Staying put

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in LTC.

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

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good for you!! You should be proud to be an LPN! I was an LPN for 14 years before I decided to go back to school for my RN and I spent most of my career working in LTC and I loved it. I loved my residents and loved going to work everyday. As long as your happy with what you do that's all that matters!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i think you made a good decision!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Do you mean she wants you to go for a BSN? If that's too much of a commitment at once, how about going for an ADN? It's only one year if you can get some of your LPN to count towards it. I just wanted to add that in case the 3-4 years that you were talking about made a huge difference for you.

But, kudos for making a decision for yourself. Hope it works out well for you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I was saying 3-4 yrs bc the required pre-regs alone would be atleast a year bc I would have to go to school part time. Then another two yrs, maybe three for the RN program its self. There is a 10mo LPN to RN transition course fulltime...if I go part time its 18mos...not too bad...and no pre regs required. But the waiting list is 3yrs long!!!! So, while I am a little disappointed that I cannot go for my "dream job" as an Labor/Delivery nurse or an ER nurse, I am thrilled at the job I have now and that I have nothing to worry about job wise!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I understand where you're coming from! I'm 29 with two kids. I'm supposed to finish my LPN in August. I want to go back for my RN. My interests are the same as yours. I struggle with weather or not to go right back to school for RN or wait until my kids are grown. I'd have to spend an awful lot of time away from them. Watching them grow up is something I can't do later :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Awesome. :) Congratulations on having a great job and being a great fit as well. I'm so happy you have time with your family, too ~ we can never get those years back.

May you always hold your head high and know you make a HUGE difference in the lives you touch!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.
I understand where you're coming from! I'm 29 with two kids. I'm supposed to finish my LPN in August. I want to go back for my RN. My interests are the same as yours. I struggle with weather or not to go right back to school for RN or wait until my kids are grown. I'd have to spend an awful lot of time away from them. Watching them grow up is something I can't do later :(

EXACTLY!! I spent a whole year busting my tail in nursing school! My kids are still young..with the youngest just 3!! I was away so much last year...and I just cant see myself doing that again. And then to be in my 40s looking for a new job..no way. I just cant see how that would be a wise move. Like I said b4..I am happy with my current career and will never have any shame. I only wish I had this passion for nursing when I was in my 20s..then yeah, I would go for it. But I have bills to pay, a house to clean and my kids to look after...and now I work two or three days a week and pay my bills w/o grimancing, and spend the rest of the time with my family. LUV IT!!:redbeathe

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.

It sounds to me as if you're a very self aware person. You know what you want, what's best for you, and you've made a decision with those things in mind. The fact that you're happy going to work, and happy going home is something I envy. Don't ever let anyone label you as just an LPN. You're a nurse, just like the rest of us here.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Nsg QA.

I always push for more education, but only when you are ready. It should be something you do for yourself. I returned to school after 25 years and am happy as a clam, but it came at the right time for me. I do enjoy setting a good example for my kids (14 and 17).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU, CARDIAC ICU, TRAUMA, SICU, LTC.

Dear blessedmomma247,

Please see my post under the Nursing Article, "I will never call myself just an LPN anymore." :yeah:

All the best,

Scoochy

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, CM, School Nursing.

What a fantastic post! I couldn't help but smile while I read it. You truly sound so happy and satisfied with the work that you do!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment