LPN how stressful?

[msmlh]

Looking into school to become a LPN. I have been on the computer for three hours straight trying to gather info on what they actually do and this is the best website, so I have a few questions and concerns.

I keep seeing articles saying hospitals don't like to hire LPNs anymore; What is a normal day/ duties of a LPN in a nursing home? What other facilities would be an option?

(I don't mean to dumb down the questions, just trying to gather as much info as possible!)

How stressful is it on a day to day basis? I'm sure this depends on which department, but I'd like opinions from anyone willing to tell!

I have a 5 year old son, whats some examples of hours or shifts, in different facilities?

My biggest concern is I have anxiety.. I don't take medication anymore because I seem to do better coping on my own, but there are still times every few months that I have a span of a few weeks where I think the worst in every situation and the simplest every day things give me a panic attack. With that being said, I'm worried about how this would affect my job. I love to help people, I'm so excited and interested in becoming a LPN but I just want to find out as much as possible before investing my time and money and would like as much advice and opinions of those with experience.

Thanks in advance ?

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

I would also be looking at different job opportunities in your area. If there is no LPN positions within a 20 mile radius of where you are, then it may not be wise to spend the money to go to school to not be able to be employed.

LPN's can be used in some hospitals, but it is very rare. With that being said, the hours may not be ideal anyways. I am a huge home health/visiting nurses fan. That way you can have more of a tailored schedule to meet your needs.

If there are MD offices that hire medical assistants as opposed to LPN's, you may want to try that route. MD offices are better hours wise as well.

Nursing homes are not the only place an LPN can work, but it is a stressful job. LPN's either love it, or not so much.

With all that being said, the first step would be to really research where the jobs are in your area, and what is going to fit in with your life right now.

Best wishes

[JollyGreenGiant]

We hire LPNs in outpatient dialysis without experience. Busy job but can be rewarding, just a thought.

I feel much more comfortable on the days that we have an LPN assigned rather than me and all techs.

[downsouthlaff, LPN]

Im an LPN in a Nursing home with about 100 beds. I work as the 11pm-7am Weekday Floor Nurse. As an LPN in this enviroment, my night consists of

-Completing, Skilled, Weekly, MDS, and problem Nurses Notes on assigned residents.

- replacing enteral feeding sets that are hung on poles and changing syringes.

-Assessing residents and completing a few body audits.

- Performing 24hr Chart Checks on nee physician orders. And doing accu check control tests.

- Replacing nebulizer equipment.

- Ensuring State Regs compliance with expiration dates and stocking of the medication cart.

- performing TID wound care.

- Reordering Medication

- completing a small med pass wich consits mostly of Omeprazole. Zantac, Thyroid Replacement, Nexium, Megace, Long Acting Insulin Injections, Accu Checks, Crushed PEG meds, and Inhalers and Eye drops.

This is the 11-7 shift though. 3-11 abd 7-3 differ greatly.

Very stressful but very good enviroment for a Nurse especially LPN to utilize Nursing Judgement, Assessment skills, basic skills such as PEG tube management, Charting, Foleys, IM Injections, Wound Care, and leadership skills as opposed to working in more of an Assistive Style role to an RN in acute care

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

I work in LTC in a facility where we have 37 beds and currently 32 residents. I work 2-10 p.m. I get report, set up my med cart for the evening. Take vitals and assessments, we do on those who are skilled care as well as other things we need to chart on. I do my 4 p.m. med pass, have supper. Then I do my supper med pass. I then will have time to redo my cart, set up treatments and do some charting. I do my bedtime medpass and treatments Then I do the rest of my charting and finish up any meds that need to be given later in the shift. During this time, I may be receiving orders to take, calling doctors for things, ordering refills and that ind of thing.

[LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN]

No, hospitals generally do not hire LPNs anymore. You do have other options. In my 5 years I have worked in LTC, Occ health, and ENT as an allergy nurse. Clinic nursing, besides occ health, pass less than SNF. LTC can be quite stressful, clinic nursing wasn't stressful for me, just busy. My previous position I worked M-F 9-5 w/ weekends and holidays off, it was nice. I have anxiety as well buts it never translated into work anxiety for me. I actually do not get super anxious about work, I get stressed in certain situations, but not anxious. LTC can very hard on people but you can see that during clinicals and decide for yourself :) good luck

[ambr46]

I have had problens with anxiety in the past and LTC really exacerbated it. I did home health and it was soooo much better but a significant decrease in pay.