Just about to start!

[gorgenurse]

So, I am through with the orientation classes and will start on the floor this Friday! I am looking forward to it, but am also a little nervous. I have been reading through your posts and see that a lot of issues have to do with not having enough time to pass meds. At the facility where I will be working there is a medication aid. So even though as an RN I will be responsible for up to 40 residents, I will have approximately 6 CNA's and a medication aid. So I will be doing treatments, blood sugars/insulin and of course charting etc.

I am just curious as to what you all think of these numbers? I am some what relieved that I will not be the one doing all the meds as well. I can see how that would be very overwhelming!

[iNurseUK, RN]

It is quite a high caseload but as these patients are not acute I'm sure you will do just fine.

Congratulations on starting your job and all best wishes :)

[NamasteNurse, BSN, RN]

you are very lucky! sounds like a piece of cake to me!

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

40 residents, you as the RN, a med aid and 6 CNA's? Wow. With 34 residents its just me as the floor nurse, I do ALL the meds, treatments, insulins/BS, charting, etc, with 3 CNA's (we work 3-11p) but 7-3 same amount of residents, 1 nurse and 4 CNA's.

I think you'll do fine. Most of my 8 hr shifts consist of 2 huge med passes.

[gorgenurse]

Thank you all for your input. My first 2 days went well. The first day I was on a unit with 40 residents and a med aid and let me tell you we were plenty busy! The next day I was on an alzheimers unit with 25 residents and no med aid (short staffed). I did some of the meds and boy was I slow! I certainly hope I get faster at that!

For my first 2 days ever of long term care, it wasn't too bad. I am sure I will be back often with LOTS of questions!