Ejk123

I do my occasional shifts as CNA and/or Charge nurse in my current RN job. Everyone always needs staff or someone to fill a shift, so as/when I'm able, I offer to fill shifts in both CNA and bedside nursing roles. Being in a leadership role, by doing this, it helps me never forget what it's like to be the staff in the trenches.... and lots of other good reasons, too. If you're wanting something different, but can't find what that is in a nursing position, I would for sure consider CNA shifts as an alternative.... find a place of employment that uses both nurses and CNAs, and let them know you're willing to fill shifts in both roles. Or if you're just done with nursing for awhile, do CNA only, but I would make sure and do enough nursing shifts/yr to keep your license active. You worked too hard for that. Have you considered other LPN options like clinical teaching associate for clinicals in a CNA training program, clinic, school, etc.. even as an LPN there are still plenty of other options. Try something new, I'll bet you'll surprise yourself on how much you love it; 54 isn't too late to learn something new! ?

Stories like this just break my heart, and seem so unbelievable to me,their hard to imagine because I absolutely LOVE nursing! And patients! Even the tough ones, ESPECIALLY the tough ones. Because of those ones I am stronger, I am more patient, I am better able to recognize that in most cases their annoying/demanding/unreasonable behaviors/attitudes, etc really aren't a reflection of who they are, but rather a symptom of some unresolved need/issue they are dealing with. Have I dealt with my share of just plain toxic, unreasonable people? Yes for sure! Patients, staff, MDs, CEOs, families alike. But their misery is their problem, and I'm not taking it on or giving it any of my energy because I don't have enough to spare! I'm no longer at bedside nursing, I now work in a corporate nurse role, however, I still do a few shifts a year (voluntarily) both as charge nurse and CNA, so I can always relate to the staff on the teams I lead by staying current with how changes I have pushed have impacted their work day/flow, so when they say "Its impossible," I can truly relate to the workload because I've worked it! Plus it gives me opportunity to help patients and residents again! I have worked every position type up the ladder starting as a CNA, and while I have seen my fair share of shady, selfish, profits-only driven senior leaders/CEOs for sure, but my 18 years in healthcare has, on more occasions than not, led me to work with the best, most inspirational, and selfless leaders that truly do believe and commit, to patient care first, good clinical outcomes first, done the right (and hard) way, and then the financials will follow. These CEOs and other senior leaders nearly run themselves to the ground with their commitment to excellence/success and they recognize that they cannot be successful without making their staff with their hands on the patients successful and they provide the resources, guidance, $, and continuously put their personal lives on the back burner in order to do it! Staff often see it, but a lot of staff don't either; and they're the ones that aren't usually fun to work beside, below, or above, either. I tend to think how I feel is the "norm" for nurses because it's all I know, but then I read things like this and it blows my mind that this is how it is for some people. I am so very grateful for the career path (both the ups and the downs) I've had! I encourage everyone to do nursing because of how good it's been to me, and believe me, it hasn't always been good either! I am so sorry you're not happy- I hope you find your niche and LOVE it! Just remember though, the power is in our minds, and how we choose to see things, so do your part in finding and appreciating the positives too; because only you can make you happy.