New lpn that is feeling discouraged

My goals simply shifted over time. I originally entered nursing with the goal of finding a sense of purpose in my work while helping others. However, it is difficult to feel you're really helping when you work in facilities where profits are given the highest priority.

I worked LTC on and off for six years, and at times, it resembles assembly line nursing because you have so many tasks to complete on so many patients. You will fall hopelessly behind if you spend too much time on any one elderly resident, so you've gotta medicate them, do your treatments, and quickly move on to the next patient.

My original goal was to come to work with a real sense of purpose. My new goals include staying employed in this rough economy, flying under the radar, and avoiding burnout. I leave work at work and home at home to maintain my sanity.

HUG.. You are feeling what almost EVERY new nurse feels, especially in Long Term Care. If you truly got into nursing for the right reason (for residents and patients), then stick with it. There is a silver lining in the end of the day, I promise. You *must* make every second that you spend with your patients count. You will learn to assess properly and adjust your time so that in the 5 minutes per patient you get, you will make a difference. It's what they really meant when they were talking about time management. Make every second count with your patients and you will reap the reward of helping them. You may be the only smile they see a day, and that only takes seconds! I'm very passionate about long term care and nursing, and it seems that you picked the right reason to jump in, so stick it out! If you need any words of encouragement, email me @ nurseguybri@gmail.com I love to chat!