JenniferD

I understand where you are coming from. I'm an LPN and when I graduated 3 years ago I took my first job at a nursing home because the pay was much better for a new grad. After about a year, I yearned for the clinical experiences I had during nursing school. I applied and was offered a position in the ICU/CCU at the local hospital. I remember the whispers among coworkers. "An LPN is coming to work here and she hasn't worked any where accept a nursing home" At times it seemed the joke of the day. Of course, there were a million things I had to learn. (don't we all) In time, with my proven abilities and eagerness to learn opinions changed. I have the respect and most importantly the trust of my coworkers. I believe in our profession we must prove ourselves to our coworkers, after all we rely on each other so much, especially in critical moments. I disagree with the typical stereotype of LPN's. I am the best nurse I can be regardless of title. I've seen LPN's and RN's alike I have prayed "please don't let that one be my only back-up in a crisis." I'm also in an RN program. I've had many LPN's say to me "don't forget where you came from" To that I say "watch where I'm going"

I've been an LPN for a little over a year now. My first job out of nursing school was in a nursing home and this setting allowed me to view death as a release from life. Over the course of my employment at that facility I was able to see and speak with people who had, in their opinion, lived a full and lengthy life. After medications and physical assessments the majority of my care was directed toward their quality of life during their final days. A large percentage of my patients were extremely dibilitated in their physical health. To the majority of my patients, all they wanted to do was die with dignity and I had decided from day one that would be a priority. I've since left the nursing home and am currently working CCU. I lost my first patient in the unit today. My emotions are torn. I feel empathy for the family and their loss and at the same time feel a sense of relief for the patient. I guess I will always shed tears for those in my care that pass away.

I work critical care 7p-7a and I love the 12 hour shift. Personally I would not want to work anything else. Not only does it allow for continuity of care for my patients but it lets me enjoy my career of choice and my life. I worked 11-7 and 3-11 for about a year and half, I was always tired and missed out on family functions because I had to work 5-6 days a week. (With our current nursing shortage that translated into 50-60 hours a week) On 12 hour shifts I work 3 and on rare occasions 4 days per week, then I'm home the rest. I've enjoyed nursing for my 40 hours and I get to enjoy LIFE the rest of the week. Also with 12 hour shifts we get 2 weekends a month off which is better than the every third weekeng I was accustomed to. I love it! For example I have worked 12 hours this Mon, Tues, and Wed and now I plan to take the kids to the beach for Thurs-Sun.