LPN's- what else is there besides LTC??

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Specializes in Home Health; Family Practice Clinic.

I just became an LPN 2 months ago and I currently work FT 3-11pm in LTC. I thought I'd enjoy it because I really like working with the elderly. I think they're so interesting and I love hearing their stories. But my facility gave me 31 patients to myself... meds, treatments, insulins, PRNs, family member questions, doctor phone calls, charting, etc. It's A LOT for one person to handle, let alone a new nurse! There are some experienced nurses who say they couldn't handle this particular hallway. (I float between 4 different hallways, so they're not ALL this hard, but they are all challenging for me.)

We got 2 new admits last night who are verrry heavy in treatments... bad wound situation for one, and for the other, bladder scan/straight cath EVERY night at 9pm, which is the middle of my last med pass.

I'm feeling really frustrated as I try to adjust to all the differences between nursing school and actually BEING a nurse. It is nothing like you think it will be, and nothing can really prepare you for the reality of it.

My question for all you LPNs out there is... where ELSE can I work? All you ever hear about is offices, LTC, hospitals, etc. But hospitals around me aren't really hiring LPNs anymore, and if they do, the pay is comparable to what aides are making. It just isn't enough with all the student loans I have. I'm looking for something DIFFERENT. I can't hanlde 30-some patients to myself. I never get to sit or eat, or even pee! I seriously think I have the beginning stages of a UTI from it! I became a nurse to help people, not to hurt myself!

Maybe home health would work? I think I'd really enjoy the 1-on-1 interactions, but I think you need a year's experience for that.

Any suggesstions would be great!

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I work for Healthsouth rehab and they give you 8 to 10 patients and also they pay well. Good benefits too Other specialty type hospitals will hire Lvn's and also small hospitals in smaller towns.

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Specializes in Derm/Wound Care/OP Surgery/LTC.

Rehab centers, like the above poster mentioned, are great spots for LPN's. Our dialysis centers here take LPN's, but not all do. I work(ed) in a surgery center for years doing outpatient surgery. Doctor's offices hire LPN's and if they are a specialty doc (like plastic surgery or dermatology) they pay pretty well...comparable with the LTC's I have worked for. Less headaches, better benefits and holidays/weekends off. Agency work is always looking for LPN's as are Home Health centers. In Florida, you don't need a years experience. Not sure what state you are in. The opportunities are out there if you look for them. Few and far between sometimes...but they're there.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

It really depends on what part of the country you live in. I've found in my research that Texas and Louisiana seem to use LPNs in just about all fields. I'd recomend you continue on and get ADN while you can. Then you can have true portability and flexability in the specialties you choose. MHO

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Specializes in corrections, MH, geriatrics.

I do school nursing and love it. I have also done agency work which included home health, home visits, and hospice.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

In my area, there are a lot of doctor's offices that are looking for LPNs.

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Specializes in AA&I, research,peds, radiation oncology.
It really depends on what part of the country you live in. I've found in my research that Texas and Louisiana seem to use LPNs in just about all fields. I'd recomend you continue on and get ADN while you can. Then you can have true portability and flexability in the specialties you choose. MHO

Well, I got my LPN license in Louisiana and I started in LTC and found my way to a Neurology clinic-which I loved. Then had to move to Texas, became an LVN and I've worked in an allergy,asthma & immunology clinic, was a research nurse at a medical university and now I work in a radiation oncology clinic!:D I've had a blessed career and with all this experience once I finish my ADN I should be well set!!:yeah:Be willing to start small, work hard, and get letters of recommendation before you leave. Leave behind a good work history and this will help advance you!!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

been in school nursing for 18 years. love it !! don't let anyone tell you that lpn's are being phased out ! we still have many opportunities.

praiser :heartbeat

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i think most home care agencies hire LPNs, good luck!!

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I've been an LPN in LTC and now I'm an RN in LTC. Only difference is now when someone falls I get called to asses them, and I can do an admission assessment.

I live in a rural area and LPN's can work anywhere, including hospitals.

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Oh, I meant to tell you I love your user name.

:)

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Specializes in EMS, ER, GI, PCU/Telemetry.

i work in a very large teaching hospital as a LPN and i love it. my pay is something i cannot complain about, either. i live in Florida.

some of my friends from school have landed jobs in outpatient surgery centers, endoscopy clinics, doctors offices, drug study research, home health care, psych facilities, facility for MR/DD children, and assisted living facilities (which i heard is a fairly laid back job since the patients are still mainly independent)...

there are lots of opportunities for us out there :)

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