Veterinary Nurse to Practical Nurse.. Any Advice?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hi all I'm new to the site so apologies if this is already a topic!

I have just graduated with a B.Sc in Veterinary Nursing and have been working as a vet nurse for about 7 years now (I'm 23). My heart just isn't in it anymore maybe with the ups and downs that have come with the job and disrespectful bosses!

I thought about doing nursing back when I was finishing school but decided to go ahead with the vet nursing anyway I have applied for practical nursing in Jan and trying to get the ball rolling so that I will be accepted (fingers crossed).

I was just looking for some advice on what the hours are like for nurses, I understand that some people might think I'm mad but the pay is so much better and I long to work in a busy hospital. I am used to the long stressful days with no breaks so I do realize that I will not be moving away from this.

Thanks

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This is too funny to be real, and yet someone will come along and take the bait. :wacky:

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This is too funny to be real, and yet someone will come along and take the bait. :wacky:

Sorry I don't understand how this is "too funny to be real"! I don't understand why people leave stupid comments if you don't want to help then don't bother writing anything!

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Specializes in Allergy and Immunology.

I would say to peruse this site for some answers there are many threads on here about hours of nurses, pay, and pathways to being a nurse. Make sure you do a lot of research before taking the plunge, as there are many new grad nurses out there that can not find a job. But it depends on your area. Also LPNs are mostly needed in Long Term Care and clinics. There are not very many hospitals left that utilize LPNs in the hospital or acute care. I know because I was an LPN first. Also the hospitals are moving toward only hiring BSN prepared RNs at hospitals. So again check your area and see "who" the hospitals are hiring. LPNs have a limited scope of practice in some states. LPNs work under the direction of RNs and Doctors. RNs have a few pathways- Diploma (however there are not many if any of those programs left), 2 year RN(ADN/ASN), and 4 year degree RN(BSN) but both are Registered Nurses and both take the same licensure exam called NCLEX-RN. Practical nurses take the NCLEX-PN. Also nursing school is highly competitive to get into. So you may find long waiting lists to get in.

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Since you already have a BS then you should look for some of the accelerated programs.

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To expand on the above poster. people who have graduated with bachelors degrees can often (with the completion of a few or many prerequisites) complete their RN training through ABSN (accelerqated BSN) programs and then sit for the RN NCLEX.

I almost went this route, but have decided to do my LPN first, then do an LPN-BSN bridge program, for financial/scholarship reasons.

Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!

I have noticed quite a few Vet Techs changing to nursing.......so this is "for real" my daughter wanted to be a vet tech and realized that even with a four year degree......the pay scale/chance for advancement is at an unacceptable level.

OP.....nursing is difficult. Mostly because we can't put aggressive people in a containment system that includes bars and muzzle them when they need to be handled.....and instead of barking incessantly (which they do) they use the call button in the same manner and report you if you weren't fast enough for them....and unless you work with large animals you will have to moved/care for patients > 200 lbs on a regular basis.

Nurses work all shifts as hospitals are 24/7 holidays included. I don't know if you work in a large animal hospital or an office setting. Nurses are responsible for everything and get blamed for everything as well. We get screamed at by the patients, the families, the physicians, other departments, and administration. It is the nurses fault for just about everything that goes wrong in all departments.

It is possible that you will find the same issues with co-workers that you find where you work. Hospitals have had a change in the culture recently and it was not a favorable one....but I guess that is every where these days. The is no nursing shortage anymore.....many nurses are graduating and not being able to find jobs...in some areas of the country the unemployment for new grads is 47%. Hospitals are beginning to require BSN degrees and more acute care facilities will hire only a few new grads with hundreds of applicants. Long hours, no breaks, mandatory OT are issues in the profession. Nurse patient ratios have risen due to the "nursing shortage" however their are nursing looking for work....the facilities are just not hiring.

The professions are parallel....however you are right....the RN does make more than a vet tech....almost double.

I recommend you do an Accelerated BSN program where it will take 2 years to be a RN with a BSN as they credit you for you present degree. You might have to take some prereqs before you are accepted....but you will have the increasingly required BSN. If you are looking for possible advancement in the profession into management...then the BSN will be required. But these program can be expensive.

I wish you the best!

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Thank you for your help :)

I am based in Canada are you speaking about America? I didn't know about the accelerated programe so I checked it out but I don't think I have the GPA for it but I will look into it again.

thanks again for the advice

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Thank you for your help :)

I am based in Canada are you speaking about America? I didn't know about the accelerated programe so I checked it out but I don't think I have the GPA for it but I will look into it again.

thanks again for the advice

Yes they are in the US sorry...

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