That First Job

Opportunities for the type of nursing I want to do are not open to me as a new LPN graduate as most slots require 12 months clinical experience.

I did not like my hospital rotations as RNs seemed to need to do 45 minutes data entry for every 3 minutes of patient contact.

I did not like Nursing Homes -- working as a CNA -- watching nurses pass meds for thirty patients seemed reckless to me. Hey I had the 'five' rights battered into me, and there she was lining up all the meds on top of the cart for the pass!

At the nursing home I was the 'silly student' finding sick patients and pestering until they were sent to the hospital (heart attacks, stroke, dead et al.....)

BUT hey I graduated so here I am going to interview at a LTC (feeling like a cow walking to slaughter) and then a interview at the prison (hello, what am I thinking....)

Is the only way 'to protect my license' is to work at McDonalds or cut grass? I love patient care--maybe I should just wipe and swipe for the rest of life......

What was I thinking going to Nursing School???? Why did I pass NCLEX ??????

Help I want a preceptor!!!!!!!!

I have to say I agree so much with you. I have been a nurse for 8mths now and I spent 6 mths in telemetry and now I am in the ICU, I dont really like Nursing it is not in any way the way it was as a student. Now I owe more money than I ever have in my life for a degree that I dont really like what I am doing so I agree What was I thinking should have stayed a medical assistant I made less money but in the long run it was more because I did not owe so much back for loans. Glad to hear I am not alone.

I have to say I agree so much with you. I have been a nurse for 8mths now and I spent 6 mths in telemetry and now I am in the ICU, I dont really like Nursing it is not in any way the way it was as a student. Now I owe more money than I ever have in my life for a degree that I dont really like what I am doing so I agree What was I thinking should have stayed a medical assistant I made less money but in the long run it was more because I did not owe so much back for loans. Glad to hear I am not alone.

Floor nursing isnt for everyone. LTC isnt for everyone. You have to find your nitch. I was an LPN before an RN- I decided to go back to school because of the lack of opportunities for LPNs. For your first job as an LPN I would try and get exposed to the most as possible. Hospitals are good for that- I worked in a pediatric unit with vents and liked it but couldnt have spent my life there.. you got to try out different fields. If you dont want to be a drug pusher dont go to LTC as an LPN for sure. But dont be discouraged- nursing has something for everyone.

Did you ever think about hospice or homecare? Its a little more mellow and you can still learn a lot.

PS if you really hate your job- you shouldnt stay because usually that attitude is sensed by your pts and they really have more important things to worry about than is my nurse happy. maybe a drs office setting would be better for you..

If you want to deliver excellent, quality patient care where you actually get to do "proper nursing care" and spend quality time with you patients, leave at the end of the day feeling you actually made a difference, I would suggest as Lizzie has, and maybe try out Hospice nursing. All the staff share the same philosophy and are incredibly caring, to me it's the best type of nursing, no politics or hieracy and where the patient is at the centre of all care

Wow, thanks so much for your two replies. I especially like the idea of patients sensing you not being happy.

I was up ALL NIGHT thinking and looking at Home Health on the computer so I think that is something I am going to pursue.

And hospice, ..... I have been doing crisis care as a CNA for about a year and yes, that to me is what I want so bad. Unfortunately to go to a LPN spot I need to have a years clinical experience. I need to look into other Hospice providers.

I guess I should advocate for myself as well as I do for patients and not jump into the soup just to be in a LPN slot if I know it is not going to be right.

Again thanks for being there.