mkoenig1

So this past fall I started a nursing program (ADN, two year track.) I've been doing great in my classes (straight A's in two, but a B in the other two.) I am expecting my first baby in December and I am feeling extremely overwhelmed with the idea of finishing this program with my new child. (I'm 18 years old and all of this is very new to me. It's going to be extremely hard to balance school, work, and a newborn.) Part of me thinks I've been foolish to start nursing school, the other part of me is proud of myself for doing it. I've wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl, so I know this is what I want for myself. My question is, would it be foolish to transfer into the LPN program at the school I'm going to? I'm worried about money, and if I had a job as an LPN maybe I could make more for me and my baby to live on while I go back to school to get my RN. I'm really torn. Do any former LPNs have any advice? Or anyone at all? Thanks, Mallorey

I've been working at the same nursing home for about a year or so now. I've always had my mind set on being a nurse, so you can imagine my excitement when someone from the nursing department told me that my work would pay for my CNA training. However, I don't think I realized what I was getting myself into. We are constantly understaffed, there are about 25-30 residents per section. At the most, there are only 2 CNA's working on the floor. I was excited to work with the residents and improve their quality of life, but I'm always rushing to get the next person "done" and never have time to do my work to the best of my ability. I'm 15 weeks pregnant, and my doctor said I should avoid lifting anything over 30 pounds by myself. However, since we are so short staffed, I often will roll or lift people on my own. It's starting to take a toll on my body (I am constantly sore and stiff) and on my relationship with my fiancé. They mandate you to work 12 hours shifts constantly and MY soon to be husband is upset because he feels like I'm never home. I don't mean to ramble or complain though. I feel bad quitting because we are so short staffed and they *did* cover most of the cost for my CNA training. Would it be unethical for me to quit after just two months of CNA work? Am I just not cut out for this job? Are there any other CNA jobs that wouldn't be so physically and mentally draining? Any feedback is appreciated