Feeling like I don't belong in nursing

Nurses LPN/LVN

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:oI don't know if everyone feels this way when they first start out in nursing or if it is just me. I recently started working in LTC (not new to LTC, have been a CNA for 19 years) as a LPN. I had three days orientation and then I was given an assignment of my own. The med passes took me forever, I had a resident fall and did not know what to do, and as far as charting it seems foreign to me. Does it get better? I am returning to school in August for my RN and not sure if I want too.

So I am asking for advice from more experienced LPN's. Does it get better? Am I the only one who has ever felt this way? Is it normal to feel like I don't know anything? :scrying:I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a child. But two weeks after starting my first job as a nurse I am leaning towards going back to a CNA when things were easier.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I totally felt overwhelmed during my first week as a new nurse in LTC. My med pass took over 3 hours, and I felt incompetent. I was not properly oriented to the facility paperwork, so I did not know what to do when a patient fell and needed to be sent out to the hospital ER after a head injury.

However, it gets better as you become more experienced, learn time management skills, and build self-confidence. You must start by telling yourself that you are a capable nurse. If you believe it, then you will become it. That's my self-fulfilling prophecy of the day. If you believe you're meant for nursing, then you'll change your outlook and actually become immersed in nursing. Good luck!

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Specializes in Knuckle Dragging Nurse aka MTA.

In my case it didn't get better. I had 47 - 48 patients as a new grad LVN. It was hell. I would rather be a CNA wiping butts all day then work as an LVN in LTC here. Having done both jobs, the CNA comes out on top.

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Specializes in Mental Health.
: I am leaning towards going back to a CNA when things were easier.

Some folks will have a hard time understanding what I am about to state, but it's true. When someone starts feeling the need to go backward in life it is a sign that they are going in the right direction. Fear...is a dangerous thing it will cause you to make some really bad choices. You stated that you had wanted to be a nurse since you were a child, and now that you have the opportunity to live the dream you are ready to give up on it? Many people are afraid of challenges, but when we are challenged that's when the best in us comes out.;) When I started nursing I felt unsure just like you and I still feel that way sometimes, but don't allow that feeling to cause you to question your calling in life. If anything look for other facilities, LTCs can be very stressful because of the overload of patients. There are lots of opportunities for LPNs...look around. I hope you find a facility that is suitable for you especially since you'd like to return to school. God bless and don't give up!

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You are being pulled by the 19 years of familiarity. And a few days is not enough time to get used to your new role. Just do it one day at a time. What I found helpful for myself when I first started out was creating a notebook for myself. Everytime I learned something new, when I had the time, I created a sample of it (using the name John or Jane Doe or no name of course) and put it into my book. No matter how simple or everyday, I made myself a sample. Something for me to rely on. Also, develop a working relationship with one of the other nurses so that you have someone who won't jump down your back or complain about you around others, to ask for advice. Just stick it out. And don't talk yourself out of RN school. Good luck.

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:oI don't know if everyone feels this way when they first start out in nursing or if it is just me. I recently started working in LTC (not new to LTC, have been a CNA for 19 years) as a LPN. I had three days orientation and then I was given an assignment of my own. The med passes took me forever, I had a resident fall and did not know what to do, and as far as charting it seems foreign to me. Does it get better? I am returning to school in August for my RN and not sure if I want too.

So I am asking for advice from more experienced LPN's. Does it get better? Am I the only one who has ever felt this way? Is it normal to feel like I don't know anything? :scrying:I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a child. But two weeks after starting my first job as a nurse I am leaning towards going back to a CNA when things were easier.

HELLO, You just have a very hard LPN job. LTC IS VERY STRESSFUL. I have seemed to read that alot in the messages. I am not familiar with other states for LVN/LPN jobs. I have been a TX LVN for 26 years. My best experience has been in the hosp. I have to say that I am getting burnout with all the paperwork and trivial things that have to be done to "prove" that we are taking care of the pts. Please do some searching to what else may be out there. I know I am. Take Care mary

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