any advice for new LPN work for nursing home?!

Specialties Geriatric

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Looking for some advice for new LPN work for nursing home!!! (ASAP)

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Specializes in retired LTC.

There's many posts here on AN that super answer that question - really great answers. Having said that, my pearls of wisdom -

1 - when in doubt, err on the safe side.

2 - NEVER EVER take any shortcuts when you give narcs and most esp when you COUNT!!!

3 - make sure you have your own . For peace of mind, it's very inexpensive. And if there's a problem, they can offer you representation/advice that benefits YOU. An employer will be looking out for itself, not you.

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Don't ever forget the basics of nursing, Maslow's hierarchy of needs. :) Best of luck!

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ALWAYS know your patients code status (DNR vs full code) BEFORE you start your shift! Nothing worse than finding a patient and having to have someone run to the computer or chart to get the status (our facility does not have any indication on the arm bands if the pt is full or DNR).

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Organization is key to getting through your medpass. There will be any manner of things that will distract away from this. It can range from the telephones, to visitors. Get to know your patients. One of the first things you will see are behavioral changes when something needs attention. Be kind, both to your patients and your subordinates. Your CNA's are your eyes and ears when you are on duty. Trust me, they know things you don't about your assigned group. And many will share valuable knowledge if you allow it to happen. Work with them, not against them. Don't be too shy to do some transfers or repositioning. Don't be too 'good' to change an attend here and there.

Share with your team. Not 'just the facts, maam' things. Everyone knows to follow trends in B&B, Vitals, etc. But the patient who may be experiencing a social or personal challenge does much better with a combined show of staff understanding. And listen to your patients. The A/O times 3-4 lady's preference of chocolate ice cream with evening meds is important (i.e.). And the guy who speaks on in one type of gibberish swapping to another type of gibberish is trying to tell you something too.

Look, listen, learn, share. Stay organized. People will love you.

There is a nursing home I get sent to occasionally near my home. I can't make it to report quickly due to the hug train that presents when they hear I'm coming. It's a good feeling.

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Be fair in supervising the CNA's. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Be reserved about "agreeing" with anybody when they start a complaint session. You don't want to get a reputation for being a complainer, especially when the other person is always starting the complaining and you just happen to be standing in that area of the hallway.

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It seems like I have already had a lot of CNA problems to deal with. I am just a newly graduated nurse. any tips to deal with CNAs? (ps. I really appreciate their hard work but sometimes their complain just make me not be able to concentrate what I have to learn at work.

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It seems like I have already had a lot of CNA problems to deal with. I am just a newly graduated nurse. any tips to deal with CNAs? (ps. I really appreciate their hard work but sometimes their complain just make me not be able to concentrate what I have to learn at work.
Let's start with some questions: 1. What are your CNA'S complaining about that's distracting you? 2. What kind of things are you referring to when you say you have a lot of CNA problems?
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Specializes in Main O.R. and CVOR.

RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate LTC and can not wait to get out

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