour drive from me, so I'm trying to hold on to see how that goes.

For money I'm thinking of maybe signing up with an agency and only taking assignments where the census is low enough to not make me tear my hair out, if such a thing exists, LOL. Actually, Starbucks is starting to look not so bad...

Anyway, thanks for letting me vent, fellow nurses...

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Have you ever considered going back to school to get your RN degree?

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Specializes in LTC.

Hee....guess I forgot to mention that yes, I know I need to get my RN; of course, it's easier said than done but push is coming to shove...maybe somebody's trying to tell me that it's time to get off my butt and just do it. Hopefully the financial aid gods will be kind. :uhoh3:

Thanks!

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Awww, I hope things get better for you - take some time and pamper yourself.

:icon_hug:

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Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.

It's hard for LPNs. Many hospitals are RN only and many Dr offices have gone MA only. So the only plentiful jobs in certain parts of the country are in LTC, and if that's not your niche you can be in trouble. I've been very blessed that I'm in an area were I was able to get into an organization with speciality outpatient offices, because with LTC I've 'been there, done that' and don't want to go back. Personally, I think I'd have to leave nursing if the only position I could get was LTC, I'd be that unhappy there again. Like you, I've been thinking of going back for my RN, as I may want to move out of this area someday. There are so many college programs tailored for working adults now, its certainly more accessible. Maybe if you could just handle LTC for two more years, your employer would pay for your college? Then you'd have so many more opportunities.

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How about home health?

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Don't expect wonderful things with agency. If the census is "low enough" as you've mentioned, that means that you won't be needed and will be cancelled. If you work agency, that means that either census is way high and they are short, or they are just short-staffed period. Expect high patient load, high acuity, little help from regular staff when you are agency. Upside of agency is you can steer clear of the workplace politics easier. Know how you feel. Hope you find something better.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Consider this: if you are taking even one course towards your RN degree you will be working towards a solution for your dilemma. That by itself may lift your spirits! I recommend you talk to financial aid at a school and HR in a local hospital. I even know LVN's who worked as CNA's in a hospital in order to qualify for the tuition reimbursement! Time goes by anyway - might as well be working towards a goal.

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