LPN question

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Okay, I need some advice. I an LPN (will be finishing up school soon to get RN), and have been working at an Assisted Living facitlity for about 1 year. I hate this job. At first it was a good job because I was just starting out, however nothing has changed. I work very part time for only 6 hours the days I work, and never have work to do. I'm doing drsg changes, a couple of shots when needed once a month, and some paperwork. Also I am doing things that I think an LPN shouldn't be doing like passing out narcotics each night. The caregivers there are all very childish and pretty much keep telling others that I'm not working (which is true since have the time I have nothing to do). My question is, is this job worth it anymore? I want to, and have been looking at other options, but I can't bear to continue working there another day. I'm supposed to go into work today at 3pm and I just dont want to. I dread nursing, when this is a career that I love. I know I should do the whole 2 week notice thing, but like I said I just can't bear this job for one more day than I have to. I need to find something where things may be different each day, there will be work to do, and I'll actually be putting my skills to good use. I'm honestly thinking of no call no show (which is so unlike me). Please I need some advice.

Thanks, and sorry it's a long post,

Annie2005

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What is it exactly that makes you not want to go back for even one more shift? I understand that it's hard to work in an environment with catty people, but I think you'll find at least a little bit of that in almost every job, nursing or non-nursing.

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Eric, I realize that and it's not even the people that I care too much about. I just cant see why I'm needed there at all. Everyday I've been going into work my RN sees me and tells me she's not sure what I'm gonna be doing since there's no work.........much of the time I'm not working......I get sent home sometimes because there isn't anything for me to do. This is the major reason I don't understand what the difference is between me quitting now or in 2 weeks. In 2 weeks lately I'm lucky if I work 4 days........and normally I'm supposed to work 4 days a week.

Annie2005

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

Ok, here's what I think...Getting your RN is the right decision. You will find many more opportunities. That means that this job is not a life sentence for you. I am also an LPN and I just left my job at a LTC because the only hours I got were last minute call ins. (two scheduled days in 6 weeks) This didn't work because I have two kids and could not arrange child care at the last minute. I only got hired because they were staffing up for an inspection. Then when I did get to work, I found that they were always short staffed, the med passes were taking 3-4 hours for 60 people, including tube feeds, BG's, insulin shots etc. You may hate it where you are, but a lot of other places are worse. I am not saying stay, just ask a lot of questions of any prospective employer and if you feel you are not getting the truth, trust your instincts, because you likely are being told anything to get you in the door. I hated my job but I only left becuase I could not get any scheduled hours, so I too am going for my RN because where I live the opportnities for LPN's are just not there anymore. Good luck and I can understand how frustrated you are, but it will get better.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I am doing things that I think an LPN shouldn't be doing like passing out narcotics each night.
It is within the LPN's scope of practice to pass out narcotics each night. Perhaps I am not fully understanding your statement.
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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

[quote=Annie2005;Okay, I need some advice. I an LPN (will be finishing up school soon to get RN), and have been working at an Assisted Living facitlity for about 1 year. I hate this job... I'm doing drsg changes, a couple of shots when needed once a month, and some paperwork. Also I am doing things that I think an LPN shouldn't be doing like passing out narcotics each night.... I need to find something where things may be different each day, there will be work to do, and I'll actually be putting my skills to good use. I'm honestly thinking of no call no show (which is so unlike me). Please I need some advice.

Thanks, and sorry it's a long post,Annie2005 Dressing changes,injections and PO narcotics ARE all within the LPN's scope of practice. If you hate the job then give notice.I don't think it is very professional to just quit without the customary 2 weeks notice.You'll want to have a reference and why would you want to harm your reputation?The AL/LTC community grapevine is unbelievable-you wouldn't believe how fast this type of thing travels locally.Every DON/ADON in your area will soon hear that you are not very dependable. By nature the assisted living population is expected to be pretty stable-I can't believe you didn't know that going in.The LTC population is getting more complex as people live longer with many co-morbidities.If it's "excitement" you crave after you become an RN you can easily find it in acute care..But make sure you know what to expect or no job wil satisfy you...Good Luck

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Just so people are aware on here, I have since decided to stick it out at work. I have printed out applications and my resume to send tonight and tomorrow to some prospects for a new job.

I honestly did not realize that as an LPN we can pass out narcotics, I thought during my schooling we were told that we were not supposed to be doing so.

As for knowing that assisted living facilites are stable, I did know that going into it, and wanted to make some ground and gain confidence as a new nurse in the feild, however I was promised that within a few months i would be given more responsiblies and I am still awaiting for that to happen. On top of all of this, my job has since let me know that they may be cutting an LPN out completely because the workoad isn't there for an extra nurse. Maybe that is scaring me, but like I mentioned above, I will be looking for another job, and like i said before I have found a few prospects that I will be looking into.

Thanks for the advice

Annie2005

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I honestly did not realize that as an LPN we can pass out narcotics, I thought during my schooling we were told that we were not supposed to be doing so.
I administer narcotics such as Darvocet, Morphine, Vicodin, Oxycontin, and Lortab every night. I also flush PICC lines and administer IV medications.

I honestly did not believe your first post and had to read it 3 or 4 times before I figured things out...

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
Just so people are aware on here, I have since decided to stick it out at work. I have printed out applications and my resume to send tonight and tomorrow to some prospects for a new job.

I honestly did not realize that as an LPN we can pass out narcotics, I thought during my schooling we were told that we were not supposed to be doing so.

As for knowing that assisted living facilites are stable, I did know that going into it, and wanted to make some ground and gain confidence as a new nurse in the feild, however I was promised that within a few months i would be given more responsiblies and I am still awaiting for that to happen. On top of all of this, my job has since let me know that they may be cutting an LPN out completely because the workoad isn't there for an extra nurse. Maybe that is scaring me, but like I mentioned above, I will be looking for another job, and like i said before I have found a few prospects that I will be looking into.

Thanks for the advice

Annie2005

I think you are doing the right thing-we all know that is not always easy.You probably were told during your clinicals not to pass a narcotic without your instructor present.Go to your state's Board of Nursing web site and familiarize yourself with your scope of practice.It varies from state to state and you should know your limits...
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Specializes in med-surg,sa,breast & cervical ca.

Except for the lack of job security it sounds like a dream job to me! Lol, but I've been a LPN for 16 yr.s and am running my patooty off for 12-13 hr with no break...I'd kill for a job like that, but understand as a new grad you want to soak it in and learn as much as possible.

I worked at the Phoenix VA my first yr out of school & we learned tons (some things that I never wanted to learn but there you go) As for the catty co-workers, bake some cookies & bring them into work with a few magazines for them to read on break or some good coffee beans, as a thank you for all their hard work. You'll be amazed how little things like this help that type of situation.

I always at least twice a week bring little treats to my co-workers. Hey, management doesn't give a crap about us, but they know I appreciate them & this filters back to when I ask anything of them they will bend over backwards to help..

Hope you find a more challenging postition that you are happier with soon, in the mean time don't burn any bridges cause in another ten years this job might look really good to you!

Hugs & Good luck!

-Ms.P

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I think you should stick it out long enough to find another position with more responsibility, then give your two weeks notice. Maybe LTC just isn't for you. You may want to look at a hospital which will give you more variety and you will not be bored, and will have plenty of hours....and OT!

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Specializes in Geriatric/Alz/dementia.

Good luck and yes, soak it up.

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