I'm new to this forum as of 5 minutes ago! I thought I knew what I wanted but the more research I do, the more confused I become. I'm from NJ, I am desperate to change careers from the legal field and after surviving the loss of parents, grandparents, a miscarriage and one other difficult pregnancy (I have two healthy wonderful children already), I have decided that I want to help others. I've seen suffering in all shapes and forms, I've seen death take loved ones slowly and quickly and while I have other reasons, those are some of my biggest reasons for wanting to be in a field where I can help or at least inform and comfort others. I'm a very independent person who doesn't take to depending on others very well, so I think I would fair well in a nursing career. But that's just a short summary.
My main reason for writing this is because I'm totally confused!!! I started out thinking about ultrasound and while that seems very interesting, it seems too limited for me. So I decided to research nursing. I also know a few RN's who highly recommend it, but I just need more opinions. Here's my "issue": I would ultimately like to become an RN, but at this point, I think it would take much longer than I was hoping as I am literally "starting from scratch". I mean, sratch. I never even took my SAT's in high school because I went to trade school instead after graduating. Anyway, so I started researching LPN to RN. But I'm hearing that LPN's don't really get hired in hospitals anymore, at least not around here. And while I'm aware the pay is drastically different, I figured having my LPN quicker, would get my foot in the door faster and then I could pursue further while I worked. Make any sense? With that said, I'm curious to know, where the heck do LPNs get hired?! It seems like all I'm hearing about are long term care facilities. Do LPNs work in hospitals anymore? What about doctor's offices at least? What does everyone on here think about getting an LPN first then going for RN? Any thoughts or input would be appreciated!!!
Lastly, my one HUGE downfall is I have a weak stomach. I can handle blood but feces and vomit are just not things I handle well, even with my own children. How in the world do you get over that? Because that's probably my only hang-up with nursing. I have the brains, skill, emotional capacity and everything else, but the stomach!!!
Thank you and yes, I've researched on bls.gov.!! Actually, I printed out the whole rundown on RN's from their site lol. I'm still in awe about how many nurses are still NEEDED in the healthcare system, you wouldn't think there'd be such a "shortage", it's rather sad that people can't get the healthcare they need or deserve. I've looked into other routes to get my feet wet in, such as LPN and Surgical Tech. While I can't enroll immediately, as I'm awaiting the birth of my third child (in the next few weeks), I want to prepare a game plan for myself for the future. From what I've read about the waiting lists, etc. I'm thinking I should try to start in a position of LPN and work my way up in time.
I am from NJ as well...... It is now 2010. However... Very similar thoughts and ideas and questions as this original post (2008). A major concern for me is are there any Jobs for LPN's in NJ. I would enjoy working in LTC and would eventually (sooner than later) like to become RN. Local County Vocational school has LPN program approx 11months.... I am hoping for input from LPN's (newbies and experienced) that may shed some light for me. I am a mature adult looking to make a major career change to hopefully fulfill a lifelong dream but do not want to end up in a dead end job in a profession (LPN) that may from an era gone by.
pixieshmoo
18 Posts
Thank you and yes, I've researched on bls.gov.!! Actually, I printed out the whole rundown on RN's from their site lol. I'm still in awe about how many nurses are still NEEDED in the healthcare system, you wouldn't think there'd be such a "shortage", it's rather sad that people can't get the healthcare they need or deserve. I've looked into other routes to get my feet wet in, such as LPN and Surgical Tech. While I can't enroll immediately, as I'm awaiting the birth of my third child (in the next few weeks), I want to prepare a game plan for myself for the future. From what I've read about the waiting lists, etc. I'm thinking I should try to start in a position of LPN and work my way up in time.