Resigning first job as lpn LTC

[desertchild17]

I am an LPN. Primary reason why I went nursing was because of the stable job demand, and good pay. Got through nursing school, and passed the boards.

I got hired in a nursing home, they placed me in the dementia unit. The nurse I shadowed was nice, although she does a lot of shortcuts that made me feel I had to catch up to her since she's been here for 3 years. We've had patients getting B.P. horribly low and sending them to the hospital, patients vomiting and looking miserable. I realized that I was miserable working there. Every day I am nerve-wrecked and paranoid each time I do something. I'm starting to realize maybe I cannot do this job. I resigned today and I am very depressed. I have loans and bills to pay but I just can't take working there.

Have I screwed up badly I can't even use my job license to pay my loans? Are there any other fields to work at as an LPN where it's not as fast-paced or even not having to deal with acute/ sickly people daily? Would doctor's offices take a newly grad LPN without experience?

:crying2: :crying2: :crying2: :crying2: :crying2: :crying2:

[caliotter3]

You should not have acted so rashly. You are aware that LTC and home health are the two best places for LPNs to find jobs. You can bet that the environment at the next LTC will be similar. You can go to another facility, but you should have the attitude that you have bills to pay, you can't just quit. Or you can see if a home health agency will hire you. If you go to a home health agency, ask them to place you on extended care cases, not intermittent visits. Less stuff going on. Get on an easy case that is routine care and stable and you are set. You can make almost as much or the same as you were earning in LTC and only have to deal with one patient and one shift nursing note. Good luck.

[CharleeJo.RN]

I know how difficult LTC can be as a new grad. I was actually let go from one a few weeks ago, and it was like a prayer answered! It was insanely stressful, I broke down sobbing multiple times (as well as other nurses), and the environment had gotten so crazy that I was at a critical point - so overwhelmed that I was destined to screw up. I absolutely loathed going there, but every day, went in with a smile on my face and a positive attitude, told myself I could do it...but every day I left for home, I had been through such hell and felt so aweful, and never wanted to go back there again. But I did, and I tried my best. Even though I wanted to quit every single day! I knew after my 90 days was up, I would quit, for sheer sake of sanity. Luckily, I have money in the bank, and don't have to worry about bills at this point (I'm still in school, for my RN, so I don't have to pay off loans yet).

I know how hard it is, believe me! I was baptised by fire there, and couldn't possibly do it all. It was too much, I wasn't trained long enough, and there wasn't enough staff. HOWEVER, i still wouldn't have quit at that time, because I needed the experience and had just bought a new truck. I think you should've tried to stick it out, and just ask for help as many times as you need it. That was my biggest error: not asking for enough help. But, you did resign, so now you have to move on. Update your resume and hit the streets! Seek a job in a local clinic - not as fast-paced and a lot less responsibility. A good place to start and become more comfortable in your position.

Good luck and I hope you find something else.

[desertchild17]

I was thinking maybe this wasn't the right job for me. I'm meeting up with an airforce recruiter tomorrow. Maybe I'll serve the military, it will be a very significant experience for me. Although the commitment is 4 years, I'll be able to make a fresh start when I get out. Sad to say. D:

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Hey, the military would be a great opportunity.

Good luck to you!