I got my LPN at age 38 (1998), and worked on a Med/Surg unit for about 5 1/2 months. I was overwhelmed and felt incompetent, and my manager wouldn't let me transfer to another unit....so I quit. I wish I had found this website back then. Maybe I would have stayed with it.
Anyway, I kept up my license, and did mostly glorified private sitting jobs for the next several years..because I love taking care of people. Four and 1/2 years ago I got talked into doing a flu fair at a local hospital/clinic. I got "some" confidence back for doing direct patient care, and was asked to stay on permanently as an injection nurse for the Ambulatory infusion center; which is where I've been ever since. I really liked my job; and I remembered how much I loved nursing, and was able to practive IV therapy when my injection schedule allowed it. The RNs I worked with encouraged me to return to school and get an RN license...with the idea that I would become an infusion nurse when I graduated.
Long story short....the position I thought I would get is not available at this time, and I am now over qualified for my LPN job,(and in debt with student loans) so I have to look for another RN position somewhere. I've applied for several positions with the hospital I work for, and am still waiting to hear something. I've also applied at other facilities. Still no RN job 3 months after graduation.
I'm regretting going back to school. I'll be 51 next month, and am beginning to wonder if I was stupid to think at my age, that I could "start over". Even though I've been an LPN for over 12 years; I really only have 4.5yrs of "real", recent clinical experience....and none in the hospital.
Thanks for letting me vent. I hope this website will help me not to quit again....that is if I ever get another job.
Thanks for all the encouragement, ya'll. I'll take all the prayers I can get :). I had an interview in a GI/Neuro step down unit in my hospital, the other day. I haven't heard anything, yet. I'm a little nervous about going to a unit like that; but my friend (who I've worked with for the past 4yrs) says I can do it. We'll see if I get a call back or not.
hgorrondona
42 Posts
Thanks for all the encouragement, ya'll. I'll take all the prayers I can get :). I had an interview in a GI/Neuro step down unit in my hospital, the other day. I haven't heard anything, yet. I'm a little nervous about going to a unit like that; but my friend (who I've worked with for the past 4yrs) says I can do it. We'll see if I get a call back or not.