LPN or RN for nursing home

[snowwhite2002]

I am in my last semester for the RN program. I have been struggling and have some bad marks in clinical for not being able to keep up with the pace. I might just need more practice. I have really been thinking I want to work in a nursing home. I don't have any time to spend one on one with the patients like I would like in the hospital. Would you recommend getting my LPN, which I can test for now or stick it out and maybe even have to redo this semester. I see jobs in my area online now for LPNs in a nursing home nearby. I guess I'm basically asking if I fail this semester would you recommend taking it over or just testing for the LPN and going for a job?

[MandieeRN]

Thanks for everyone's input. I had no idea it was so fast paced in a nursing home. I love the elderly but I don't want to work 12 hours w/o time to take a break, that doesn't even sound healthy. I hate that people have to be pushed so hard. Why does everything have to be on high speed. I was at clinical the other day and my nurse had 8pts on a med surg floor. That is just ridiculous. I don't know how these nurses do it. Are there any fields in nursing where you don't run around for 12 hours trying to do the job of two people?[/quote']

Nope, welcome to nursing. Don't worry you will adapt.

[Compatissantnurse]

Continue for your RN. You can do it! Most students struggle with time management. That just comes with time. Remember Patricia Benner's theory: Novice to Expert. There are five stages of competency that nurses work through to achieve 'expert.' A nurse isn't considered even competent until he/she has worked for 2-3 years in the same area.

I am an RN and have worked in both hospital and long term care settings. Honestly, my favorite setting is LTC. I value the relationships that I am able to have with the elderly population who sadly are very much left and forgotten. You can do it, and you can make a difference!