Dismayed

[turtle rain]

Hi all,

I am currently an LPN and I am employed at an assisted living facility. I have been at this facility since I graduated nursing school almost 2 years ago. I thought I fully understood that "real life" nursing would be much different then nursing school. However I was not prepared for the daily ethical compromises I feel forced to make. The facility I work for has nearly 60 residents and there is one nurse assigned to them per shift. As many others here have posted, "assisted living" is a very ambiguolous term and many people with varying degrees of care needs fall into this category - bluntly put, as long as someone has the money they are appropriate for our facility. The DON does not make the decision as to who is appropriate for the faciility, the "intake coordinator" who has no medical background does. Med passes are difficult to finish due to the increasing acuity level of residents, constant interruptions from Dr's, families, pharmacy, etc and when challenging situations arise, the lpn is always put on adminstrative leave by management --nurses rarely come back once that occurs.

I have looked for other positions but have found that already I am pigeon-holed because I have done "only" assisted living. Not to mention the job market here like most areas is very challenging. I worked hard through nursing school and graduated at the top of my class, but I am quickly realizing that I won't be in this industry for long - -

[CeeJayPS]

Don't throw in the towel yet, keep looking elsewhere outside of assisted living, perhaps a doctors office, clinical, etc. I feel your pain but you've come to far to give up on a rewarding career you will grow in. Its just not the right place for you, but you will find a place that you will enjoy coming to work everyday.

[emt2lpn2]

I am an LPN also, and where I work we have to take 15Ceu's a year for our license including Rn's. With that said I went to a class called compassion and fatigue. It talked about burn out and being to compassionate for your patients that you don't take care of yourself first and you end up moving on because you can't take it any more. I believe my friend it's time for you to move on. First know why you are moving on, not because you don't love nursing but because you Love yourself more and you are sinking faster than you can swim. If I was in your shoes I would put in for a vacation and start my new journey in looking for a new job in your career as an LPN. Don't due emailing physically go to clinics with your resume and cover letter in hand or Dr. Offices,urgent care clinics or home health recruiting agencies. My friend did this and she found a job in two days. I can tell you Love being a nurse or you wouldn't be here posting your concerns for advice, take hold of the situation before the situation take hold of you.