No experience, should I take a shift at a LTC facility?

Nurses New Nurse

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I'm looking for a new job. Currently I work for a home health agency. I was just notified that there is a shift open at a LTC facility. I have never been there. Aside from clinicals, I have zero experience working as a nurse after being licensed (I'm an LPN, just got my license last month).

I think it's crazy to take a shift, but my employer reassured me that it would be ok.

Am I being overly cautious or do I have a real concern?

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It's just filling in for one shift?

It will likely be just passing meds and doing treatments but the number of patients will be high. Did you get experience with documenting on a MAR in school? It will be a challenge because of the high patient ratio, but the process is relatively simple. If you take it be sure to get a good report including how patients take their meds, who sundowns, and any known issues (like a demented resident who always complains about something that has already been addressed). Patient identification can be tricky especially if they are all hanging out in the dining room/activity area and may not have name bands. Ask your CNAs to identify the residents for you. Be very careful with your narc counts because agency nurses are the first to get blamed (or set up if a regular is diverting).

I've been an RN for 2 years and work per diem at a LTC/rehab. It's usually challenging to go into a LTC unit that I'm unfamiliar with for just a shift. Sometimes I have trouble finding the meds and the residents get upset because I don't know their usual routines. It would be a good experience for you. Just carry out the prescribed interventions and report any issues to the supervisor. Hopefully the people there are nice and willing to help you. Let us know what happens and good luck!

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You will never get experience without a job.

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Specializes in retired LTC.
You will never get experience without a job.

Very wise words of wisdom.

To OP - your employer suggested it. If you regard your empl well, then take the suggestion and go for it.

No one will ever sugar-coat LTC. If someone does, they're liars, liars, pants on fire! It's lot of hard work & full of BS at times. But it does have its moments, esp once you get into your GROOVE.

Give it a chance!

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Thanks for the advice, excellent point about my employer suggesting it.

Unfortunately, someone snagged the hours before I did. I'll be faster next time.

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