Interesting Observation

I have noticed that many LPNs that graduated from my class or the two classes behind me are RUNNING from their jobs. They are finding that the work is 'too much', that 'it is not like they said in the books' and that they are overwhelmed. Also, quite a few of them have decided to go back to school to become RNs...not so much because they wish to better themselves, but because 'they don't work as hard as the LPNs'. I remember warning many of them while we were in school together, that ANYWHERE in nursing (especially at the bedside), the work is hard. You have to really want this, for SOME reason. One girl was honest with me and told me that after all was said and done, she didn't wish to be a nurse at all. She did it only because her family wanted it, not because she wanted it for herself. She went for a job interview and while being escorted to the floor they intended to assign her to, she realized that she could not handle working with sick people. I can appreciate her candor.

I suspect that these people who are choosing to go back for their RNs may be sadly disappointed as well, unless they elevate themselves to MSNs. No matter how you slice it, they certainly wish for you to have some ER or med-surg experience in order to function. Many of them were self righteous during class until they walk out into the real deal, and I suspect that many of them were not really into patient care, anyway.