I have this question... to be marketable as an LPN, is it necessary to have med-surg experience? I ask this because I am in sort of a unique situation. My job sponsored my education to become a practical nurse. I was on a leave of absence with pay for two years along with paid tuition because I was an excellent worker in the clinic that I worked in. I completed the program, passed NCLEX-PN and when I came in with my license, the DON and ADN told me that they had 'special' plans for me, that I would be returning back to the clinic I worked in and the other participants in the program would be going to inpatient. Because a nurse that works the clinic has to have med-surg experience, they oriented me to med-surg for 6 weeks and now, I am back in my clinic.
I was fortunate that I knew some of the nurses on the med-surg unit that I was assigned to, because they were decent to me, but most of the orientees were treated like literal crap. My classroom orientation sucked because they would show videos, but no hands on. I saw nurse do various versions (incorrect, I am sure) of hanging piggybacks. Med-surg was a true mess, even with the decent people teaching me, and just knowing that I would not have to remain there permanently was a blessing to me, but I asked for an additional two weeks just to understand piggybacks (I finally got someone to help me learn them the right way). They said 'no' (probably because my ADN wanted me back with the clinic as soon as possible). In my hospital, the LPNs are not doing primary care anymore, they are medication and piggyback givers. If they finish with their medications, they can help the RNs if they wish (but most don't).
Now, I am back with the clinic, and I must admit, I am much happier there! I have weekends and holidays off, I do more patient teaching, and am more involved in the patient care, teaching about meds, diagnostic tests, and medicating them. But, I am wondering if med-surg experience is absolutely necessary to be marketable as a nurse. I don't want to go to a floor where I may be mistreated, and I have to stay at this job for two years because this is part of the contract that I signed when they paid my way through school. I have it made here, essentially. Why leave the comfort of heaven to work in an inferno? I was told that I have to complete this orientation before they let me work overtime on the floors, which will be around in December or January. I believe that I can retain my skills if I work overtime once or twice a month, but I don't think that bedside nursing is really for me. Feedback on how and if med-surg is necessary would be greatly appreciated!
