Working as an LVN in RN school

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Hello everyone. I am new to the site so I hope I get a response. I graduate from the LVN program last year and I am currently working for a home health agency. I am enrolled in the RN program and so far it has been okay because home health is very easy for me and does not take to much energy out of me. I have been offered a position at a skilled nursing facility and I have heard that these jobs can be extremely tiring and time consuming and stressful. I am interested in doing it because I would start to get some experience with doctors, computer documentation, and interaction in a real facility and with different patients and families. I don't get that at my current job. I currently chart on a binder and I only have one patient all day. I just want some advice as to whether or not its worth leaving my current job which is such easy money. I will only be working at the SNF 2 days a week, AM SHIFT. Will it be too much stress to handle in nursing school?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

It may be difficult to juggle the schedule to accommodate your classes & clinicals. If they are willing to work with you by adjusting your work schedule, I think that the SNF would be a good option - for all the reasons you indicated. Another option is an LTAC - the patients are 'acute' with all the same technology that you'd find in an acute care hospital.

Best of luck to you as you move toward your goal.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

Hopefully you find what works for you. I plan on doing the same thing. I plan on working because I HAVE to

Finally a nurse...All for my three♡♡♡

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I worked two 16-hour double shifts every Saturday and Sunday as an LVN at a local nursing home while attending an LPN-to-RN completion program during the week.

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Well I have to work as well :( and I just wasn't sure if working in a nursing home would be too harsh on me mentally and physically. I hear long term care can be very stressful (dealing w med pass, familes, charting, admissions, doctors, d/c etc) I have another day or two to decide. WOW 16 hour shifts sounds intimidating. How was that for you, Thecommuter? This place is willing to work with my school schedule which is awesome! I have a friend working at a SNF and she says most days she is too tired to study after her shifts.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

Yes I was planning on doing the wknd doubles as well. I have children also. We are like dead broke but since ltd and snf pay a bit better for lpns that's where I plan to be. Money isn't the deciding factor but let's face it. We work for a reason. Also places like Dr offices and clinics are open during school hours so my only option really I'd a ltc.

I say weigh the pros and cons of each and decide which option is best for you, your family, and your school schedule the best.. hope it works out

Finally a nurse...All for my three♡♡♡

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

Sorry for the misspelling. (You can get chewed out for that and grammatical errors on here). I meant ltc (long term care) and is. Thanks

Finally a nurse...All for my three♡♡♡

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Thank you. I do appreciate that. The SNF is offering me $2 more than the home health agency I am currently at, however HH is almost no labor! :dead: Decisions, decisions!! I question if whether or not $2 is worth the stress...I know I will learn a lot at the skilled nursing facility though! So torn!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

Yea I'm sure you'll learn a lot but I'm almost certain you will want to go back to home health on certain days. I say try it out but keep your home health job (hear me out). Work maybe a case amonth or every few weeks just to stay active. That way you can go back if the snf doesn't work out.

Snf will be stressful. I've only worked ltc and home health as a CNA but I noticed the level of stress the nurses were under.

I say go for it. Just try it out. I do know that you will get experience though. That's a bonus.

Finally a nurse...All for my three♡♡♡

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Thanks girl! I will keep you posted on what I decide!! you've been very helpful!:)

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

You are so welcome. Its funny, I can give you advice but I can't find a job for myself lol. Been unemployed since May. But it prompted me to go back to school so I'm occupied. (Different post different time).

Finally a nurse...All for my three♡♡♡

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Specializes in LTC, Agency, HHC.

I started out in LTC doing doubles on sat/sunday. I had a lot of vacation hours built up, and once I started needing time off for clinicals, my requests were refused due to "short staffing". HHC wouldn't hire me because I didn't have HHC experience.....but, it took just one hiring manager to say "I'll hire you, you do have the experience,".....and I got a job in HHC, left my job in LTC, and HHC was much better at working with my schedule. My coworkers pitched in to do some of my shifts and I did theirs so I could do clinicals on weekends. HHC pays me, too, less than LTC, but there is NO stress for me in HHC. I got plenty of study time, and I actually got more work done on my HHC night shift than all week at home.

I would say stay in HHC, and don't get roped into the LTC job. Once you are there, your two days may turn into 4, or 5, or 6.....and you'll go work because you'll justify needing the money, or they will guilt trip you by saying "We really need you, you are our only option...." or you'll feel guilty that you are neglecting the residents. I got stuck in LTC, and since I was such a good employee, they wouldn't let me do anything else, because they needed me to work the floor.

Good luck!

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