Feeling Trapped

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jun 24, 2008

Have you thought of home care, or assisted living? I do deal with patients in my clinic, so, it does make things interesting. I am about to work in med-surg per diem for an agency to keep my skills alive, so to speak, but because I got spoiled not having to work on weekends or holidays, I refuse to leave it ever. I just want the bedside skills so that I can get a job most anywhere (hopefully).

nananurse2 · Jun 24, 2008

Well, and there you have touched on another nerve: nights, weekends, holidays and 12 hours shifts. Husband and grandkids demand some of my time. I did a clinical in one day surgery that I loved, but you need your RN for that. I like wound care, go figure, so I might check that out.

Post mid-life crisis. Thought I was past that!!

Jules A, MSN · Jun 25, 2008

I was also thinking home health. Around here many of the assisted living communities have LPNs that go around and check on the residents, some are hired by individual families as skilled sitters etc. If you think having your RN would be best definitely look into it. My LPN to ADN bridge program was only a short summer class and then the last two semesters with the RN students. Cheap,

P.S. I know your family is a concern also but you are far too young to settle for feeling trapped at this point and imo they would benefit by being supportive while you make some changes, builds character.

rndavu729, ADN · Jun 25, 2008

I was also thinking home health. Around here many of the assisted living communities have LPNs that go around and check on the residents, some are hired by individual families as skilled sitters etc. If you think having your RN would be best definitely look into it. My LPN to ADN bridge program was only a short summer class and then the last two semesters with the RN students. Cheap,
P.S. I know your family is a concern also but you are far too young to settle for feeling trapped at this point and imo they would benefit by being supportive while you make some changes, builds character.

Where was your LPN - ADN bridge done? Very interested in that one!

dotherightthing · Jun 25, 2008

I understand. I'm about the same age and find that my marketability, instead of increasing - has decreased. I'm thinking of a phlebotomy class but it's expensive - and long. So, I'm looking for ideas, as well.

Jules A, MSN · Jun 25, 2008

Where was your LPN - ADN bridge done? Very interested in that one!

I did mine through a CC in Maryland but at least in this area, Balto/DC, there is one in almost every CC with similar requirements. Where are you?

rndavu729, ADN · Jun 25, 2008

I did mine through a CC in Maryland but at least in this area, Balto/DC, there is one in almost every CC with similar requirements. Where are you?

I'm in TX, we actually have a brand new one in our CC but I believe it will take longer than your program did. This is the first year for the program. I just graduated from the LPN last month. I'll have to wait a year to get involved because of the cut off for acceptance etc. Just frustrated with the wait, but I guess I am going to have that anywhere, unless I do it online. Thank you for responding!

Jules A, MSN · Jun 25, 2008

I'm in TX, we actually have a brand new one in our CC but I believe it will take longer than your program did. This is the first year for the program. I just graduated from the LPN last month. I'll have to wait a year to get involved because of the cut off for acceptance etc. Just frustrated with the wait, but I guess I am going to have that anywhere, unless I do it online. Thank you for responding!

Those blasted cut off dates! :angryfire

In the meantime I'd take classes toward your BSN if you have all your RN pre-reqs done. That will keep you in the school frame of mind and give you a head start in case you want to continue on with school. Good luck and believe me the time will go quickly.

nananurse2 · Jun 25, 2008

I was also thinking home health. Around here many of the assisted living communities have LPNs that go around and check on the residents, some are hired by individual families as skilled sitters etc. If you think having your RN would be best definitely look into it. My LPN to ADN bridge program was only a short summer class and then the last two semesters with the RN students. Cheap,
P.S. I know your family is a concern also but you are far too young to settle for feeling trapped at this point and imo they would benefit by being supportive while you make some changes, builds character.

Your bridge program sounds much easier than ours. I would have 3 math classes to take, test out of A&P and several others, then 4 semesters in class and clinical. It's doable, just intimidating. Home health is an option I haven't looked into, but I'll make some calls. I'm just more hands-on and treatment oriented than most, I think because I started later. I know most nurses would love to have my 8 hour, answer the phone job!

Jules A, MSN · Jun 25, 2008

Your bridge program sounds much easier than ours. I would have 3 math classes to take, test out of A&P and several others, then 4 semesters in class and clinical. It's doable, just intimidating. Home health is an option I haven't looked into, but I'll make some calls. I'm just more hands-on and treatment oriented than most, I think because I started later. I know most nurses would love to have my 8 hour, answer the phone job!

Are there other schools around? Will your BON take Excellisor? I would have died if they wanted me to take 3 math classes, lol. We only needed statistics. Don't forget to ask about CLEP exams, they are cheap and circumvent some gen ed classes.

Gee if you wanted to take 4 semesters you could do the entire ADN program! What a shame that sure isn't much of a "bridge". I'd shop around and maybe if you post your city someone here can offer a different option. Good luck!