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| Advertisement Sponsored Links | | | | No. 1 | 
Oct 18, 2008, 12:53 PM
 Re: what is it like being a nurse?
Hi and welcome,
While being a surge tech is the coolest job in the OR other than a first assist its my opinion that you will have more options as a LPN. The pay and opportunities for LPNs really varies depending on your area.
I hated LPN school, the RN program was a bit better but still pretty close to the hell you asked about, lol, however I LOVE being a nurse. There are definitely many times when I feel overworked and frustrated with all the responsibility, short staff and lack of supplies but that doesn't for one minute make me think of quitting nursing. My patients are incredible, most of my coworkers are great and the pay in my area is very good. Whats not to like about leaving work and feeling like you actually made a difference in someone's life even if only a small difference? I never understand the people that belittle nursing and yet don't find another way to make a living. Life is too short not to do something that I enjoy.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Jules
 | | No. 2 |
Nov 13, 2008, 11:21 AM
Re: what is it like being a nurse?
Hi, Being a nurse is not as sweet as you would think, I do love it, but hate all the paper work you have and no time with the patients. I have been on my job right at 2 months , the nurses that have been there don't like me because I tryed to do as we were taught not what I see, so far in this two months, one lpn and one cna have lost there jobs because I refused to let them be lazy on there jobs. So watch out and try not to let the older nurses change your ethics
| | No. 3 |
Nov 14, 2008, 11:40 AM
Re: what is it like being a nurse?
I love being a nurse. I work in LTC and I have 26 residents. My day consists of passing meds, md appts., tx's, charting, and putting a smile on 26 people. At first, its not an easy job, very stressful. You will learn your routine. I think what fancyme50 may be speaking of is nurses know that (at least in LTC) you can not get your job done if you dont take shortcuts and figure out some kinda routine. But the problem is some older nurses like to force that on new nurses not realizing they will figure out their own way. You can still keep your ethics, just find a way to be efficient. Im pretty sure surgical techs make more money in my city, but you will have more opps with nursing. Hope you choose nursing!!  BTW, I too, live in Ohio but a much bigger city, cincinnati.
| | No. 4 |
Nov 17, 2008, 01:46 PM
Re: what is it like being a nurse?
I, too am wondering about becoming an LVN. Is there a lot of unsafe lifting expected? I have bad knees and an ok back - not good not bad. I have learned some body mechanics and they helped, but I still have bad knees even if I keep my back straight. I suppose I could get knee braces - do they help a lot? I have all prereqs and have been in RN school but had to quit because of my family. I just never spoke to them anymore, and it wasn't worth it. (I know, maybe I should've at least finished the semester, but I was ALOC all the time and didn't think of it.) But there are programs that are shorter or part time for LVN where I live, and I'm considering it. Another concern, in nursing homes, do you wipe butts all day? I don't mind a little, but all day? Or do the aids do most of it? I don't feel above it all; it's just not my goal in life.
Thanks, Nancy
| | No. 5 |
Nov 17, 2008, 01:55 PM
Re: what is it like being a nurse? Originally Posted by nancywong  I, too am wondering about becoming an LVN. Is there a lot of unsafe lifting expected? I have bad knees and an ok back - not good not bad. I have learned some body mechanics and they helped, but I still have bad knees even if I keep my back straight. I suppose I could get knee braces - do they help a lot? I have all prereqs and have been in RN school but had to quit because of my family. I just never spoke to them anymore, and it wasn't worth it. (I know, maybe I should've at least finished the semester, but I was ALOC all the time and didn't think of it.) But there are programs that are shorter or part time for LVN where I live, and I'm considering it. Another concern, in nursing homes, do you wipe butts all day? I don't mind a little, but all day? Or do the aids do most of it? I don't feel above it all; it's just not my goal in life.
Thanks, Nancy
Yes, nursing is very strenuous on your knees and your back. You lift, you wipe, you do it all. No not all day, but if thats your concern with nursing, I wouldnt do it. You'll find there are alot more gross things other than wiping a butt or two. Sometimes Id rather wipe a butt then deal with some of the other stuff. But, you get use to it all. Nothing really bothers me anymore, except vomit  But as far as physical demand, you will bust your butt. Just my opinion from my experience.
| | No. 6 |
Nov 17, 2008, 05:47 PM
Re: what is it like being a nurse?
I work in a nursing home and I have never wiped a butt or lifted anyone, they have CNA's that do all that, I just pass pills and do blood sugars and paper work.
| | No. 8 |
Nov 18, 2008, 12:05 PM
Re: what is it like being a nurse? Originally Posted by fancyme50 I work in a nursing home and I have never wiped a butt or lifted anyone, they have CNA's that do all that, I just pass pills and do blood sugars and paper work.
I've worked geri day programmes, post partum, gynie, surgery and have wiped poop in all of them.
The rule has always been who finds the poop, cleans the poop. We have one NA for 30 post op patients.
And let's not talk about ostomy bags...
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