help? first semester LPN student

Jules A, MSN · Feb 23, 2008

I want to work with kids..in fact, if I do not get to work within Peds or L & D, I dont think I will be happy, which will lead to not working for me. I dont want to waste all this money to regret it later. I also want to have a big family and do not want to have to work nights!

Hi,

If you can't work in a certain area you won't work at all?

Maybe I lost something in the typing but it doesn't sound like you are flexible with what you are willing to endure to reach to your goals. I'm sure you know that LPN jobs in Peds or L&D are pretty scarce. Not being willing to work nights might be problematic when first starting your career unless you decide to do school nursing etc. I'm not trying to discourage you but you should consider being flexible as you work toward your ultimate goals which are very achievable if you are willing to pay the dues. Good luck. Jules

TLRichard05 · Feb 23, 2008

Thank you for your reply! I totally understand what you are saying. My biggest GOAL is to have a big family. More than anything I want to be a Mom and so that is more important to me than a career is..That is why I am so set in my ways about not wanting to work nights, etc. My dad had to work nights while we were growing up and it was very hard on him and my brother and I, so that is just a personal opinion. I do know I sound kinda like a jerk with being so stubborn on what I want..and I am sorry about that. Anyways, thank you so much for your reply..actually seeing what you said sorta put things in a lil bit more perspective for me. THank You!

GeauxNursing · Feb 24, 2008

there are hundreds and hundreds of things you can do as a nurse! You can work in L and D, you don't have to work nights, but...

to get to the good stuff, you have to flexible and get through the school part. it is hard. and sometimes not fun. but the ultimate goal is a good education and future for your family.

you have to sacrifice some things first to get to that goal. like doing clinicals in Med-surg, there is just no way around it. nurses get such a rounded education; there is so much to learn! you have to go through the motions to get it all in: med surg, geriatrics, psych, peds, labor, etc. heck, somewhere along the way you might find something that you absolutely fall in love with!

hang in there.

ratel · Feb 25, 2008

Hi, i am also an LPN student, just starting clinicals as well.

strangely enough i have an AA in Elementary Ed.

I feel that this profession will allow me great opportunity, and flexibility. However you must be willing to work your way to where you want to be.

My wife works in a hospital, and if/when I'm successful i should be able to work 3 days a week, allowing much more time for my family.. my last job was in management i often worked 6 or 7 days a week and at all hours. For me this seems much more conducive to family life than my former career.

as for the working with peds, you can bridge to RN if your unable to find an LPN opening.

In regards to your spouse... you have to reconcile that between yourselves.. my wife and i did, she went first.. and now its my turn.

Good Luck..

WDWpixieRN, RN · Feb 26, 2008

I was going to point out to you some of the things that ratel already did...it's always easy to go back to our comfort zone, but something pushed you out of that -- what was it?!?! Maybe go back to square one and then move out from there.

I understand our educators make a pretty paltry salary....the hours are terrific, especially for parents, but they're not very flexible. What are your options beyond classroom teaching with your current level of education in that field?

I came from a career outside of health care....I haven't LOVED my med/surg clinicals and neither have a large number of my classmates. Most are hoping to do something else at graduation...and there are fellowships and new grad programs in our area for some specialty areas, but the competition is stiff. So, many of us have come to the conclusion that we may be doing med/surg for the year or so for the experience. And we will survive it....a number of the other students LOVE and WANT to work med/surg....so it's a mixed bag and I wouldn't feel bad that you don't love it.

Now, as for the shiftwork....it is a 24/7 career in many areas. Depending on where you end up, and staffing preferences for those with seniority, etc., you may find that a night/evening shift is where you will end up. It won't be forever. Some get lucky and get dayshift, others end up on other shifts.

Since it's not forever, this is not a horrible thing. You and your husband can perhaps alternate childcare, thereby not having to pay babysitters or daycare. Who's going to do the morning stuff if you have to be at work at 0700? My parents did this for several years and it was rather nice (for us kids anyway, lol).

Once you get past all of that, then as you start your growing family, you can do prn work or something else that's more flexible for your needs at that time. Do you see that being available for you within the education field? The hourly is quite nice compared to a lot of other fields, particularly if you don't need the benefits...options, options, options....

I can't tell you what's in your heart; we can only help point out some things that should be considered before tossing in the towel after all the work you did to this point....

Best wishes however this all ends up!!