Think I committed career suicide...

[oneflyLPN]

Hi everyone,

I'm gonna try to make this long story short. I'm really frustrated right now. I got my LPN license in 2008, got a job at a state mental health facility and worked there for 8 months before leaving. Unfortunately, I left without securing another job first ( stupid, i know) but I felt the working conditions were unsafe for the staff and the patients. In fact, lots of incidents happened that made the news with staff being constantly scrutinized for pt deaths (some at fault and others not), doctors with major God-complexes that ignored pt complaints (who later coded or died)....Overall, it was just a scary situation, esp for a brand new nurse. I was waking up from nightmares abt my patients, crying in my sleep, developed terrible insomnia. So I left, hoping I'd be able to find something else. Unfortunately, I'm from a small city and needless to say, other facilities were very leery abt hiring nurses from the state hospitals. Eventually, I had to go back to working retail just to pay my bills.

So now I'm a stale, inexperienced LPN because I lack the clinical skills and the 1 year min required by most places. I've relocated to NC and that's done nothing to help. Actually, it almost seems worse, bc here my skills only qualify me as a CNA II (which I can't get listed as unless I get on CNA registry for 6 months first). Most LPNs here have phlebotomy/IV training, which I don't and can't take a class in unless I'm an RN. Again .

I just feel l like I've committed career suicide and the only way to continue working as a nurse is to go back to school, which I'm def not thrilled about. I eventually want to get my MA in Expressive Arts Therapy and have a private practice, but I know that is years in the making. I'm in a position where I can finish my bachelor's full time right now and really need to make a decision on continuing on for my BSN or just study psychology and go on for my master's. I'm 25 and stressed abt everything. I think I really just need a :hug: (Lost LPN)

[pink_shoes99]

So sorry about your situation. I don't know the right answer, but it seems as though your only solution is to go back to school. The way things are right now, finding a decent job as an LPN is extremely competitive and stressful, especially in our area (I'm your neighbor in east TN). I hope things work out for the best :)

[focusedvalpn]

Have u gone to the NC forum to see if anyone can help? I don't know where u are but here in VA u can take the iv classes and you can look into taking the class online to see if that will help you. Ask the NC nurses and check with the bon too

[sunkissed75, CNA]

:hug::hug::hug::hug:

[Sensoria17]

Where are you applying? I'm in NC and currently work LTC. You most definitely do not need any IV/phlebotomy certification to be employed where I'm at. I had virtually no phlebotomy experience when I began working. It has pretty much been on the job training.

[oneflyLPN]

Thanks to everyone that replied and for the hugs :-). For focusedvalpn and Sensoria17, yes I've searched the forums and scoured the BON website. And as far as jobs that don't require phlebotomy, I've only seen one that will fit my class schedule. (I need a 3rd shift gig right now). Some potential good news is that I saw an ad for phlebotomy and other health care training while I was out today. So I plan on giving them a call tmw. I'll let you know how it goes.