Very overwhelmed and discouraged LPN student

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Hi everyone, I'm fairly new to this site and so far I love reading about people's experience and getting help with assigments. I'm a LPN student in the state of VA, I have exactly 4 weeks left of school... well, 2 really because I have 2 weeks of preceptorship and so far it has been a bumpy ride but I've loved every minute of it. I have no background in the health care field whatsoever and in the year that I've been in school, I've learned to love nursing and come home happy and satisfied after a long day of clinical because I made someone's day a little better.... and I truly look forward to my clinicals and interactions with patients.

With so little time left, I'm quite overwhelmed with everything that I need to do in order to finish school and pass NCLEX but on top of that, I've learned the hard way that LPN aren't too needed around here. Hospitals don't hire LPNs so all I have left is nursing homes and doctors office. Please don't take it the wrong way, I would work in a nursing home in a heart beat but I don't want to end up doing nothing but CNA work.... I voluntary help out as much I can with morning care and feedings and I have no problem with that, but once you start doing that, you're expected to do it more and more often - doctor's office aren't my cup of tea and this is just a personal opinion... little did I know but I've spent an entire year in school full time - busting my behind and getting every support I can get with my children and my husband's demanding job and now I find out that my options are very limited... the few LPNs working in hospitals that I know here were hired years back - I just feel as all the work we could do, all that we've learned is not appreciated and being a LPN is not is not good enough - if you are not a RN then you're not a nurse... I apologize if it's sound like I'm a whining but I was hoping I could get some feed back from other students like myself or newly graduate LPNs or even a RN's point of view of a LPN...

Thank you for taking the time to read this very long post :p

LoViNgLiFe :redbeathe:nurse::)

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Specializes in Geriatrics, MR/DD, Clinic.

Well, I am an LPN that is hoping to go back to get my RN. It has nothing to do with the fact that I feel like less of a nurse being an LPN, but I want to someday (it will take many years!) bridge into being a CNM or a FNP. I can promise you that I'm very much a nurse and I work very hard at what I do and am I'm very proud to be "only a LPN". I believe there are a lot of posts here in the LPN/LVN forum that you may relate to and maybe they can help you get through what you are dealing with. Whatever you do, don't think less of your degree and refer to yourself as "just an LPN". .

I think being a LPN is a very rewarding career choice depending on where you work. I realize that nursing homes and clinics are the main job sources, but there are other places out there for employment. You need to be pro-active and search for them. I would hardly classify what I do as just CNA work. I actually love doing direct care though and do help out on the floor whenever I have time. I have little time where I work (in LTC) to do direct care work though, my shifts are pretty busy!

So, chin up and be proud of what you have accomplished. Try out a few jobs once you graduate (Congrats by the way!) and if you feel they are not rewarding enough or you feel like you want more.........than go back to school :heartbeat

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Specializes in Hospice, ALF, Prison.

Take your discouragement and remember it when you have the experience RN's you are working with don't have, and they come to you for the answer. Sure hospitals may not hire LPN's, but make a list of 20 different types of nursing and mark them as whether or not a LPN can be employed there.

My PN teacher used to tell us that RN is easy if we make it through PN school. I believe it because the basic role is so different (PN more patient centric).

The biggest difference I find is in certifications limited to RN's. That has not prevented me from learning and continuing my nursing career.

Nursing homes are a great training ground for the new LPN, but I have it at the bottom of my list for employment options. Doctor offices also. There is just so much other opportunities.

Be proud of your accomplishments and remember the patient you comfort, care for or keep alive will never base their gratitude on the number of letters after your name.

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Thank you very much for taking the time to reply. It has made me realize that I have in fact accomplished sooo much this past year in school. I do plan to bridge out to RN eventually but after being in school full time for a whole year and having to put so much on the side, I would very much enjoy taking the time to be with my kids, my family without worrying about homework... Nursing to me is a very rewarding career and I'm not talking about financially. This might sound corky but I left my previous job because it had no purpose so now that I'm getting close to the end of my journey, a new chapter in my life... I really wish to work in a place where I can give all I have. I will do my homework and see what else is available... thank you again!

LoViNgLiFe

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Specializes in LTC, CNA/SPN.

Erica-

I'm interested in looking into LTC when I get done with LPN school. What kind of work do you do there? For example, what's a typical day look like for you?

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! :balloons: :balloons: :balloons:

Stop, breathe, and enjoy your accomplishment! I don't think people realize how intense a solid year of nursing school with no break and no vacation really is!

You have now put your family on a more solid footing, and you've laid the groundwork for an LPN-RN program in the future if you choose to do that. You are quite right that acute hospitals aren't hiring us in most cases, but by no means does that mean you won't be able to find a job.

It's perfectly normal to have a sort of "oh cr-p, this is real" moment as you approach graduation. Enjoy your family, enjoy your graduation and other social events associated with that, and let your kids hug you alot. :) I'm sure they are proud of you. Best wishes, welcome to nursing.

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