LPN feeling stuck in Private Duty Nursing

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I've been an Lpn for 7 years and have been in private duty the whole time. You can't beat the pay and that is why I've stayed so long in this branch of nursing.. however I am so burnt out because I am assigned mainly pediatric patients and I feel like just a souped up babysitter.. not to mention always having to adapt to new families and homes and ways of doing things.. I honestly feel like my hands are tied as far as nursing judgement and am extremely bored and tired of running after kids .. however I feel stuck because I know that I'm probably making the most money that I can as an Lpn and would take a huge cut in pay if I were to work at a hospital or MD office... I would get more nursing exposure I think but I can't afford to take a cut in pay. I'm about to turn 40 and sometimes wonder if I'd like to do something else besides nursing but wonder if it's too late in the game to change careers..I guess I'm at a point where I either change careers or go back to school to get my ADN. I think it's the only way to get myself out of private duty( becoming an RN) as it would open up more opportunities.. but the time commitment to school makes me nauseous because I'd rather spend my free time with my family.. So I don't know if I have the gumption to dedicate time to it.... I think right now I'm just extremely burnt out because of the PD thing because I feel like I'm wasting my nursing skills and judgement... trading them to just basically go into people's homes and just do what they want me to do anyway.. no real sense of accomplishment at the end of the day...So what is my question? Honestly I'm just wondering if anyone else feels remotely the way I'm feeling. I take pride in being a nurse and worked hard to get where I am, however there are days I wonder why I do what I do.. just feeling burnt out....

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I've felt a version of this feeling for years. Difference? About 25 years. If you don't make the break for RN (and the ensuing opportunity) now, it will get worse until the time is gone. You can insist on more complex or adult cases. Take on a second agency, if necessary, to achieve this variety in case work. If you decide to stay for the pay rate, find another outlet for your energy, and enjoy your family time.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Go for it. I think you will not regret it.

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