I have been an LPN for 12yrs. Becoming an RN is definitely a goal that I had hoped to achieve by now, however, life has a way of directing its own course. With that being said, I have recently received a job offer for the Medical/Surgical/Telemetry Unit in a hospital just across the state line (roughly a 45min drive). Over the course of my LPN career, I have worked in a variety of settings....Corrections, Geriatrics, Pediatrics and Ambulatory Care. The bulk of my experience has been an Administrative role such as MDS or Clinical Supervisor ( of unlicensed assistive personnel). In my state, LPN's have been phased out of most hospitals and in many clinics as Medical Assistants are able to perform the bulk of tasks in which LPN's perform. I totally get the concept and am not upset about the evolution of the role of LPN's as I was told this was on the horizon while I was in the Practical Nursing program. At the time I figured I would have obtained RN licensure before the phasing out became more pronounced. About a year ago, I began a non-clinical role that is more Pharmacy involved than actual nursing. At the time I was going through a variety of emotions and felt that I had become "burnt out" with nursing. Over time I have found myself missing being a part of a clinical team and playing an active role in patient care. I know that this opportunity is extremely rare and if I don't accept, it may never present itself again. There are so many benefits that this new opportunity will provide and the experience gained will certainly provide as a tremendous resource once I begin a RN program. For many years, I have worked Mon-Fri, 8-5, no weekends/holiday. If I accept the new opportunity, I will be working 7p-7a with every other weekend. This would be a huge shift for my family as we have 4 school-aged children. My husband works 8-5, Mon-Fri, no weekends/holidays so it's comforting to know that he will be able to help with homework, dinner and prepare for bed on the week nights that I will be working. Has anyone else transitioned for Mon-Fri to a shift schedule? What was your experience? Has anyone gone from a Doctor's Office to Hospital? What was your experience? Many people would say that this is a great opportunity and I should grab the bull by the horns and embrace it. But....I'm absolutely terrified and I don't know why. This is what I've wanted and now I'm second guessing it. I appreciate any advice that you may have to offer. Thanks in advance.
Do you think your current job will be flexible enough to attend an RN program? The one benefit I can think of with the hospital schedule is that it might work better for school, unless you are able to not work while going back for your RN. While it would be somewhat helpful for nursing school, the med/surg experience is not necessary. A lot of people have no prior medical experience and they do just fine.
Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN
1,348 Posts
​Sorry but your post is one giant run on sentence, I dont have the energy to decipher, try reposting,please.