new LPN working for an agency??

[megan0321]

I'm an 18 year old LPN and have had a lot of difficulty with the nursing profession thus far. I have been working as an LPN for 10 months now, and have had 3 different jobs. Two jobs were at nursing homes, my current job is at a pediatric office. I am taken advantage of, treated unfairly, and practically bullied every day at my current job. They treat me like a child and attack my age and my character as a person. I am extremely unhappy where I am working now and plan on getting done VERY soon.

I was offered an opportunity working for an agency. I basically would be working in various nursing homes in the area. They are looking for 3rd shift nurses (I love 3rd shift), however, due to still being a new nurse and being treated like dirt everywhere I have worked, I find myself having huge confidence issues. If I work 3rd shift at this agency I would be the only nurse on the units for the whole night, with no one to turn to. That definitely intimidates me. Also, I really am not fond of working in a nursing home, but I am going back to school in the fall for my RN and can't possibly work 5 days a week. This agency would be paying me $10 more an hour than my current job does, so I would be able to afford only working a few days a week while going to school.

I guess the bottom line is I'm looking for advice. Does this agency thing sound possible for me? Has anyone had any bad experiences with agency nursing? I love nursing and I only want the chance to be accepted and treated like everyone else. People are mean to me because I'm so young and I just want to be treated fairly so I can get my work done. Please give me any help and advice that you can about agency nursing and working as a very young and new nurse. Thanks so much.

MH

[deelpn85]

Im so upset to hear that you've been treated unfairly bec of your age.

I'm 22 and look 17 according to others. I don't work yet, but I will soon once I find a job as an lvn.

in clinicals it was hard at first to prove myself bec I was younger than all my classmates and they NEVER let me forget it.

I'm sorry I dont have much advice. I just hope that you don't give up.

As far as agency, I've heard and seen some nurses stuggle in agency if they are new or have been off for yrs. the nurses that were good were very very independent, comfortale with their skills and didn't care what others said abt them.

I wish you the best in whatever you decide.