Should I stay or should I go?

[Lamie]

I'm in a bit of a dilemma here. I graduated from my LPN program last fall and got a job at a large clinic right away. I had spent part of my clinical rotation there and I liked it. The pay is really good, the hours are nice (no nights, no weekends, no holidays). benefits are great, etc. BUT....I'm not really using any of my nursing skills nor am I learning anything new that is nursing related. I'm basically a medical assistant with better pay, just there to support the docs. No assessments, no independence. A lot of computer work (all files are electronic), phones, minor procedures like injections, earwashes, etc. At first I was glad to have it so "easy", but now I'm really worried that I won't have much of a chance for any other areas later on. I'd like to work for an agency eventually because of the flexibility and the pay, but all the skills they usually want (trach care, vent, wound care, IV, etc.) I have never done. I'm thinking about looking for a new job either in LTC or home health so I can get more experience in these areas. At the same time I'm not sure if it is wise to give up such a "cushy" job with great pay and benefits. For now it would make sense to keep it, but down the road I might regret not getting my feet wet more. Any advice?

[DaniLPN2RN]

Have you thought about trying to go PT or PRN at a different facility. This would allow you to keep your current job and possibily pick up shifts to gain additional experience. I think it mostly depends where you plan to go from here!

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

Most nursing jobs are barely tolerable, much less "easy" (your word) and good pay, with good hours to boot? I've been a nurse for almost 20 years and have never found all of those things in a job. I would never leave that job!

[Pegasus65]

I definitely understand the desire to further clinical skills, but not sure I would want to give up a job that you so obviously like!

Have a great day!

[1uvakindmom]

I like what OP said about looking for a PRN job that would help you hone your skills while keeping the job you have. I would love that job!

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I work in a peds clinic. No weekends, holidays, etc. I recently started with homecare to get back some of the skills I "lost" PRN on weekends (it's extra money too - bonus). Do what works for you.. Esp in times like now, take what you can get, and see what else comes along.

[Lamie]

Thank you for all your input. I think I will try to work PRN at another facility or in home health to test the waters there. My only concern is that they might not be willing to train me if I only work for them once a week (can't do more due to my main job and family). I'll contact some home health agencies and see what they can tell me. Thank you for making me realize that I should be grateful for such an "easy" job.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I agree with the others. I hate to say this, but it is very difficult for nurses to find jobs they are totally satisfied with. I was also fortunate enough to walk right into a clinic job at the same hospital that sponsored my LPN education. I worked in the clinic as an aide and assumed that because they invested all of this money, allowed me to attend school with full pay (without coming to work AT ALL until I completed the program) that they would have placed me in med-surg upon graduation.

Well, the moment I produced my license, I was told that I was the only one at that time that was coming back to the clinic, but they would give me 6 weeks orientation to med-surg as a new grad, but then, return to the clinic. I asked if I would be able to work per diem in med-surg afterwards and they said yes. Those 6 weeks were a sight to see and when it was over, I took the first thing smoking to the clinic. I did do per diem on the floors to keep up my skills, but truthfully, I became less and less interested in wanting those skills, because I saw even more stress and aggreviation than I did in the clinic position.

Now, while I still have an urge to want to retain those skills, I decided that predictability and peace of mind was better. I'll go back...eventually...

The key thing to me is if one works with a supportive group of people who are patient and don't mind teaching, that would be fantastic. But, unfortunately, I have not seen this very often, so, to decide to have weekends, holidays and decent hours versus stress and aggreviation...it was not a hard choice.

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

Lamie,

I just went back and re-read your post. Your job sounds like just what I've been looking for all these years. Wanna trade?

[Lamie]

Yeah, I should be happy to have this job, but I'm not loving it. I still miss the hands on part. I'll stick with it for now because the money is good and I need those hours because of my kids, but eventually I want something else.