Where do LVNs work?

DBall · Apr 15, 2012

The problem with medical assistant is the pay isn't that well.

DBall · Apr 15, 2012

Oh, OK that makes sense. I don't know how old you are, I get the sense that you're still young and starting out?
Here's what I'll say. I know that we all learn at some point that it is important to be of service to people and the world. But there are many ways to do that. It's not necessary to work in a helping profession like nursing. There are other ways to give back to the world.
If you want to work in nursing, then by all means go for it. It is definitely intense. But I really hope that you don't feel like you're doing this because of some sense of pressure or sense of obligation to do something specific.
Make your professional choices based on what you feel passionate about. When you get that part of your life sorted out, or even before that, there are many things you can do to help others. You can volunteer, give to charity, mentor young people, join the Peace Corps, the Red Cross, become active in community affairs, there is always a need, always something to do.
The only way you can truly be of help to others is if you have some sense of happiness in yourself and your life, and a sense that you want to share that with others, and that you actually have something that you can give.
So I don't know if that was at all helpful or what you needed to hear, but I guess the bottom line is, find a way to be kind to yourself and you will find a way to be kind to others.

I'm just stating out. Thanks for your thoughts. I am about to complete my first year of college and still trying to figure things out.

K+MgSO4, BSN · Apr 15, 2012

social work or occupational therapy may be a better fit.

Or Physiotherapy or speech pathologist but they both see sputum! (suction!)

You have to go through school and placement and trust me that means bodily fluids

gottagetmyrn · Apr 15, 2012

If you are really interested in nursing, I think you should go to a hospital or dr's office and volunteer...so you can get a better idea of what it is all about. And ask a lot of questions while you are doing so. I don't think anyone really wants to deal with all the gross stuff, but I think so many people deal with it anyway, because the pros of nursing might outweigh the cons. (in that aspect). I believe once you have been exposed to that stuff, it becomes like second nature to you, and doesn't gross you out so much. (in other words, you learn how to deal without gagging:)

It is hard to figure out what path you want to take when you are just starting out! If you are set on something in the medical field with less chances of gross stuff, you should check into physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, surgical tech, and so forth. However, you should be aware that there is probably going to be something a little gross with just about any occupation in the medical field :-/ Start checking around all of the different colleges in your area and research the programs/things that interest you. I wish you the very best of luck on your journey!

(and ps...some people go through many different career changes trying to find a job that fits!! LOL!)

jammin_jewel · Apr 15, 2012

I say look into Ultra Sound Tech, Radiation, or Phlebotomy (unless blood freaks you out). Each of these are helping out the patients but less potential fluids to deal with. See if you can shadow people in different fields because these are big decisions.

RN/Mom · Apr 15, 2012

Steer clear of nursing entirely, because no matter what your title (CNA, LVN, RN) you will have to deal with body fluids on a regular basis. Even though there are nursing positions that don't require direct patient care (management, case management, consultant jobs, telephone jobs), nurses working in these jobs are usually expected to have significant patient care experience.

There are many jobs in the medical field where you can help people in ways that won't generally require you to deal with bodily fluids. Careers that come to my mind are physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, social work, psychology, speech therapy (but they do deal with saliva and mucus), nutritionists, ultrasound technicians, etc. Many of the therapy jobs require masters and doctorate level degrees, though.

Fiona59 · Apr 16, 2012

The problem with medical assistant is the pay isn't that well.

So you want the money and not the responsibilities?

One of the reasons Nurses are paid well (for being a mainly female occupation) is that we deal with stuff that the rest of society doesn't want to!

stephanie2012 · Apr 17, 2012

Hello, whatever you do, as long as you are in this field, it would not be avoided like poop and urine.

If you want to work in this field, just make good psychological preparation.

good luck!

Can they work in doctor offices? I feel like I want to be a nurse of some sorts, but I do not want to have to deal with all the nasty bodily fluids (more than just poop and urine) and I don't want to have to give people baths or help them change. Do LVNS do any of this?

Twinkle007, LVN, RN · Apr 18, 2012

maybe you should try social work

good point , social worker is a professional helper and they don't deal with body fluids. Counselor is good too (i.e. addiction counselor )