How Do You Know Where You Fit In??

Pbelle · Dec 22, 2004

I graduated last week, and take my MN boards on January 10th. I interviewed for several jobs, all in clinics, since this makes the most sense for my family life. The job I really was interested in was at a hospital in their L&D area - LPN's are taught to scrub in for C-sections, along with their other responsibilities. If it wasn't for the shift (evenings and EOWE), plus one night shift every 2 weeks, I would have gone for it. I figure that working in a clinic, as boring as its bound to be, will at least get me going in the right direction, since I hope to start an LPN-RN program this summer. My goal then is to get into the SICU at our county hospital. I know my first job wont' be where I'll spend my entire career, but I figure it's a start!

pioneer555 · Dec 24, 2004

I, like you had to work in a nursing home when I first became an LPN. After working as a charge nurse for ten years, under staffed at times(one charge nurse with forty one residents), I also felt like you...a pill pusher. I was always told that I was too young to be working in a nursing home(age 19 at the time) and that I should try to work in a hospital..."that's where all the young girls are. But I soon found out that basically, hospitals weren't counting nursing home experience as valid experience for hospital positions.So how and where do you get experience? I was lucky. I gave up my position in the nursing home for an LPN position on a medsurg/telemetry unit at the city hospital. This hospital also helps LPNs to obtain an RN degree. The only thing I regret now, fourteen years later, is why I waited so long. Try to check with your union at your job. They can be very helpful with reimbursement towards education. That's the number one reason why I left my previous employer; I realized that I started with them as an LPN and ten years later, I was no better.Their union didn't offer help with school, but this hospital did. Don't stay too long in the same position; look around and talk to other nurses,ask questions. Good Luck!! :rolleyes: :)

JnJTyson · Dec 29, 2004

I graduated from LPN school in May. I took the NCLEX in July, but didn't do anything with it until late August (got married...not a good interview when I tell them I need time off before I'm even hired)

I knew from the start that I'd hate LTC work. My favorite clinical round during school was Oncology. I loved it...made me feel so good knowing I made someones day a little brighter just by being kind. Most people though Oncology was "depressing". I knew I wanted to to oncology a few weeks after I left that floor. I was waiting on an elevator to go to lunch one day at clinicals. An older woman came out of the elevator, she looked at me and said "you were the girl that took care of my husband a few weeks ago weren't you?" She went on to tell me that he passed away last week, and that she (and he) really appreciated all the kindness and compassion I showed him. Ding! thats my calling.

Well, now I work for a small endocrinology private practice. LOVE IT! I'm trained to teach pts how to use insulin pumps, I'm doing a smidge of research, and am also working on my RN at home.

Is oncology still my "dream"? possibly. In our state (FL) LPNs can hang chemo. In the hospitals here, LPNs cannot hang chemo. But now I'm looking at what I can do with diabetes care as an RN (CDE and such), not just that I need an RN to hang chemo in my city. I may not go back into a hospital for a job..who knows! Just let your heart guide you! Take any opportunity you can get, always look for new/more knowledge, and you will find something great!

Amazing how its so hard to find what you WANT to do...but always know immediately what you DONT want to do. Me? never ever ever ever LTC or OB.

shellee075 · Dec 30, 2004

I guess it would get boring just passing out pills all day. Luckily I work in a skilled nursing facility, mostly geriatrics, but we do have a variety of all ages there. I use most of my skills I learned in nursing school. My job is exciting yet stressful at times. I have a very demanding job.

My advice to you is, if you like working with geriatrics, perhaps you need to find a skilled nursing facility as I have. It's worth it..

Hey anyone want to give up in their first year of nursing? I am a new graduate nurse since dec 03. My first job was in a nursing home. I love working with the elderly, but am now hating my job. I just can't seem to find what I'm good at. I don't feel like I am much of nurse just passing pills all day. I want to go back to school and get my RN Degree, just wondering if it is worth it. Right now it is almost impossible to get on at a Hospital. The facilities say they have positions, then once I apply, the story changes. I feel I need hospital experience to find what I really enjoy. Am I alone????

Nursekat64 · Dec 30, 2004

can anyone tell me how you know what field of nursing you want to go into after you graduate. if your more laid back does that mean you dont belong in a fast pace environment? if your're starting out young does that mean you would do better in a emergency room type of setting or what? does your personality determine whats right for you? what do you think???

i believe that you must go where you have the most compassion for your patient. if you have a deep compassion for your patient then i believe you will care for them best, and be their advocate especially in times when they cannot be.

shellee075 · Dec 30, 2004

that is the best thing I have heard anyone say yet. Very good words.

I believe that you must go where you have the most compassion for your patient. If you have a deep compassion for your patient then I believe you will care for them best, and be their advocate especially in times when they cannot be.

MrsLePew · Jan 1, 2005

Graduated in 86'.. Still searching for my "true" love.

Did a few years LTC (old love). Short stint in Hosp. Med/Surg (ickkk)

Did some mental health (it was OK) than MR/DD (currently on my 2nd go around) but found a special love in hospice. Opps forgot the corrections! Loved all of them at one time or another except the med/surg. Need to get back to agency work I think ;O), that way I can feel more rounded working all the areas that are special.