Waving the white flag...I surrender...

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I'm a new LPN. I graduated 2010. Even though it was my life long dream...I feel as if I'm not cut out for it. I've tried a couple jobs since getting my license, and it's all the same. The nurse to patient ratio is just overwhelming. Each time I had over 30 patients to just myself...and this week I found out I was gonna be over approx 80 pts with only a 1 med tech to help with meds. I refused assignment a day ahead ofcourse...telling my supervisor I didnt feel this is safe nursing...I mean, what if something were to happen? I couldn't except such responsiblity...Does this mean I'm a failure? or just not seasoned? Is there anywhere a LPN can work without these terrifying ratios? I want whats best for my patients...and that is all. I never even got a lunch break..because of the never ending med pass. I could really use some encouragement...thanks for listening.

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The facility I work at has between 80 and 90 clients. It's me, a med aide and a floor aide, so I hear what you are saying about HUGE ratios. Ultimately, I am responsible for ALL clients because I have the nursing degree. It can be very scary but it's also manageable.

If huge ratios scare you, I would try applying at smaller facilities such as LTC facilities or even consider doing home health.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

Maybe you would like working in clinics? I totally feel you about the huge med pass. I work in a jail & for my 9 am med pass I'm sure I must pass meds to at least 100 inmates.

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Specializes in hospice, HH, LTC, ER,OR.

Try home health, clinic, county health department or hospice

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