Humble Pie

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B

In taking my own advice, there needs to be a point in time that an LPN decides not to internalize. Even those who feel as if they are being set up to fail need to see the facility big picture, protect yourself and your license, and make an alternate plan that will be good for yourself and your responsibilities.It is difficult when virtually overnight an LPN who was able to practice at a familiar and comfortable level seemingly relinquishes duties.

This is often a bit of a mess, as LPN's who have been at facilities for a long time and are nearing retirement find that they are at a point where they need the benefits, need the money, have the seniority.

Many have taken on responsibility in their personal lives that preclude continuing education, and still others having other priorities that take a chunk of their salary at present.

It is really difficult when one spends a number of years in a facility that is good to them. One that is enjoyable to work at, everyone has everyone's back, you feel at home and comfortable in your position. When the climate changes, it is a huge discomfort to a number of nurses, not just the LPN's. It is difficult to keep a clear head.

But clear heads prevail, and it is time to make a plan. That plan could include begining to look in your own facility. See what the internal positions are. Look at transfer opportunities. There are LPN's who decide to take on a position in HR. Who decide to teach a CNA course. Who become successful discharge planners, case managment, hospice nurses. Who become charges in skilled care. So look in your own backyard first and foremost if your pay, seniority, benefits and time to retirement warrants this.

Sometimes, no matter what the intention, it is just not feasible to stay within the same facility system. That warrants a creative fishing expedition to find yourself another position. Look far and wide to see what you could do to still use your skills, but with a supportive enviroment. Home care, schools, camps, hospice facilities. You could apply at MD offices, urgent care. Use all of your resources.

You should feel proud of a career that has taken you through many years. Climate change happens, and unfortunetely, is showing little signs of not happening. It is a difficult position to be in when you are utterly taken aback and distressed by this. And there are few LPNs who would say that they are not.

One of the tangible things I can use to describe it is that nurses go through these kinds of things when they do not practice well. Through the years many have experienced this on various units--nurses losing jobs over errors, poor judgement, bad practice. When you have the integrity of good practice, you are not supposed to lose your job. The general theme is "what did I do incorrectly"?

This is not about you, it is about the need for larger and larger systems taking over smaller and smaller facilities and attempting to continue to fix things that are not broken. At the expense of nameless LPN's #1-13. Your new DON is fixated on reimbursement rates, not that your ill mother is dying, that your patient is pleased that you took such good care of them (unless they are willing to fill out the nifty survey that praises the unit) then it again is not you, but the unit.

Bottom line, it is hard to become a number when your name and reputation have been the foundation your practice was built on. (Everything is made up, and the points don't matter). Remember to protect yourself and your investments.

Sometimes, we have to swallow our pride, and experience something profoundly humbling. Even kicking and screaming and just so darn angry on the inside. Yes, doors close, windows open--but perhaps this is the time to build yourself a retirement condo that will be the peace, the feel good, the experienced part of your career.

It is worth a look. And a look that you control as opposed to not seemingly having much choice.

Wishing nothing but the best.

Humble Pie

About jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B

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