[netzela]

I have my orientation in LTC...it is 4 days already and 4 more days to go and then I will be by myself. 40 residents ,my shift 3-11 . All meds,treatment and documentation will be on me and I am new graduated. No experience. I do not feel that I am ready at all.I think I would rather do home care starting with one patient. Can I refuse and not to take this job? I am very confused,do not know what to do.

[Fiona59]

You can refuse to work anywhere you want. You are a nurse not a slave.

To tell the truth you are getting a longer orientation that I ever recieved. FIVE shifts are the norm up here.

Orientation is to learn the facility routines, paperwork, and address any skills you feel weak in. You are expected to know how to be a nurse, not an expert.

[tiroka03]

I think that it is really hard to learn a new job. I can give you one bit of advise that will help you.

keep a little 3 x 5 spiral notebook, and make tabs. You might want to make sections for phone number for doctors, ambulance, laundry, kitchen, your supervisor ect
another tab for procedures that you are now just learning, what equipment, where to find it, and how to do it
another tab for labs, another tab for special paperwork, like the end of the month stuff, or anything that you would hate to ask someone over again.

eventually you will have everything memorized, but it is a great tool to have now and to build on as you go along.

I can clearly remember my first nursing experience, and it wasn't at all pretty, but somehow by the grace of God I made it through. I have had a few nursing jobs, because of moving twice, and even with knowling all the procedures and being pretty quick on the ball with nursing, the new facility procedures and personalities can be very overwhelming. You need to believe that the classes you took, prepared you for what you are doing.

Also, don't be afraid to ask questions. Then write down the answers in your little notebook.

Hand in there, it does get easier.

Kathy