LPN Doubts

[whittwhitt]

Could you tell me what the daily routine of an LPN is at your hospital? I was going to message a few LPNs or RNs on here but I can't private message yet because of the 15 post minimum ...

I'm 5'1" and was wondering if that would prevent me from getting hired. I've read posts on here that it didn't matter and most of the time LPN's got other people to help them move patients when needed.

But the main thing I'm concerned about is the stress. My life is already very stressful at the moment. Neither of my parents work so I've really only got one chance to chose the right career and be able to take care of myself. I was wanting to do the LPN to RN bridge when I get older, although being an RN would be more stressful, but I think I could handle it after I become an LPN and make enough money for me to have something to fall back on. But an LPN doesn't have nearly as many stressful situations as an RN, right? From what I've read, they do injections, help patients with day to day needs, and change bandages. Basically I don't want to be completely responsible for someone's life at the moment and put more stress on myself, especially since there's so much already on me succeeding.

I was thinking about being a dental hygienist and then becoming a dentist later on if being an LPN would be too much for me. That would be something less stressful and less physical and would also still be a health care career. Basically I want a health care career that makes good money but doesn't involve too much stress/responsibility.

I've already taken all of the classes needed for the LPN program and am going to apply to take the NLN-PN in July this year, then hopefully start the course in January. If I was going to go into the dental hygiene program it would take about a semester to take prerequisites and then two years for the course (I believe, if you're able to take classes during the summer). But if dental hygiene was something I would be more comfortable with then it would be worth it of course.

I've switched many times by the way. I started college wanting to be a vet assistant then switched to LPN then switched back to vet assisting then back to LPN and now I'm having doubts about being able to be a good LPN ... so any help would be much appreciated!

[Cultmember]

I have been working as an LPN in an acute setting, medicine, for over 5 years and I am literally done.. It is one of the worst jobs imaginable because even though you do the exact same job as the RN working alongside you, except for hanging a medicinal bag and administering sliding scale insulin, our top wage is $2.99 less an RN's starting wage.

LPNs are the most hated designation in the hospital because RNs resent them and managers are RNs who have switched sides (management) but who still have a great deal of affinity with their RN sisters.

I literally and actually hate my job and will be quitting on Monday due to the lack of respect I have experienced over and over again from some of the worst people I have ever met: nurses.

Because of the realities of the job, nurses quickly become hardened emotionless, heartless beings who find their only reward in money. If you've ever noticed, nurses, while making at least 27 - 42 dollars per hour are the only "professionals" who consistently bring their lunch to work. Cheap, stingy, misers.. That describes their spending habits because that's also their heart condition.

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

Because of the realities of the job, nurses quickly become hardened emotionless, heartless beings who find their only reward in money. If you've ever noticed, nurses, while making at least 27 - 42 dollars per hour are the only "professionals" who consistently bring their lunch to work. Cheap, stingy, misers.. That describes their spending habits because that's also their heart condition.

Reading this makes me sad:unsure:. I've been an LPN for 15 years and just recently became an RN. I wouldn't classify myself or my colleagues as heartless or emotionless and if you saw my paycheck, I'm definitely not doing what I'm doing for the money. I also happen to bring my lunch from home because I know what's in it and that it isn't poisoning my insides like a lot of the food available to buy at work or nearby, not because I'm cheap (organic food is expensive!)....sorry you feel this way about a caring profession

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

If you've ever noticed, nurses, while making at least 27 - 42 dollars per hour are the only "professionals" who consistently bring their lunch to work. Cheap, stingy, misers..

Some nurses bring packed lunches to work because many of them are only allotted 30 minute meal breaks, which does not leave much time to visit a cafeteria, fast food joint or restaurant to purchase food.

On the other hand, the other professionals with whom nurses work (e.g. physical therapists, social workers, case managers, administrators, dietitians, HR staff) tend to receive a full hour lunch period, leaving them time to actually sit in a restaurant or the hospital cafeteria to eat their food.

Many nurses' inclination to bring brown-bag lunches to work often stems from a lack of meal break time, not due to being stingy or miserly.

[lrsrusty]

I have been very fortunate to work at a small critical access hospital that hires new grad LVNs in their LTC, med/surg, and ER. I started floating between LTC and med/surg. Then full time nights on med/surg, occasionally floating to ER during codes and high patient volumes. Now I am full time in the ER after four years. Any LVN job involving direct patient care is stressful. Sounds like nursing is not the profession for you if you want a desk, or behind the scenes job. Nursing isn't for everyone, and if you are solely in it for a paycheck, God help you and your patients.

[whittwhitt]

Hi! I never said I wanted a desk job but I am interested in a "behind the scenes" job or possibly a technical health care career, then again I'm not sure anymore about what I'm going to do. This week has been tough for me.

I have social anxiety and while it's getting better I'm going through school currently trying to figure out how to handle it. I was hoping that nursing would be something that could really transform me into someone who is more social and comfortable around other people. I've always been interested in health care but just don't know what career would be best for someone like me.

I've read online in SA forums that some people went into nursing (despite being scared) and came out more confident and comfortable around people; it gets better with time and practice like anything else.

Another reason I was doubting nursing was the stress, but from what I've learned this past week all health care jobs are stressful, so I guess I'm just going to have to take that on to do something that I'm actually interested in for the rest of my life.

Still haven't committed to nursing yet though. I'm going to shadow an LPN (if I can) this week or the next and see if I think it would be something I could do in the future.

[Panful, LPN]

Look into certified medical assistant.