LeaRNed

Wow, your story sounds just like mine. I also work night shift and all I want to do on my days off is sleep. I turn my ringer off just so I won't be bothered and I feel like I've become a hermit that lives a completely different life than everyone else I know. My theory is that our body's circadian rhythm is messed up and wreaking havoc on our lives. My friends and family get upset with me because I rarely answer when they call. I explain how working nights and getting phone calls at 2pm is the equivalent of me calling them at 2am. They would probably get annoyed and turn their ringers off too. Basically, I feel like all of my energy goes into my job and I have none left for anyone or anything else. It is a tough situation to be in and I know exactly where you're coming from. So you are not alone. Hopefully we will find a way to remedy this situation....without having to change shifts. Take Care!!

I agree with your spouse. If you are suffering anxiety - starting a new job will likely make it worse. Also since there are more hours and additional drive time, which are major stress inducers, it seems like it would be a bad idea. Take care of yourself first.Think about the job change later.

Coke, it's what I'm drinking now....for breakfast.

Don't think I'll want my stethoscope back.

I’d volunteer, leaving the job for someone who really needed it.

I was on night shift and did some day work. It was definitely hard on my body. Like the other posters said it might help to eliminate the day of OT. I went to the dr. They did a check for vit. D levels, as those of us on night don't see much sun, therefore levels can be low. Surprisingly my level was fine. We also discussed a prescription medication that is commonly used for swing shift workers, which is pretty much what you are doing. Maybe you can inquire about that. Now I am "in between jobs" and still stay up til 3 or 4 in the morning. I have no problem sleeping til noon. My husband hates it though :). It's all in what you get used to I guess. Hope you feel better!!

Include the clinicals that you have done during school. Also, achievements pertaining to school. I wonder if you could write on your resume that for the last ten years you have been a domestic engineer? It is, after all, a full-time job. To be able to run a household and manage to graduate nursing school is not an easy task. Convey that somehow on a resume or during an interview. Good Luck!

I read your post. What the others have said about homecare is true, however, in a rural area it might be hard to come by. Maybe you could do nursing administrative work, Mds coordinator or something. Can you go back to your previous job at the hospital psyche unit, at least part time? If you want to become an RN go for it. There will probably be more job opportunities. I know as an LPN I am limited. Good Luck.

I would call back today, right now. Tell them that you would at least like to know if you are actually hired....that's the least they could do. If they say they need to find something-tell them you'll hold on the line.

I thought I was the only person in the world who split my split ends.

I had a unit manager that said pacifically instead of specifically. I am still perplexed as to how she became a manager. There are some drugs that have strange pronunciations so I don't usually fault someone for that, but come on, pacifically???

I went from being a medical assistant to becoming a nurse. I really wish I had known that the charting and documentation was going to be more time consuming than the actual bedside care. One-on-one care is what I decided to become a nurse for. In the facility I work at right now it feels like documention is the most important. I am saddened by this.

I am in a similar situation.I am a working LPN now, starting RN clinicals in fall. Right now I am the sole provider for my family and must have money to make ends meet. What I plan on doing is working a few days a week and taking out extra student loan money so that I can ensure my children will be fed and sheltered. Remember, where there's a will there's a way!

Here is an easy way to tell the nurse from housekeeper: the nurse has a stethoscope. But really I wouldn't mind going retro every now and then.

You sound like you would make a great nurse. I was inspired to go into the medical field d/t my ill child. If they don't take your life learnings into consideration now, don't worry because you can still get in if you apply yourself to the mandatory prerequisites. I just graduated Ivy Tech for LPN in Dec. 2009 and was just accepted to the RN transition program starting this fall. I had a lot of life experience prior to my start at Ivy Tech and I think I was a better student and now a good nurse because of it. You will be too. Don't Give Up! Also, it is $95 per credit hour, but you can still apply for grants, loans, and scholarships. PM me if you would like. Jen