One year ago, if you were to ask me what my goals were, I would have responded with either being a RN working in the ER or OB...those are my top choices, though I also loved med/surg. Well, I have made a decision. It was about 0430 when I was getting ready for work at a LTC. I was so excited about going to work, my mind was already making a to do list. Once I got to work, I was greeted with smiles from co-workers and a few of my residents. 12hrs later, I was leaving and driving home, thinking about my day. It was very busy, caring for all of my 26 residents. I have two very brittle diabetics, a very demanding husband and wife (in the same room) and a new patient who is extremely confused and keeps trying to leave along with my other residents. My feet were hurting because I only sat down once on my lunch break. But I realized that I loved my job. I loved caring for them. The nurses I work with have been there for years and they are so helpful. I honestly cannot not see myself doing anything else.
The other night, I was talking with my sister on the phone and she asked me when I was returning to school. I simply told her I wasnt going back. She was shocked and asked me why I wasnt going for my RN. And I told her I loved my job. She said she couldnt believe that I was going to "settle" for being "just an LPN". I asked if she liked being "just a dispatcher"....the point is this, if I was 20something again and had no children, then yes, I would go for my RN. But that is simply not the case. I am 36ish with five children. If I was to go back to school, then that would mean 3 -4 years of school, time away from my children and I would be 40ish when I graduate and be looking for new job. No thank you. I busted my tail getting my LPN and I am very proud of myself. I have a great job and I have plenty of time to spend with my family. I am looking into getting Wound Care Certified. I love doing treatments and I seem to be a pro with wound vacs. But other than that, I am staying put. And I do not have any regrets on that decision.:redpinkhe
