Losing your perfect pre-nursing job

[shakerattleandroll]

hey everybody, I've applied to a nursing program and hopefully i'll be in the program next fall. Since my first job, I've been living and breathing healthcare. I had the perfect job a few years ago working at a great hospital being a patient care technician. I drew blood, started IV's, took vitals, and all of the nurses I worked with were awesome. I really got a good start on the critical thinking I will need with nursing. Unfortunately things beyond my control made me give up that job. Now I'm working at a LTC facility (which I find fulfilling because of the residents) but a waste of my knowledge and talent. I love the residents, but I hate the company I work for. It's hard not to feel resentful of the situation that I'm in. Any zen tips from anyone out there?

You all are awesome

[favthing, APRN]

LTC a waste of your knowledge and talent? Hmm. I find that the "skills" you referred to in the hospital environment can be practiced easily. On the other hand, the often-overlooked "skills" that that can be practiced in LTC are actually incredibly difficult to obtain. These are the more traditional nursing skills that only experience will provide. I hope you can find the hidden, more unspoken value in your current job.

[2ndyearstudent, CNA]

Now I'm working at a LTC facility (which I find fulfilling because of the residents) but a waste of my knowledge and talent.

You are responsible for not wasting your knowledge and talent.

[Seas]

I don't quite understand what you mean by your knowledge and talent are wasted. I don't know what your title is at the nursing home. Nurse aide? There are of course different scope of practice for each title. If you want more to perform on people, you need to get to the school and earn the title. Or be happy with the work, or apply for jobs at the hospitals where you're allowed/trained to do more.

[VeggieLadie]

I feel the same way at times. I work at a non-profit agency as a mental health case manager. It can sure get frustrating at times, but case management skills and other skills I can develop while in this field will come into use later. When I get overwhelmed with feeling stuck at my job I try to remind myself that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. At work I can chose to focus on the things I hate (many) or on the things I enjoy (not nearly as many). I find that focusing on the things I enjoy makes my days a little more manageable.