Discouraged and Confused LPN

Keep_Calm · Feb 5, 2013

What? That's RUDE. Why would she tell you that? Sure, it takes a while to gain experience and seniority. But why would she tell you to change fields?

That aside, if you are going to get more education, do it in something pertinent to your current specialty or toward advancing to RN.

Hellostudentnurssee · Feb 5, 2013

New grad with 6 mos experience, and I'm not sure if I made a mistake in choosing this career? Told my a more experienced nurse to change my field all together! That more seasoned nurses were not leaving this field and it would take me a long time to get where she is! Wondering if adding more certifications and maybe taking a coding class could help?
Signed, DCD (dazed confused disappointed)

Hello! I'm also a new grad LPN (have yet to take the NCLEX) and I feel your frustrations. I knew going into this profession that nowadays, LPNs are much more limited in their opportunities. Where I am, the VA is the only hospital to hire LPNs and everywhere else - clinics, nursing homes are just as competitive. They tend to hire the new grad RN's and keep the older, experienced ("i won't give up my job) LPNS. I knew after graduation it was going to be difficult to find a job so I planned on doing an RN bridge program after my NCLEX, while (hopefully) working. The truth is the LPNs are fazing out. I've spoken with my nursing director about this, as well as my mom who's been a nurse for more almost 30 years. Definitely take advantage of your opportunities now before it's too late. Good luck!!! :)

PS: Take what that nurse said with a grain of salt. See the positive in it - "okay, so she's telling me to shoo bc she's threatened i'd take her job" (bc that's really what it is). This could be a wake up call or a sign telling you to not get comfortable and that there are more opportunities out there. So you'll say, "okay, so you want me to change fields? i'll do something better." Get your RN, come back and she'll have to work with you as her RN. Bottom line is that realize that this nurse is saying this bc she's threatened, insecure. She's probably alot older and knows all the "LPN" she knows and I'm sure if she could further advance her career, she would but possibly cannot so she's putting her frustrations and insecurities on you by intimidating you. Don't listen to her crap. Remember that it's her own problem :)

loriangel14, RN · Feb 5, 2013

I have no idea why someone would tell a new nurse that.Take heart and be patient with yourself. It takes time to become confident in yourself as a nurse so don't do anytihng with haste. Just hang in there and it will get better.I wouldn't rush into any certifications right now. Just concentrate on finding your sea legs and figure out what you want to do. Then take some certifcations related to the direction you want to go in.Best of luck.

Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN · Feb 5, 2013

New grad with 6 mos experience, and I'm not sure if I made a mistake in choosing this career? Told my a more experienced nurse to change my field all together! That more seasoned nurses were not leaving this field and it would take me a long time to get where she is! Wondering if adding more certifications and maybe taking a coding class could help?
Signed, DCD (dazed confused disappointed)

Wow. I'm so sorry that your coworker said that to you. I've experience many similar comments (and at one job, was downright harassed.) "Nurses eat their young" now I don't like that quote. But it has some truth to it.

My advice to you is to work on thickening your skin, as no doubt you'll come across many coworkers in your career as a nurse that will try to shake you and break you.

I'm sure you're doing awesome, by the way!

Erikadawn RN · Feb 5, 2013

Get more education and follow your dreams. Nurse for 5 years, 3 as an Lpn and 2 as an Rn, and completing my Bacheleors by May and then on to N.P school.