advice for preceptorship in LTC

[Stefani]

I am thinking serously about taking my preceptor at a LTC facility. I have reviewed CHF, MS, dementia, TPN, diabetes. I would love some feedback from someone that has been there. What other disorders should I review and what type of nursing skills (ie cath's, dressing changes etc.)should I brush up on. Your imput would be greatly appreciated.

[JLBLPN]

I have worked in LTC facilities for more than 12 years. Those topics are good but i would also consider brushing up on prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, fall prevention, stroke and rehabilitation, geriatric lab values, sundowning syndrome, hip fractures and hip precautions. Good luck with what ever you do

[Heather27]

Hi Stefani...EXCELLENT field to get into..I love geriatrics. Can I give you a word of advice? Don't go into your clinical all brushed up on "disorders" alone...

Take a look at the residents from a non-nursing perspective for a minute...from a non-student one. These people have seen and lived through more than ANY of us ever will. The average geriatric patient has LIKELY lived through at least two wars, the Depression, women getting "the vote",the first movies with AND without sound, wringer washers, homesteading out West, the steam engine's demise, the changeover from streetcars to motor cars/buses, the Civil Rights movement, JFK's assassination, the Hippie era...shall I go on? Point is...these people have much to offer YOU. Even the ones who appear limited by Alzheimer's have, by times, AMAZING long term memory. Don't take away clinical experience from the LTC facility you choose..take away life experience.

[km rn]

Parkinsons, COPD, CVA, Arthritis, CAD, Osteoporosis, Orthostatic Hypotension, Anxiety Disorders, Quadriplegia, Depression, Bi-polar Disease, Depression, Asthma, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Pneumonia.

I hope you enjoy your long term care experience - long term care lets you use no only physical assessment skills but also leadership skills. Enjoy and Best Wishes!

[km rn]

Parkinsons, COPD, CVA, Arthritis, CAD, Osteoporosis, Orthostatic Hypotension, Anxiety Disorders, Quadriplegia, Depression, Bi-polar Disease, Depression, Asthma, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Pneumonia.

I hope you enjoy your long term care experience - long term care lets you use not only physical assessment skills but also leadership skills. Enjoy and Best Wishes!