Career Change PLEASE!

[Riverratfromohio]

I have been an LPN for 20+ years and frankly I'm tired! I have worked in Dr. offices, Clinics, Hospitals and LTC facilities. Currently I am working in a Nursing home. I have no problems with administration or co-workers. By the end of my 12 hr shift I am completely done! I feel like these people (patients) have literally sucked the life out of me. Nursing homes are not what they used to be, I'd love to see that front door open and a little old man or woman come through. The majority of our resident's are middle aged people who either can't cope with life in general or they have lived their lives in a way that has ruined their health. We are seeing people who have stroked, eaten their livers or kidneys up with some kind of substance abuse and now that their bodies have rebelled and can't function it's everybody's fault but their own. On the flip side, if you do have an elderly person their families think mom or dad should have 1on1 care 24/7 and when you can't provide that you are going to hear about it and inevitably you will be getting an impromptu visit from the State to check out their allegation of neglect. I would love to find a job that still uses my education and experience but does not have to deal with the daily 1 on 1 with patients. I love paperwork and challenges...I'm great with the monthly change-over paperwork! But seriously what careers can I morph into that still provides a comparable income? I need to save my sanity here folks!

[crs1965]

I'm right there with you. I'm in LTC now, 12 hr shifts. I've done hospital, office, LTC, home health, and correctional. I've been looking at MDS, managed care, and even DSD. Options are limited where I am. If I want to drive 100mi, one way, I could work in the big city. Have you looked into Restorative Nursing? Some insurance companies will have LPNs also. If I see a job opening that is interesting, regardless of credentials, I apply. Sometimes you get lucky and get a call for the interview. Good luck!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Insurance companies of all types can use your skills.

[Riverratfromohio]

any idea where to look for a job with insurance companies?

[jrinct]

Check their websites. All the big ones (Aetna, Wellpoint, Anthem, etc.) list open positions for nurses.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Check your local companies first.

aetna.. etc.. did not work for me... they are way to big to process resumes. Also try temp positions. Aerotek helped me get my foot in the door.

I proved myself through the temp agency... then was hired on.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Try coming over to the "dark side" and become a surveyor yourself. :) It's far more complicated than it looks on the surface---I've been in for a week and my head is spinning!---but you seem like a stand-up gal who would be a great advocate for those "little old men and women". I don't know if your state hires LPNs in the surveyor role, but it's worth checking out.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Have you thought about assisted living? I look at the nurses who work at my mother's assisted living, and they all seem so happy and fulfilled. Her facility has all LOLs and LOM, no middle aged or younger folk. I don't know what the facilities are like in your area, but if I weren't so close to retiring myself, I'd check it out.