Grannyof6

i agree. I hope sometime in the future (probably after I retire) they'll let nurses unionize nationwide. Then maybe some of the staffing issues and paperwork etc will be addressed. The BON doesn't seem to be in touch with how the acuity has changed in LTCs since I first worked in it 20yrs ago and the need for increased staffing. frightening. I can't get over how much more stressful LTCs are now.

Joann12-- I would love to get a DON or someone to make a cheat sheet for me, but that'll be when pigs fly...lol. They'll just call the agency and tell them not to send me there anymore. I know the more I do admissions the easier they'll be but they sure eat up a lot of time. They've even given me 2 admissions on the same shift and no one will help, either with the paperwork nor with the med pass etc. I can only try to prioritize and do as much as I can. I have complained to the agency just in case they get a call from the DON, so they'll know what's going on. these papers are important....you'd think they'd make sure they were done well even if that means taking the time to help someone.

I think the physical assessment and care plans by the RN are done before arrival? I'm not sure. I'm so lost and buried trying to figure out what the form wants and then, when I look at their insurance info and other paper work, items sometimes aren't called the same things from one form to another, so I'm never sure if I've found the correct info and repeatedly have to ask another nurse, who are all very busy themselves. Its a nightmare. I'm ready to quit LTC nursing over this. No one wants (or has time) to help me, it seems. I can verify the orders, write the NNs, get the MARS written out, etc. But the insurance forms are horrible to figure out.

I'm an LPN who worked for many years at an MR/DD respite business. I never had to fill out admission or insurance forms for admission. But I've recently signed up with an agency that is sending me to LTC facilities where occassionally I need to process an admission of a new resident. omg..the forms are horrible! And they're not always clear (to me) about what they're asking for on each line. Is there online help where it walks line by line with examples of what info they want? The RNs are very nice but they always tell me its my job to fill out the forms. (I secretly think they know how awful the forms are and just don't want to do them..lol). Help! It takes me hours to finish filling them out (after my shift) and even then I'm not sure they're correct. thanks for any suggestions or websites that can help me.

"if you can't pay your student loans they garnish your social security checks'' really? i didn't know they could do that. thank you so much. i think you might have helped me make up my mind

Joanna73-- That's very good advice and yes, I've done that. That's why I can't get off the fence probably. If I were married I'd be able to save more of my future RN salary and also pay any loan back quicker. But I'm not married anymore.

Thank you for the encouragement. I'm still debating about what to do. I'm mostly worried about being able to work long enough to pay the loan back. I hate using loans but haven't been able to find a grant yet. But I appreciate all the feedback I'm getting from all of you.

To Been there, done that-- I also have seen several opps for LPNs. The point is my age. That is the biggest obstacle. I thought being an RN would mitigate that somewhat, but I'm beginning to doubt it. To Joanna73--- That's what I've been thinking too. The time+cost divided by working years left just don't seem to make sense to me. As I've said, I'm grabbing at straws and trying to widen my opportunities. thanks for replying.

Esme12-- I have seen age discrimination up close. I went for an interview 7yrs ago (when I was 54 but looked in my 40s still) and the DON was only in her 20s (looked 12yrs old). The moment she saw me her face dropped and she said "Oh I was expecting someone younger" eventhough she had my resume in her hand that had my age on it. Then she tried to backpedal so I wouldn't sue her or something I guess...lol. I live in an area with several nursing schools for RN and LPN so I have a feeling my age is going to work against me alot.

Caliotter3-- I've also come across some snobby RNs who think being an LPN stands for "Lets Play Nurse". At least 3 RNs over the years have actually said that to me. I've also worked with several RNs, who were never LPNs because, quote "I don't want to do all that. I want to be in charge" unquote. And they're the ones who did just that.....sit and be in charge. Wouldn't help an LPN if the place were on fire. I became an LPN because of several reasons, including time and money, back in '81 but I stayed one because I could do more hands-on than the RNs did. I loved being closer to the patients. Oh well. Things change and now RNs are doing more hands-on than before. Don't get me wrong. Most of the RNs I've worked with are wonderful. but there's always a few bad apples..lol. I appreciate the input I'm getting here.

Caliotter3- Thanks for your input. That's interesting. You'd think that all my years of LPN 'hands on' patient care experience would count for a little. I'm hoping to get back into LTC, either as LPN or RN, where my heart is. But as I said before, I'm also looking at allied positions too.

Thanks for the replies. Yes I'd be able to physically do the clinicals and I plan to work till I'm 70. I don't like sitting around. I was thinking of doing the RN course online through RUE. But I admit the cost vs. 'working years left' just doesn't seem logical. Kind of grabbing at straws at the moment. Most of the LPN jobs near me are home care, I've always worked LTC. Don't like the idea of going into private homes. I'd like to do Dr. office but they always ask for office experience, or I've even considered switching to Pharmacy Tech. Either way my wages will decrease. I'm not married anymore so I definitely need to find something. Any other ideas would be appreciated.

I have been an LPN since 1981 and just lost my job this month due to being on med leave longer than 12 weeks. I still have 3 more weeks till I can go back to work and will need to find a new job. That won't be easy at my age. I'm wondering if it would make sense to get my RN at my age? Thanks