mtistoi

I think it helps to have a thick skin. If you show by actions that you know what you are doing and what you are talking about, why wouldn't they develop respect for you? Sometimes the extra training of an RN matters a great deal, and we respect them for that, but sometimes the greater PRACTICAL experience of an LPN is much handier, so I think there is definitely a place for both professions. We aren't competing; we are different. We do what we do best and they do what they do best, all to the greater good of the patient. It isn't about us and whether or not we feel insulted. We are to do our jobs and do the best we can for the patient/resident, respecting each other and our strengths.

sounds like you're just in the wrong facility as far as the amount of physically taxing work. At least the pay and benefits are good. I know what you mean about giving your daughter the chance to get ahead as well; it can make decisions harder for you. Perhaps if you do take a break and babysit for her you could also consider doing an LPN-to-RN course online evenings and weekends or something like that.

As a new LPN in a new job, Maine, I get $18.50/hr in assisted living/aging in place facility

I absolutely think I made the right choice for me. It's not what other people think, it's what you want out of a career that counts. For me, I made the choice because of my age (older) and the fact that there was a 2-yr waiting list to get into RN school. If I had been 10 years younger I might have considered it but in hindsight, I think LPN is a great career in and of itself and certainly doesn't have to be a stepping stone if it's where you want to be. I am doing a lot of the same things an RN would do, with many similar responsibilities in the position of charge nurse. There are still things we can't legally do but I am nosy enough to ask any RN to show me how to do something that interests me, even if I don't get the opportunity to physically do it myself. I work hard and I have fun on the job and the pay is adequate. It's a different career choice from RN but nothing I feel the need to apologize for or make excuses for. Go for it!

Hi Dominique, Please don't give up; that special job is out there for you if you have patience a little longer. I was looking for about 3-4 months until I found a job after graduation; however, it wasn't the job for me. I didn't enjoy it much at all and dreaded having to go. I did leave that job thinking I would have to move in order to get another job in the field so started in a cleaning business just for the paycheck. After another 3 months I applied for the job I have now and absolutely love it. I am a charge nurse for which they were asking a year's experience and I pretty much had none. However, I was lucky enough to get the job and I plan to stay and learn as much as I can and just thank the Lord for the opportunity. I applied to ads in the newspaper and online but also sent or hand-delivered resumes even to places that were not advertising. Sometimes it pays to just get dressed up in business attire and just drive around to facilities hand-delivering nicely made up resumes. Lots of luck in your search!