Need some advice from seasoned nurses

[can'twait2B1]

Hi guys thanks for reading this, I am having some job issues that I really need advice on, Some background info, I have worked on the med-surg unit since April of 04, first as an aide while I attended LPN school, then as an LPN while I attended RN school, I worked weekend option nights for the first two years and since last April Weekend option days, 12 hr shifts. On my floor LPNs and Rn's do basically the same job, primary nursing, not that it is a bad thing, but I graduated RN school in May, I want more than what I have already been doing, I know the floor inside and out, I have dealt with all kinds of situations and I am ready for something more mentally stimulating, I asked to train for charge nurse, ours is on indefinite medical leave and probably won't be returning they only have two charges working days, they are both worn out from working so much and covering weekends,my supervisor (brand new in his position) states that I need at least 6 months RN experience before I can train as charge, I am doing the same job I have been doing since I got my LPN in 2005! I asked how that is giving me RN experience because if that is what it is then I have got plenty of experience, so does every LPN who works on the floor, so I am pretty pissed :madface:and think maybe I need to get off of that particular floor and try something different, ICU and OB have only registry positions, surgery has a full time circulator with a 10 grand sign on, so I thought I would throw my hat in the ring for it, HR told me that there is no way I would get the job and I shouldn't even try because I don't have OR experience despite the fact that the job description says it has a 6 mth training period and new grads are welcome.:angryfire So I have been looking around my area trying to find something else and there are really no RN jobs available. I thought getting my RN would open some doors for me but I am not finding anything, I have been a good worker, one minute med error in 2005, 2 absences all year, and I am distraught, Is my hospital being unfair to me? Should I leave or am I just wanting too much too soon, I have worked hard for my education but with the lack of jobs in this area I wonder if nursing was a bad choice. Please help me any advice would be appreciated!

[Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN]

Hi guys thanks for reading this I am having some job issues that I really need advice on, Some background info, I have worked on the med-surg unit since April of 04, first as an aide while I attended LPN school, then as an LPN while I attended RN school, I worked weekend option nights for the first two years and since last April Weekend option days, 12 hr shifts. On my floor LPNs and Rn's do basically the same job, primary nursing, not that it is a bad thing, but I graduated RN school in May, I want more than what I have already been doing, I know the floor inside and out, I have dealt with all kinds of situations and I am ready for something more mentally stimulating, I asked to train for charge nurse, ours is on indefinite medical leave and probably won't be returning they only have two charges working days, they are both worn out from working so much and covering weekends,my supervisor (brand new in his position) states that I need at least 6 months RN experience before I can train as charge, I am doing the same job I have been doing since I got my LPN in 2005! I asked how that is giving me RN experience because if that is what it is then I have got plenty of experience, so does every LPN who works on the floor, so I am pretty pissed :madface:and think maybe I need to get off of that particular floor and try something different, ICU and OB have only registry positions, surgery has a full time circulator with a 10 grand sign on, so I thought I would throw my hat in the ring for it, HR told me that there is no way I would get the job and I shouldn't even try because I don't have OR experience despite the fact that the job description says it has a 6 mth training period and new grads are welcome.:angryfire So I have been looking around my area trying to find something else and there are really no RN jobs available. I thought getting my RN would open some doors for me but I am not finding anything, I have been a good worker, one minute med error in 2005, 2 absences all year, and I am distraught, Is my hospital being unfair to me? Should I leave or am I just wanting too much too soon, I have worked hard for my education but with the lack of jobs in this area I wonder if nursing was a bad choice. Please help me any advice would be appreciated![/quote']

Sounds to me like you need to see what the other hospitals in your area are offering. Especially if HR is discouraging interhospital transfers and there are no plans for you to grow in your career beyond what you are doing now.

Good luck!

[jjjoy, LPN]

my supervisor (brand new in his position) states that I need at least 6 months RN experience before I can train as charge

In the big picture, six months isn't all that long. If there truly aren't any differences in responsibility between RNs and LPNs at your facility, perhaps that is something you can address during the next year while putting in your time as an RN to qualify for the charge position. You can research the job descriptions, keep track of the usual assignments (acuity, etc), and anything that evidences that RNs have no additional responsibilities. Then instead of just getting mad and resentful about it, you might be able to affect change. And you'll be giving yourself a good reason to put up with the unfairness for a little bit long... so that you can show just how unfair it is.

Just a thought!