Should I stay or should I go?

systoly · Mar 6, 2009

Just a few thoughts: From what I read in other threads, the job situation for LVN's in CA isn't that rosy right now. It also sounds like you're getting some really good clinical experience under your belt. What would you put on an application as reason for leaving your current employer?

calgirl123 · Mar 7, 2009

I know, you are right. I am getting alot of experience and everyone helps me alot, I just get so overwelmed sometimes I just want to go somewhere else, but I also know the grass isnt always greener on the other side.

Thanks so much for your reply:p

calgirl123

systoly · Mar 7, 2009

You are very welcome and best wishes for your future.

lashuna1028 · Mar 7, 2009

As Systoly stated, the experience there is really good so though it is very busy I would still stay because of the challenges.

But that really depends on what you ultimately want to do. Because that nursing home doesnt sound like a common nursing home. Most nursing homes dont have IVs, chemo, etc... Just those dang G-tubes!

So, if you are more geared towards getting into Med Surg/ ICU etc then I would stay but if you are geared towards being in long term care/ geriatrics/ alzheimers etc I would leave because that place would just burn you out when you could go to another "normal" nursing home making probably the same amount with less work.

Lexxie, LPN · Mar 7, 2009

Hello, Everyone. This is calgirl123, I work in a nursing home in san diego area and I have been there for six years. First as a cna and now as an Lvn. This is a very very busy nursing home. We have about 60 to 80 discharges a month and almost as many admits. We are so busy and things are such a mess that we cannot keep a Don or a Dsd because the load is to heavy. I know that nuring in any nursing home is hard but this place is out of hand.I have 28 patients to pass meds to and these are mostly alert, demanding, pain pill taken, I want my meds first patients.I love my job and I dont mind working hard. I guess my dillemma is Should I stay or should I go? I know everyone there, I have longterm residents that I would miss and co-workers, but its so crazy.the nurses on this wing dont get done passing morning meds until 11 or 1130 and thats only if you dont have alot of interruptions which is never. We start at 7 but we dont even count until 720 -730 And now they want us in the dining room for breakfast so that gets us started at around 8. I guess you would have to be there to really understand, but I ask other nurses if the nursing homes they have been to are like this and they say no.It is almost like a hospital with nursing home staff. There alot of IVs, Time sensitive meds, including chemo drugs. I know I need to make this decision on my own eventually, but I could use some help.:wink2:
Thanks,
calgirl123:banghead:

This sounds EXACTLY like a facility that I worked Per Diem in. It got to the point that I refused to go there anymore. The staff was burned out from the work load and all they'd ever do is complain about it. When it'd get close to annual inspection, the DON would allow extra help so they'd pass the survey with flying colors, but of course that extra help only lasted till the survey was over. Go figure!

chevyv, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2009

If you've been there for 6yrs, I think you've gained all the experience you can from that place. I'm in WI and lucky to have a job, as most of us are right now. I too have 28 residents and some that have cursed me out for being late with their meds (even though those are the ones I get to within the legal window!) The rest of the poor souls have to wait. I'm pm's and am usually still passing meds at 2200. It sucks butt! Last time I worked I swore that no matter what I was having a good night. Well, 1 cna had to leave sick, another got bit (had to go to er), and then I had a fall on top of that! I'm new and can barely tie a knot to hang on. I refuse to give up though. I have a good night and that keeps me going until the next night I work a sucks butt type of night.

If you can look around to see if anything is out there, go for it! If you're lucky to have a job like me, I just figure I'll suffer and eventually get better.

calgirl123 · Apr 21, 2009

Hi, everyone. Sorry I hav;nt been here in a while.Im still at my same job, still struggling with staying or going. I just wanted to say thanks to all the replys, they are greatly appreciated. Ill let you know if I ever make a decision:uhoh3:

Thanks again

callgirl123:icon_roll