Skilled Nursing Facility, New grad. Need Advise.

sunshyne17 · Dec 15, 2013

I work in an SNF. Knowing how to redirect residents with dementia was asked of me. If I had any experience with PCC (electronic charting), etc.

I would focus on communicating with family, being quick and efficient, knowledge of peg tubes help. That's what helps me on the regular. Counting narcs, status changes in residents, rehab knowledge (learning how hips/knees should be positioned), pressure ulcers.

Present yourself as eager to learn, willing to stay and be a team player, stuff like that. If you have any specific questions - message me!

rrp87 · Dec 15, 2013

Thank you so much Sunshyne17!!!

sunshyne17 · Dec 16, 2013

Sure thing! Most of what you will need to learn is being able to pass meds quickly, assessing a resident in less than 5 minutes and somehow being able to do a full head to toe assessment. Another difficult skill is being able to chart on 25 to 30 residents all within a 8 hr time frame. I have been doing this about a month and a half now so it gets easier but its a sttttteeeeeeppp learning curve!

x19amanda · Dec 26, 2013

i started as a new grad 6mths ago...i was terrified. some advice:

1) ask questions...they are never dumb. there is always someone with more experience.

2)communicate with your aides efficently

3)DOCUMENT DOCUMENT DOCUMENT-cover your ass.

4)Incident reports are long and annoying but essential to prevent lawsuits and state health inspection deficiencies.

5)Customer service-you may want to rip your hair out with needy residents and family members but just keep as mile on your face.

6)dont forget nursing 101-help aides provide incontinent care etc.

7)know your residents meds, dx's etc. so youre aware of critical changes in status.

8)Learn the med pass prior to the desk...

9)COMMUNICATION from shift to shift.

rrp87 · Jan 7, 2014

Thank you x19amanda!

i_am_KC · Nov 6, 2014

do you need to have your own steth or pulse oximeter in a snf?