I havent even begun my LPN program! Im still working on prereqs and working as an STNA in homecare. Full time LPN program begins in August, but I am rethinking my decision to become a nurse! I hear so much bickering and arguing about RN vs. LPN. I hear so much about how difficult it is to be a "new" nurse because there is no support from the more experienced in the field. Even as an aide in homecare I feel thrown to the wolves out here without nursing support and hear everyday about how this one is better than that one and how so and so is not a proper Christian or that the new nurse on the block is a Lesbian therefore to be shunned by the other nurses. When as an aide, I ask a question about a patient, I am literally sneered at and reminded that Im not a nurse yet! I could go on and on....... THIS is NOT why I decided to become a nurse!!!!!
At 46, I guess I am quite naive. I only wanted to become the best LPN that I could. I want to work bedside, preferably in hospice which is where I feel I personally can do the most good. I knew my studies to become an LPN were just the begining and that I would need further experience, training and testing to become a certified hospice nurse. I have no desire to compete with RNs who have more training than I, but rather was looking forward to learning FROM them! One of the reasons I chose hospice was because I thought there would be more commaraderie and less ego nonsense going on.
Even in classes its we "oldsters" who seem to really WANT our license and who run circles around the others at clinicals. We dont argue about fairness or break time or about having to change Mrs so and so AGAIN because we did it the last time! Yet at the LTC facility we trained at, it didnt seem to matter even to the staff that we were students and trying to learn not to mention that there were patients to be taken care of. Everyone seemed intent on being the "best" or being in charge and arguing even in front of the residents.
PLEASE someone tell me that all facilities are not like this! I am looking for steady long term employment in a facility where I can learn and grow. I want to be part of a team whos main objective is the patients we care for. I am too old for the games and nonsense. Is there a place out there for me where its OK to be "just" an LPN? I think its great that most choose to go on for their RN and they are to be commended for it, but LPN s are an important part of the team too, right?
Any feedback or advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!