We read so many posts from frustrated LPNs feeling that we are not valued, not really nurses, etc...
What I would like to know from viewers is what do you LIKE about being an LPN/LVN?
I like the hands on knowledge, am excited about learning new basic skills, and have a passion for patient teaching. Most patients love speaking to me because I break it down to them in simple terms that most of them understand. I still continue to read material, not for passing an exam, but because there is not as much pressure involved as it was in class, but reading it for comprehension, gaining new perspectives on things that previously confused me and seeing something in there that I didn't notice before (because I was stressed). I love listening to the doctors speak and knowing that I comprehend what is happening (that really excites me). And, I do like being a part of the team. I find that even the RNs come to me for clarity on certain things because I am always reading. They know that they'll get up to date information from me.
Of course, I am dragged down because of the high volume I see, and short staff. I get frustrated with patients that will take no responsibility of their own health; expecting us to make it happen for them. At times, I want to leave nursing, not because I don't like it, but because I am tired and do not see things getting better for the patients or the staff. That is another issue. I do get annoyed with people who feel that we are not really nurses, or that management brushes them off. But, I do love being a licensed practical NURSE (the word nurse is capitalized because yes, we ARE nurses as well).
