OK So i'll try to compress as much of this as I can...
I graduated from a Medical Assisting program in May of 09 only... midway I wanted to leave just to go straight for nursing. I've been working in ophthalmology for nearly 2 years now and am finally on my way (hopefully:uhoh3:) to LPN school this January 2011...
I am currently 22 y/o living with my fiancee, we support each other financially and I've been on my own right out of high school with no help from the parents. With that said, I am choosing to go for my LPN first because of the shorter duration of schooling, allowing me to work with higher pay and save more along with getting more experience before going for my RN.
I currently am so TIRED of my manager (not my job) so I am looking for something Per Diem until LPN school starts. Should I just grin and bare it? I absolutely adore the pts i have in ophthalmology :hug: of which most are geriatric pts. which is also why i'm excited for grabbing experience in LTC as an LPN.
BASICALLY, I get a bit nerve wrecked at times because I feel like i'm bouncing all around, or is this normal? People tell me I'm wasting my time w/LPN school if ultimately I want to go for my RN, however I could not imagine letting my fiancee support both of us while I go to school for 2+years. Is it alright for me to feel this sort of way, am I getting ahead of myself? Any advice... criticism, lol chastisement would help...
I know I'm a little late, but I just came across your post and felt compelled to reply. I'm a COT and have over 15 years experience in ophthalmology. How long have you been a tech? Are you certified? Being a tech is a fantastic job and gives you invaluable experience. If you don't like your supervisor but like your job, I think you should continue on the tech track and pursue your RN, since that's what you really want to do. Being an LPN is great for some people, but since it's not ultimately what you want, I think you should skip it.
You're in a pretty sweet spot having a good job with patient care. If you aren't certified, get certified quickly. Getting your COA is a snap and with minimal experience, you should pass the test easily. If you have your COA, get your COT. Once you are certified, you can literally write your own ticket. Get a job with a different clinic. Contact all of the large clinics in your city. Ask to speak to the technician supervisor and explain that you are looking for a new position. Even if they aren't actively looking for techs, you are likely to get an interview. Large clinics ALWAYS need talented, skilled staff. I strongly recommend getting into the largest possible clinic for the following reasons:
1) They will support you going to school
2) You can likely get time in the ASC. Most large clinics have their own ASC. You can get very valuable surgical experience this way. It's huge when you are applying to nursing schools.
3) You will work with a large base of doctors with many different personalities. This will help prepare you for your nursing career. You'll get use to speaking to docs and bringing things to their attention when you notice something wrong.
4) In a larger clinic you are more likely to be able to switch days/times of work accommodate your nursing school schedule when the time comes.
In addition to all this, you are doing yourself a HUGE favor. We all know the job market is not great for nurses right now. If that trend continues, and you have several years of ophthalmic experience, you can easily work as an RN in any ophthalmic setting whether it's clinical, surgical, or management. Knowing this may help ease the financial burden your fiance feels. I know it makes my husband feel better knowing there is a definite light at the end of the tunnel.
Best of luck to with your decision. If you have any questions about the tech world or certification track, don't hesitate to email me. I'm getting ready to start a BSN program next month and am currently working as COT so I know exactly how you feel!! Just try not to fall asleep while you are counting to two all day
thanks Andie. I've worked as an optometric tech for aprox. 6 months, then went into Opthalmology for 13 months now. The Doctors I work with are great. Small private practice with 2 doctors who are affiliated with Pennsylvania hospital, one of which is the Chief of Ophthalmology at Pennsylvania Hospital. I do assist them with laser surgeries at Penn, it's wonderful experience. I've never considered getting my certification but now that you bring it to my attention, I can definately see some benefits. I really don't want to leave the job, I love the doctors, the staff, I just can't deal with the manager due to a few different issues which i really shouldn't get into.
Another good thing about working there is that it's 2 blocks away (penn hospital) from my apartment, Wills Eye Hospital is another 2 blocks away, as well as Scheie Eye Institute which are HUGE Ophthalmic Associations. I really should give it some more thought since the opportunities are there at my reach.
yogamom
61 Posts
Hi John!
I know I'm a little late, but I just came across your post and felt compelled to reply. I'm a COT and have over 15 years experience in ophthalmology. How long have you been a tech? Are you certified? Being a tech is a fantastic job and gives you invaluable experience. If you don't like your supervisor but like your job, I think you should continue on the tech track and pursue your RN, since that's what you really want to do. Being an LPN is great for some people, but since it's not ultimately what you want, I think you should skip it.
You're in a pretty sweet spot having a good job with patient care. If you aren't certified, get certified quickly. Getting your COA is a snap and with minimal experience, you should pass the test easily. If you have your COA, get your COT. Once you are certified, you can literally write your own ticket. Get a job with a different clinic. Contact all of the large clinics in your city. Ask to speak to the technician supervisor and explain that you are looking for a new position. Even if they aren't actively looking for techs, you are likely to get an interview. Large clinics ALWAYS need talented, skilled staff. I strongly recommend getting into the largest possible clinic for the following reasons:
1) They will support you going to school
2) You can likely get time in the ASC. Most large clinics have their own ASC. You can get very valuable surgical experience this way. It's huge when you are applying to nursing schools.
3) You will work with a large base of doctors with many different personalities. This will help prepare you for your nursing career. You'll get use to speaking to docs and bringing things to their attention when you notice something wrong.
4) In a larger clinic you are more likely to be able to switch days/times of work accommodate your nursing school schedule when the time comes.
In addition to all this, you are doing yourself a HUGE favor. We all know the job market is not great for nurses right now. If that trend continues, and you have several years of ophthalmic experience, you can easily work as an RN in any ophthalmic setting whether it's clinical, surgical, or management. Knowing this may help ease the financial burden your fiance feels. I know it makes my husband feel better knowing there is a definite light at the end of the tunnel.
Best of luck to with your decision. If you have any questions about the tech world or certification track, don't hesitate to email me. I'm getting ready to start a BSN program next month and am currently working as COT so I know exactly how you feel!! Just try not to fall asleep while you are counting to two all day