Do not feel like a nurse

[Jenlisa8]

Hello. I am so embarrassed to write this but I have to get it out. I am 46 and have been employed as an LPN since 2006 and do not feel like a nurse. I tried Excelsior for the RN and did not get through it. I found it hard to do the work online and I had other things going on. For me, the majority of my cases have been in homecare. I have been working on a case for a young woman who has seizure disorder. My only job is to monitor her and assist in case of a seizure. I have not allowed myself to learn new skills over the years and I dont know why and it depresses me. I only know the basics. I am very empathetic towards my past and future patients. I want to learn trach and vent but I dont know any agencies who would train. (NY). Other than that, things are just great!

[blueskynurse9]

If you passed the NCLEX you're a nurse. You said you've been working mostly in homecare since 2006. Have you been able to provide good patient care with all of your cases? Did you feel confident while at work that you could handle anything that could have arose while under your care? Don't be so hard on yourself. If you have a comfort level working in home care only then I think that's fine. If you can do that job, do it well and enjoy it, then you are where you should be. As far as agencies offering advanced training, some will do that as long as you have at least a year experience and you have twelve. It does sound like you lack self confidence which is understandable if you've not went further in your nursing skills over these years. There are refresher courses that may be available in your area. Is there another area of nursing that you are interested in? Does working in a doctor's office interest you? You wouldn't be on your own and there are many places that would be willing to train you if you express a strong desire to learn. Give yourself more credit. There is a huge need for good, knowledgeable home care nurses.

[Jenlisa8]

Thank you for your comment. I don't think I give myself enough credit. I feel like I am too old to learn anything else. In addition I am tired of answering to people why I never advanced to a "real nurse". It gets annoying. Thank you again for your positive response. I will start looking at things a different way.

[blueskynurse9]

I got a sense that you were feeling that way from your post. We can be so hard on ourselves for no good reason. We have to remember nursing is not a competition and we are there for the benefit of our patients; and I am sure that yours love you :)

[Jenlisa8]

Thank you for your kind words!