LPN - I really think I hate being a nurse

Nurses LPN/LVN

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I have been working as an LPN for 6 months in long term care. I have had 2 different jobs and I really think I hate being a nurse. I don't want throw my education away but I don't know what to do. Help.

I think you should try another field. Home Health can be a good fit for you. Its more one on one care and if you find a good company that provides you with the skills training and support in the field it could be a good fit. The first year of nursing is hard I agree with others that has posted give it more time. Training tries to prepare you for the real world but reality is there is nothing that can totally prepare you for real world nursing. Reach out to others connect with people to encourage you. Keep your head up and if your heart is in nursing you won't be able to leave the profession.

I've been working as an LVN about the same amount of time as you have. First, I was at an assisted living facility but I couldn't deal with the staffing ratios there and their med pass set-up, so I quit. Then I was actually hired by an agency (surprising, seeing as how I'm a baby nurse) and that boosted my morale by quite a bit. They sent me to quite a few places: home health, one particular SNF for about two months, and a couple psych facilities. The pay is excellent and it's nice to try different things and gain experience. It's a bit daunting because I've less than a year of experience and you don't get oriented to these facilities, they just throw you in and hope for the best. But I've had good learning experiences. I've learned that skilled nursing facilities (LTC) are not for me. I love the elderly, however the environment and work flow is all wrong for me. Working for the agency was a good step into getting my next job, which was a seasonal position doing flu clinics for another agency. I did very well there and they eventually had me doing wellness clinics, too. I found that I love that clinic type setting, where you see new people all the time, and it's fast-paced but still doable. People ask you questions and you get to talk with people, it's just a lot of fun.

So overall, my advice to you is to keep on keepin' on, check the job sites daily, and keep an open mind. The agency jobs I found were complete surprises and ended up being SO great for me. Be flexible! You never know what could be around the corner. :)

But of course, nursing is not for everyone. If, after working in different areas of nursing, you find that you still hate your job, don't feel bad. At least you gave it a shot. Try to identify the specific things about your job that you hate, and narrow down your choices.

I wish you the best of luck! :)

I have been an LPN for 10 years and could never work in LTC. I had 2 job offers before I graduated from my program - one in LTC and another at a pediatricians office. I took the peds office even though it was less pay. I LOVED it. I worked there for eight years and left because the drs changed management and were changing up the practice as older drs retired and younger ones wanted to be more competitive with other offices. After taking two years off, I have returned to school to become and RN - and I am 50 years old. I am struggling with chemistry, however, and a job offer kind of presented itself to go into a prison hospital. It is with an agency but can easily become a permanent hire. So I'm putting my education on hold to head into this different direction. If you don't like LTC, please look around. THere are other places to work. Post your resume on a career website like Indeed.com. You will be amazed at what comes your way and you can see what's out there. Good luck!

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.
I have been an LPN for 10 years and could never work in LTC. I had 2 job offers before I graduated from my program - one in LTC and another at a pediatricians office. I took the peds office even though it was less pay. I LOVED it. I worked there for eight years and left because the drs changed management and were changing up the practice as older drs retired and younger ones wanted to be more competitive with other offices. After taking two years off, I have returned to school to become and RN - and I am 50 years old. I am struggling with chemistry, however, and a job offer kind of presented itself to go into a prison hospital. It is with an agency but can easily become a permanent hire. So I'm putting my education on hold to head into this different direction. If you don't like LTC, please look around. THere are other places to work. Post your resume on a career website like Indeed.com. You will be amazed at what comes your way and you can see what's out there. Good luck!

Is chemistry required for your degree program? Or was this particular program just more convenient for you? I've not had to take chemistry since high school, and I returned for my ASN (RN) in 2009, and got the BSN in 2014. I am older than you are, yet very close to your age. I'd hate for you to put off going for the RN if you're taking and struggling in a class that is purely optional in quite a few nursing programs.

A year and few months later I still hate nursing. The problem with me is that I can't pass chemistry in order to get to the major I love which is dental hygiene ?

Work from home for the insurance companies. I too am an LPN with my CPC (Certified Professional Coder)  certification. I have a top paying job, combining the two.

In addition there are alot of behind the scenes roles working from home with great pay. Do not let your license lapse. Find your niche and u will be fine.

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