Feeling stuck as a new LVN — did I ruin my career?

[Nursing65287, LVN]

Hello everyone,

 I have a hard time when coworkers cut corners, and when I speak up about it, it sometimes creates tension between me and management.

I've been an LVN for about 11 months, mostly in LTC. I'm often told I'm a wonderful nurse, but my thoroughness seems to make me "not a fit" for some facilities that prefer speed over accuracy. I eventually went PRN after being pushed out, and later the ADON was told not to let me pick up shifts.

The DON even started a rumor that I had called the state after I reported a documentation issue involving insulin administration. I followed the chain of command, but I was still let go and told to try a sister facility. The new facility initially welcomed me and promised full-time work, but when staffing problems grew, I was told to either take on more shifts or go back PRN.

I reached out to corporate to bring attention to the staff shortages and low retention rates, particularly related to CNA and Medication Aide wages. I even offered a proposal with suggestions for improvement. The day after I sent the email, the DON of the new facility — whom I genuinely liked — resigned.

Since then, I've tried to find work outside this company at other LTC facilities, but my job offers keep getting withdrawn. I've also found that hospitals and schools in my area no longer hire LVNs. The jobs that are available are mostly in LTC or home health — but home health doesn't pay well, and LTC can be very demanding.

Did I ruin my career? Or is there a way to recover from this and find a better fit? Any advice or encouragement would mean a lot right now.

[feelix, RN]

You have been warned. That is what nursing is about. Get into a PT or OT or Radiology program and work with decent human beings 

p.s.: Keep the mouth shut if you are not in the inner circle

[Nursing65287, LVN]

feelix said:

You have been warned. That is what nursing is about. Get into a PT or OT or Radiology program and work with decent human beings 

p.s.: Keep the mouth shut if you are not in the inner circle

Hello, thanks for your input.

I am having a hard time understanding exactly what you are referring to when you state, "I have been warned". Nursing is more than just this. I'm in school do my RN and with previous experience being a patient, and with my studies, I know there are decent human beings in the work place as a nurse. I'm not going to change my career after 11 months of being an LVN. I asked this question because I am looking for therapeutic advice, or encouragement. It is hard to read a message and determine the tone, but what I am interpreting from your messsage, is that there are cliches in nursing, and that I need to find a better career because nurses are not good people. Am I understanding you correctly? 
 

A lot of my problem is I will advocate for my patients. People don't like that, but that doesn't mean I stop. 
 

If I am interpreting this wrong, please clarify or give me an example of what your trying to tell me. 
 

Thank you again, and I hope this comes across politely. 

[floydnightingale]

feelix said:

p.s.: Keep the mouth shut if you are not in the inner circle

What's that thing they say about squeaky wheels?

[feelix, RN]

What I am saying is, it is your duty as a nurse to speak up for your patients. It never sits well with management. They shot you down one time. They will again.

if you insist on doing the right thing they will destroy your career.

if you want to survive in nursing learn to mind your own business. If you want to do the right thing, be prepared to pay the price.

 

[Tres12]

Don't ever lower your standards when it comes to providing patient care by following policies and procedures and speaking up and advocating for your patients. As an RN for over 35+ years. I get frustrated when I hear that you have been treated this way.  I have worked with many LVNs that could run circles around the RNs, however they don't have as much of a voice as an RN. Sad but true, unfortunately! I would strongly encourage you further your education. I was an Associate Degree RN initially and it was never a hindrance in advancing my career until  I went to work in a Magnet hospital. This opened my eyes to things I didn't know that I needed to know! So I started taking a class or two at a time in a hybrid program for my RN to BSN (while working FT plus raising 5 kids). It was hard but so worth it - greater job satisfaction and salary too! You sound a lot like I was and still am. I'm outspoken when I need to be and never, never compromise when it comes to my patients. Some will feel threatened by issues that are brought to the forefront because face it .....evidence-based practice has changed the way nurses practice. Best of luck!

[jules5515]

I am a 40+ year RN, started as a LPN. That is SO inappropriate to advise someone that they need to lower your standards and that all management is the same and don't want to hear about patient care safety issues. You can come up with strategies, get people on your side and bolster your positions with evidenced based practice. I believe in you!!

[peggyon, BSN]

I have been an RN for 38 years and don't think I spent one day in that lengthy career cutting corners. However, it will be exhausting and frustrating for you. Many good RN's drop their standards somewhat, just to survive. My most recent job was as an inpatient Case Manager for a very large, 'not-for-profit', bottom-line oriented institution who often discharged patients prematurely. We had to meet with our managers everyday to justify a patient's level of care or answer as to why they hadn't been discharged yet. To be honest, I learned to bend the truth  or out-right lie to keep them off my back. Had to do same with MDs who were trying to obtain Partnership by playing by the rules which were --reduce length of inpatient stay. I don't think I compromised by standards but I worked way too hard in a system that is not set up for decent patient care. 

I think I would agree with Felix for a different reason. As a Radiology Tech or Physical Therapist you work with one patient at a time. As a nurse you will have few boundaries and be expected to juggle too many competing demands and will work very very hard to maintain your standards. I would seriously suggest you not invest more energy and time into nursing.

 

 

[Rebeccagh]

You did the right thing. I've worked in EOL care for 30 years. If you want to make a difference, you need to know how to take it on the chin. Nothing will change unless you speak up. Good for you.  You'll be in management before you know it..

PS: Feelix, you should leave nursing.

[feelix, RN]

My assessment is that OP being a new nurse is likely spending more time trying to find fault with the practice of others, rather than on learning the art, which is her major job at this stage of career. She is a novice. She needs to improve her own practice rather than tell everyone else how to improve theirs.

How does she even know they are cutting corners when she is still learning the lay of the land. How does she know how to bring systemic improvement when she herself is at the stage of learning individual tasks.

Getting fired by two jobs for the same behavior is a red flag in itself. I think she needs to concentrate more on her performance rather than that of others.

 

[B52, BSN, MSN, RN]

Unless there is a safety issue, I don't care if anyone cuts corners. Some policies are just unnecessay verbiage thrown together to satisfy TJC.

[Heather Strand]

That's such a tough place to be — and I can feel the weight behind your words. It takes incredible courage to speak up when something doesn't feel right, especially so early in your career. Most people stay quiet... you didn't. That's leadership.

I know it's discouraging when doing the right thing seems to come with loss, but please don't let this shake your belief in yourself or your calling. Sometimes when the world pushes back, it's just testing how firmly we'll stand in our values.

The right team — the one that values integrity over convenience — is out there. Keep showing up as the nurse who leads with heart, courage, and conviction. That's what will set you apart every single time.

I hope this helps and gives you some of that encouragement you are looking for!

-Heather