I really do feel depressed about the situation

[NurseEnvision]

I have been out of work for almost 2 months now. I left LTC for the reason of moving up however job hunting as a recent LVN graduate is tough and in my personal life, 'y father doesn't want me to join the field of home healthcare (He said it's a dangerous step to do which I understand) Now, I am about to finish another semester in school and I will be stuck at home. I miss wearing my scrubs, working the floor and just talk with my patients about how their life is. It's like, life for me is not the same anymore. Being a nurse is the only thing I wanted to do and that makes me happy. Sometimes, I literally randomly feel empty and people around me would think I am upset at them or that there is something wrong but all I really feel is someone to listen to how I really miss the field. I know my family would never understand how it truly feels unless they're on my shoes. They said, I got nothing to worry about because I am still living under their roof and they can provide everything I need but that is not the point, the point is waking up another daylight and not doing the purpose of a nurse. And I do not know how to make them understand it without them getting upset at me and I cannot even express myself anymore. I also just recently got out of the hospital because I got sick and I did not tell them because I know they will compare how their body works to how mine does, how their pain is to my pain and I felt like getting sick is a crime at my house and I wanted to move out but I can't even do that because I am out of a job. I really do feel depressed about the situation! Please pray for me.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

We are getting perilously close to a tos violation. Depression is a psychiatric diagnosis, among other things. I agree with finding professional help.

I personally was careful only to comment on career and general "life contentment" suggestions. From what I've seen- other posters are providing similar advice, which is typical for a career oriented forum. I think we can all agree if she feels she may be depressed she should be seeking professional help.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Get a job. You need a purpose. Earn some money and save it up. You can be respectful of your parents and become independent also. Too many idle hours will make anybody depressed!

[Kate_Peds]

I'm so sorry that you feel this way. I agree with many others who have posted here. It might be worth it to contact your previous employer and see if they will hire you back into LTC. If that doesn't work out, try looking at clinic work or sometimes even schools (some schools allow LVNs to work alongside the RN). Best of luck to you.

[DeeAngel]

Praying isn't going to help you, you need to take action. Please consider going back to school and getting your RN. LPNs are being rejected all over the country for hospital employment. It's hard for LPNs to be hired in many places. With an RN degree you will have a whole new world of opportunity and security.

[KCMnurse, BSN, MSN, RN]

You really need to do whatever you can to lift your mood. If you need to seek professional help - do that. Your parents love you and want to protect you. You're an adult now and can make your own decisions regarding your career. If home-health is hiring then go for it. It's hard but you cannot let your parents decide your career path for you even if they have the best intentions.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

OP I see you are in school to be an RN - Congratulations on that move. When do your clinicals start? Once your clinicals start you will be able to wear a uniform again, and start taking care of patients. Going to school full time and then trying to juggle a job will be diffiuclt. Transitions are always hard. If you don't have to worry about bills right now, don't rush, finish your RN and more doors will be available to you.

What classes are you taking this semester? How is the workload?

As you progress more and more in your classes you will get to do more exciting things and that may help.

Take care and good job on pursuing your RN

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I am 20 and yes I am going back for my RN.

If you are feeling depressed...please seek out someone to talk to.....many people get depressed at this time of year and have seasonal depression. Talk to your PCP or services at your college...depression is nothing to ignore. Please reach out if you don't feel safe and call someone.

((HUGS)) I am so sorry you are going through a rough patch. I know things can seem bleak at times, and I know that people say "YOU are so young...." and You are young and at the beginning of your career. Look what you have already done! You are a LVN at age 20 when most people have no clue what they want to do. YOU already have a plan for getting back to nursing and you are in school advancing your career.

You have a lifetime to be responsible and work at your chosen profession. Take the help your parents are offering. Look for some per diem work but don't jeopardize your schooling. The future is really at your feet at age 20....I know, my daughter is 20. ((HUGS))

[AliNajaCat]

2: Find an affordable apartment and move out of the parents' home as soon as possible. With all due respect, they mean well but should not be a deciding factor in what you do with your career. It's absolutely wonderful that they are willing to help you with whatever needs you have. So maybe they can help you secure an apartment after you return to your nursing job.

Your post makes me believe that you are very young. As such, I picture an young nurse who's having a little trouble with standing up for his/her independence, (per your post, you are very concerned about what your father thinks and how he'll react), and parents who are not yet ready to even gently push you out of the nest. Letting go is one of the hardest things to do in life, but it must be done at some point so that you can gain the self-confidence you'll most definitely need to take care of your patients and yourself.

^^^^THIS

If you're old enough to have been at work as an LPN. you are DEFINITELY old enough to live as an adult. We love our parents, but they don't have us to keep at home c them as dependents for the rest of their lives (and if they do, well, whole 'nother can of worms).

Get your own place, find a roommate or two to share expenses, go to the Goodwill and pick up a bunch of kitchen tools and linens and furniture, and take your step to adulthood for real.

And if you are feeling as bleak as you sound, please do spend a few sessions with a good counselor to help you move forward. They have a saying, "There's nothing like feeling better to make you feel better." True that.

[guest358111]

I just wanted to mention something about your statement "Being a nurse is the only thing I wanted to do and that makes me happy." I hope that you can find some other things that also make you happy-nursing is wonderful, yes, but will not fulfill you or be the only thing that will make you happy.

I am sorry that you were recently sick-don't forget to care for yourself before you care for others. :) Don't beat yourself up about not having a job at the moment-if you want another one/keep looking, one will turn up. I wish you all the best, and will pray for you!

[Sadiem]

I will pray for you as you requested. It seems smart to get professional help--it can be a pastor or a healthcare professional. The other strategy that offers a level of happiness is volunteering to help someone with a need they have. If you can't return to your job as a paid employee yet, perhaps volunteer to help in the activities department. You can read to them, assist in games, pass refreshments during an activity, or some other simple things that will be very meaningful to the residents.

I do pray you feel better soon.