Finding Your Place as an LPN
The moment I heard that I got accepted into the Sowela practical nursing program, I was excited and ready to choose a specialty and decide where I wanted to work. I had no idea if being an LPN would limit my job options. I thought about working in the emergency room, surgery, or cardiac departments – something “cool and exciting.” Little did I know that I would end up becoming a pediatric/mental health nurse and enjoying it immensely.
In my opinion, if you’re in nursing school or a new LPN who recently passed the NCLEX-PN, don’t stress over choosing a specialty. Many nurses feel pressured to pick a specialty right away, and sometimes they end up disappointed or feeling like they made the wrong decision. It’s common to work in various specialties and facilities throughout your career. During clinicals in hospitals and other medical settings, you’ll have the chance to experience different specialties. Take notes on what you like, dislike, and the various atmospheres you encounter. However, keep in mind that clinicals don’t fully prepare you for real-life nursing. Don’t set unrealistic expectations for your future job based on your clinical experiences.
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Finding Your Place as an LPN
You won’t know how you feel about a certain area or atmosphere until you actually start working as an LPN. The variables of hours and shifts are also something you won’t fully understand until you’re in the workforce. Hospitals often have 12-16 hour shifts, three days a week, while clinics typically operate Monday through Friday, 8-5. There are other shift options, but these are the ones I have experienced. I personally prefer clinic hours, Monday through Friday, 8-5, with an occasional weekend.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) vs Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
The beauty of nursing is that the opportunities are endless, even for LPNs. There are various specialties and settings you can explore:
– Pediatrics, PICU, NICU
– Med/Surg
– Correctional facilities
– Wound care
– ER and urgent care
– Home health, hospice
– Nursing homes
– Ortho, neuro, cardiac, etc.
– Mental health, addiction, rehab
– Schools
– Labor & Delivery, OB/GYN offices
– Plasma centers
– Clinics (family practice, etc.)
– Hospitals
– Travel nursing
So, are you convinced yet? You won’t ever find yourself stuck in a job you’re not happy with. One of my instructors used to say, “You never know if a job will make you happy or unhappy, so always have a backup plan in case you need to make a quick exit!”
Every nurse is unique. We all have different strengths and weaknesses in our skills, interests in various specialties, and personality traits that fit better in certain environments. Are you comfortable with a high-stress, fast-paced setting, or do you prefer a more relaxed and steady atmosphere? You’ll quickly discover what works for you. Each one of us has a place in the medical field that benefits our patients, and our presence will always be necessary.
In many hospitals, they often want nurses to have 1-2 years of experience on a Med/Surg floor. In nursing school, we were pushed to learn about Med/Surg, and honestly, it wasn’t my favorite. It was a necessary step to gain the training needed to be a nurse, and I did learn a lot. However, I knew deep down that I didn’t want to work in that setting. I was incredibly relieved when my office hired me on the spot, even though I had no experience except for being a CNA in cardiac for a year. So, it’s crucial to be prepared and carefully read job ads. Many will emphasize the need for specific experience, but it won’t hurt to apply anyway. You never know what might happen.
Finding Your Place as an LPN
For me, I absolutely love my jobs and the environment I’m in. I utilize about 90% of the skills I acquired in school, I’m content with my schedules, and I excel in the chaos when things get busy. If, however, I ever find myself unhappy, I have peace of mind knowing that it’s incredibly easy for LPNs to find a job. You’re never stuck. As you continue learning, growing, and changing, it makes sense that your job preferences may evolve as well. To new nurses, my advice is to focus more on the opportunities to learn and gain experience rather than fixating on finding a job in one specific specialty. Go ahead and apply, but don’t be disheartened if you can’t start exactly where you thought you wanted to be. You might surprise yourself, just like I did when I found my place in the areas I work in. Becoming an LPN is an exciting journey, and there’s an incredible sense of satisfaction when you discover where you truly belong in our dynamic world of nursing.
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