My first nursing experience has discouraged me...

[Terry1123]

Having graduated last June, passing the NCLEX in September, I started my first position as a LPN at a LTC facility on a rehab floor. I am newly divorced and an older nurse but yet, feel I have the maturity and with no responsibilities at home, believe I could be an asset wherever I go. Wow! What an adjustment from the "banking world" I'd previously worked in! Someone should have turned me the other way. Nonetheless, I truly enjoyed my work as I have a passion for helping people. My thought process was, "what better way to spend my retirement than by helping people!"

The problem I had was not with the responsibilities presented with the position but, with the "seasoned nurses" I had to work with. I was new and they did not like the idea of me being cautious with my work and sticking to "policy and procedure." They resented having to "teach me" what I wasn't taught in nursing school. We did not have the clinical hours we should have had and thereby, not much experience with a lot of the medical needs of the older population. Now, maybe I am too much of a perfectionist when it come to passing meds...is there such a thing? Don't the residents have a right to receive what is ordered at the time ordered? Tension grew to the point I resigned... too many med errors not reported, nurses covering for each other, residents' rights violated, etc. I had nightmares, palpatations, etc...STRESS! It has left me with ill feelings.

I now work part-time as a private duty nurse and I love it! (I'm also living with my elderly parents to care for them through the winter months.) The only drawback is I cannot afford health insurance and am contemplating working again for a large medical facility. My dilemma is this: no one wants to hire you unless you have a year's experience in a med-surg environment. Well, how do you get hired when, being new, experience is at a minimum?

I would love to have someone give me the insight as what to do. I feel like I'm in a deadlock and need to go back to school for more specified training. I won't give up what I've worked so hard for...I should have done this years ago. Thanks so much for this forum, Brian...it is a God-send!

Terry

[cherilee]

I would stick with what you love. Why go elsewhere? The large medical facilities will be very stressful and full of other issues. consider other options for health insurance. state supplemented? or home care nursing , which usually offer good insurance benefits. However, if you go back into floor nursing, your ltc experience counts, too. you could go to another rehab floor, or check out some new grad friendly facilities. There are many options for you, good luck!

[abundantjoy07, RN]

So, it's been seven months that you've been an LPN. I'd say you're still pretty much a new grad. Try to find places that are willing to hire a new grad and get in on a precepting program or something with an extended orientation.

It seems like a daunting task at first, and it may time some time, but never say never. I'm sure there is someplace that would be willing to train you as a med-surg nurse so that you can get that year of experience you need.