What's It Like Being An LPN?

tricialynn78 · Feb 15, 2008

Here in the great state of Texas, we are LVN's but its the same thing. I just graduated in December from the VN program and just took and passed the NCLEX at the beginning of this month. So right after school, I was hired at a LTC facility. I worked for 1 week when I realized it was just not the place for me. My preceptor was never available for me when I needed help or had a question, she would send me to do EVERYTHING by myself and being a NEW nurse I felt that it just wasn't the place for me. Even after talking with the DON she said I would get 2 full weeks of training, well I don't consider me doing all the work and not having anyone there for me to supervise or for me to even ask a question is very good training. I had 20-25 patients. It was all just TOO much for me, I felt very overwhelmed. So I told them I had to go. Since taking and passing the NCLEX, i did get another job at a blood donor site. The pay will be less but I think with my background as a Phlebotomist I will enjoy this job and it wont be so overwhelming for me while I finish my pre-reqs to get into an ADN program. Best of luck to ya!!!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Feb 15, 2008

Being an LPN can be busy, exciting, overwhelming, and rewarding all within the same breath.

I find that I have to do some studying before I go to a site. I work in a hospital clinic, primarily. However, I also do home care and vaccination nursing. Before I go to the home, I want to know the diagnosis, medications and what to expect, then how to respond to home emergencies. I have to read about the vaccines we will administer (I do this for the Army, so, they give exotic ones, such as anthrax, yellow fever, thypoid, etc). I now know that I can never just walk into a job with no clue what is going on ever again...this can mean my license!

I do have an interest in reading about medical conditions, so, it is actually not a chore for me to keep getting updates. I teach patients in my clinic about their conditions, so, I am constantly reading up on information to understand the main points for myself as well as to teach the patients. I get tired sometimes, but I do love my job (most of the time).

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2008

I worked on a rehab unit at a nursing home for 2 years, but it was structured much like a free-standing rehabilitation hospital. I resigned from this job within the past week or two. On this particular unit, we dealt with many central lines, IV antibiotics, CPM machines, feeding tubes, suture removal, surgical staple removal, complicated wound care, ostomy appliances, diabetic management, casts, braces, splints, cervical halos, and so forth.

Most of my patients had recently underwent surgical procedures such as laminectomies, knee and hip arthroplasties (joint replacements), kyphoplasties, CABGs, hysterectomies, limb amputations, colectomies, thromboembolectomies, and abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs.

The non-surgical patients were typically admitted to our unit for recovery from CVAs, acute MIs, debility, various cancers, fractures, status post pneumonia, deconditioned states, failure to thrive, status post falls, generalized weakness, and other afflictions.

Rehab is a physical and emotional challenge, but I'm assured you will have the learning experience of your life!

I left nursing home rehab because of the high patient loads, higher acuity of these patients, chronic understaffing, and constant interruptions from abusive family members and 'entitled' visitors. I now work night shift at a smaller nursing home on a traditional LTC unit, where I must care for nearly 70 patients.

fubeca003 · Feb 15, 2008

I have worked in a 16 bed rehab unit for a couple of years and I love the work. There are some great experiences out there if you are in the right place. I work a lot with PICC lines, complex dressing changes, and a ton with physical therapy. I will graduate from an RN program in may and I have found the last 2 years to be very helpful and beneficial to my learning.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Feb 16, 2008

Commuter; you said that you take care of 70 patients. Are you the only nurse on that floor? If so, how do you manage those 70 patients? It sounds scary to me, but I am also thinking that if this is the norm, then, somehow, it is managable.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2008

Commuter; you said that you take care of 70 patients. Are you the only nurse on that floor? If so, how do you manage those 70 patients? It sounds scary to me, but I am also thinking that if this is the norm, then, somehow, it is managable.

I care for nearly 70 patients on night shift. Keep in mind that most of them are asleep if I'm lucky. I manage this patient load with shortcuts because if I did everything "by the textbook," I'd still be there a full 8 hours after my shift ended.

As long as none of the patients die, fall, or interrupt me too much, it's alright.

bluegeegoo2, LPN · Feb 16, 2008

I have been a LPN for 2 months, and have experienced everything from total elation to "what the hell have I gotten myself into?". There is a period of adjustment as I learn what "the real world" of nursing is compared to what we learned in school. I am beginning to settle into my "groove" which is helping quite a bit. On the whole, I like it. I am on a skilled unit, long term care, 3rd shift. I like the skilled unit because I have the opportunity to care for people with PEG tubes, IV's, ostomy's, trachs, which allows me to hone my skills for people who need more hands-on care. It can and is overwhelming at times, but the key is knowing what takes priority. The politics in the workplace can make it nearly unbearable at times, but I have learned to let others do what they will, and just focus on my residents and their needs. The "whatever" attitude sounds bad, but it works, and I'm much happier because of it. I don't know if that helps, but I sure feel better!:nuke:

pagandeva2000, LPN · Feb 16, 2008

I care for nearly 70 patients on night shift. Keep in mind that most of them are asleep if I'm lucky. I manage this patient load with shortcuts because if I did everything "by the textbook," I'd still be there a full 8 hours after my shift ended.
As long as none of the patients die, fall, or interrupt me too much, it's alright.

I would be either doing shortcuts or jumping over hoops! I hear you, girl! :yeah:

international66 · Apr 2, 2008

i just got my lpn license... i loved to read your experiences and love for your careers. i just got hired at a nursing home, and i am scared. will i remember everything i learned?? will i be able to care for a load of patients??? i've been a waitress for 10 years and i always manage to care for everybody and give the best of me.. if possible. i am scared that i will not be able to recognize signs and symptoms of schock, for example. oh my god!! i will read your stories again... the good ones to get inspiration and courage.