Hi guys, I could really use some encouragement, thoughts from you all right now. I am a new LVN and have worked five months now in med/surg at my local hospital. I am really feeling I may need to give up on nursing. I am 48 and was pursuing my RN as well as working med surg. I am so beat down, tired, discouraged I don't know if it is time for me to just give up on nursing. I live in a small town and took a job at a local hospital (not many opportunities here). I have 11 to 14 patients on a team nursing situation. Every day I am at least 1 1/2 hrs late on med passing because of so many patients. Our patients are so ill, some should be in PCU. The ratio is ridiculous even though we have an RN and tech. It is more than I can handle. I requested to go to part time (2 days a week) but not sure that will help. I am taking prereqs for RN and going through menopause at the same time. I literally have panic attacks at work when things start to get overwhelming. I waiting to be a nurse all my life and now I'm not sure I can do it. I wonder if anyone else is in this situation? Trying to make a decision. The other thing is I only make $14.99/hr at this hospital and left a legal job where I made twice that amount. For the risk they put us through I'm not sure it is worth it. I can't give my patient's the care they deserve because I am stretched so thin. Any advice would help. I respect everyone here so much.