PJ57

Writing from a Canadian perspective.Like you I became an LPN as a mature student. I had worked some in long term care prior to school and it was alright. I love helping people, but even then the politics on the floor were hard to take. As a new LPN I moved across the country, started a job in acute care on a busy floor and yes, I had to prove myself, but found that if I sought out those who would be willing to point me in the right direction and answer my questions I was more respected than trying to come across like I knew everything. I think some nurses are intimidated by new grads as they might think that we believe we're better because we have the newest information under our belts and are mostly eager to go and wanting to show what we can do. If we can remember that the patient always comes first and to let the harsh looks and words run off, then we can survive those first months less damaged. It is true, I'm afraid to say, that nurses do eat their young. My best strategy was and is to kill people with kindness. Have never found it to fail.

I went back to school in the LPN program when I was 45. It took me a little while to get back into the study mode, but I don't regret one minute. I have wanted to be a nurse since I was 3. Life happened along the way and after working in an office for 22years I got my chance. I am loving every minute of my work, though sometimes dealing with other staff is trying. The old saying 'nurses eat their young' isn't far off. I was told by my guidance counsellor that mature students do better than teens (most of the time) because we get into nursing because we really want it. I graduated top of my class, and never missed a day at school. Committment paid off - I love being a nurse. It is like living my dream. :nuke: