can anyone relate???????

[soulsearchin']

I have applied again and got into an LPN program, the first time in 2005, I had to forfeit my seat right before school began due to family issues. That class is now graduating , and I managed to get acccepted again for the class of '08.my first day is the 23rd. I should be off the hook with excitement and happiness, but .. why I am experiencing soo much anxiety???and second guessing is it really normal??

I feel like I "don't know what i'm getting myself into"... I read alot of posts here on allnurses and can tell you I shouldn't , I do not have any medical related experience, but read how "stressful" and how LPN's are being phased out, I do know my state does not employ them in hospitals any longer, & I have at this moment NO interest whatsoever in ltc, or nursing homes.

I am interested in Physician office jobs, and want to know if going to school to become an LPN with such limited experience and/ desires makes me as lousy of a nursing candidate as I feel. and has any one else EVER felt this way prior to school , and found interest in things they previously didn't??

thanks ladies (and men)

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

It is quite normal for some people to feel apprehensive or equivocal after committing to a major obligation such as nursing school.

However, I am going to be very straightforward with you regarding your job aspirations. The vast majority of LPN job opportunities are in LTC, and you might find yourself jobless if you're absolutely uninterested or unwilling to work in a nursing home. Getting hired in physician offices is a tricky process because, in many cases, the doctor or office manager looks at other aspects before making the decision to hire, such as good looks, personality, and the applicant's willingness to accept a low hourly pay rate.

You are not a lousy candidate because you wouldn't have been accepted into school twice. Don't underestimate your abilities. Good luck!

[caliotter3]

Also, do not forget or discredit the possibility that an LPN license can play a part in your successful progression into an RN program in the future. As far as your apprehension is concerned, apprehension would be there for anything new and challenging. You will adapt. Good luck.

[Jules A, MSN]

I think the other members brought up great points both pro and con. I'm wondering about your false start a couple of years ago. Were you having these thoughts then also?

[Fiona59]

Family issues aren't what I'd call a false start.

Anyhoo, have you researched the job market in your area? What is fact in one area isn't gospel in another. In my province, PNs work acute, clinic, LTC, and specialty units. We are unionized and most family practices pay within $2/hour of the hospital rate (as they are non-union).

Having said that, you will still encounter the nastier side of our profession in doctors offices. Wounds that haven't been attended to, incontinent old people (family just assume that the office staff will clean them up before the trip home), patients vomit, have explosive BM in the toilets and the cleaning staff aren't always there so that becomes the catchall "other related duties".

Office hours are no longer even that great due to late evening and weekend openings.

Grass may be greener on the other side but that could be because of the septic tank....