[nursefredrick]

Hello. My name is Amy. I have been an LPN for almost 2 years now. I have joined the boards in search of advice regarding my RN. I currently work at an acute care rehabilitation hospital, Healthsouth. I am not sure if I like it or not, or if I am just burned out on nursing already...after 2 years!!

I look forward to getting to know you all.

[AmandaWIRN]

Welcome!

[cougarnurse]

Hi, Amy, and welcome to the site. Can you elaborate on the 'burnout'? Maybe you just need a change of scenery job wise?

'Cat'

[nursefredrick]

Hm...Elaborate on my burn out.

Well, when I started working in healthcare, I thought nursing was an admirable position. A very respected, educated position. I started as a secretary, during nursing school, I was a patient care tech, then....when I graduated as a GPN we moved, and the only place that would hire me fresh out of school was a nursing home. It was so so scary. Seriously. I had an emergency one night and had to get help to even call the doc, I didn't even know how to get an outside line, or who was on call. Sure I get an order, but where do I write it....etc!?!

So that was fun obviously. I didn't mind it after I got it down pat. Then I went to work at a local hospital. They paid terribly. I learned later that CNA's were getting hired and paid only a dollar or so less than I, with a year of charge experience.
I left there quickly. I would like to mention I have never changed jobs so often in my life, not until I became a nurse.

I now work at Healthsouth. LPNs, pass meds. I feel like I don't get any respect. Sure the pay is nice, but the last time I changed a dressing was in Sept, of 07. Not to mention the last time I charted something! I worry frequently that I am going to loose my skills. I feel like I am getting dumber by the day. I hear many derrogative things about LPNs at work. LPN's can be in charge, or "team lead", but the ones that do have been there for years.

I am just in an ever-consistent dilemma. I feel like I don't get respect, which makes me hate my job. When I do get asked a question or for my opinion, or when someone says, "your a nurse," I am taken back like, oh you are right... I am huh??? I don't know if it is just me or what.

So...do I stay in nursing..can I do this for years to come. Should I advance to an RN? Maybe I should get a different job...where? I would like a clinic job, but once again....bad bad pay. So it looks like I am stuck! I am sure you have been there... ya know. When the McDonalds drive through looks like a fresh start. LOL!!!