Should I quit?

Nurses Career Support

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Specializes in Memory care, Psych, Med Surg.

i just started my first lpn job in ltc and i hate it. i literally come home crying because i can't stand it. i have only been working there for 3 weeks and i want to quit. i feel like i'm not using my "nursing" skills (all i do is med pass) and i want to do so much more. even worse, i am currently scheduled for the 11-7 shift even though i was hired for 3-11. at night, i am the only nurse in the facility for 142 residents and i feel this is unsafe, especially with me being a new grad. i have an opportunity to work for a home health agency with a very flexible schedule. they are willing to teach me skills such as phlebotomy, ivs, wound care etc. basically use the skills i'm not using. i feel bad because i do not want to be considered a "job hopper" i just want to find a job that fits. my current job also frowns upon us lpn's going further and obtaining our rn because that would mean we could no longer work for them. i really want to start rn school soon and my 11-7 schedule just doesn't permit me going to school. i don't know if i should just quit outright, offer a 2 week notice or just suck it up. any advice is appreciated!

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While only you can make the decision on whether to quit LTC or not, please know that you are certainly not alone in your experience. I have tried two LTC facilities since I obtained my LPN license and both were nothing short of nightmares. While some LPNs might have the fortitude to persevere in this type of environment (and I GREATLY respect them), I did not. Or perhaps they were just lucky and managed to find better establishments than I did. I lasted 3 1/2 months in the last endeavor before I resigned. Frankly I have NO intention of working in LTC again. I can identify with the unsafe feeling you speak of. I was also placed in that type of scenario. It was my impression that they just wanted a "warm body" on duty with a LPN license. It didn't matter if you were properly oriented or even knew where the crash cart was. After all... what do THEY have to lose. It is YOUR license on the line when something goes wrong.

I have went on a couple of interviews over the last few weeks and I also have an interview scheduled for Adult Mental Health tomorrow. Hopefully I will find something that will coincide with my school hours since I will be beginning classes to eventually finish my RN. I also understand exactly what you mean about the "job hopping", but to be blunt... while I understand NO job is perfect.. I personally am not going to stay somewhere that I am totally miserable. It isn't worth the stress! But each person and each situation is different. That is merely "my" opinion!

Jess do some soul searching and do what is right for YOU. I have found it is really easy for others to tell you to "suck it up" and "hang in there" etc. However, until they walk the proverbial "mile in your moccasins" they shouldn't judge you. :)

Good luck to you in whatever you decide and have a great day!

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Specializes in Hospice, Case Mgt., RN Consultant, ICU.

I am an RN and found myself in a very similar situation years ago. I was one of two RNs attempting to pass meds in a skilled nursing facility. Meds were always late because it took so long to pass - heavy meds, having to crush and put in apple sauce, etc. Would just finish passing one set and time to start all over. Plus military time which I was not used to and absolutely hated! We complained and they hired another RN who did nothing. We did not need a supervisor. We needed another pair of hands. After three weeks I gave my 2 weeks notice and never looked back. There is no point in adding such a short job to your resume.

Plus it sounds like you have a very good opportunity waiting for you.

Some LPNs don't seem to mind passing meds, but sounds like this job is not a good fit for you. Good luck. :redbeathe

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