New Grad RN's working in Nursing Homes. What's your experience?

[grateful2010]

What is your role? What was your first day like? How many days of Training did you get? Did you use that training time to priotize and time mangae for when you will be on your own? What is your typical day like?

I'm interested in getting as much info as I can. I want to make sure this is something I really want to do. After I get over this cold, I plan on going from facility to facility in hopes of getting employed at a Nursing home. I only plan to stay there for 6months to a year max, just for the nursing experience on my resume. I can't find a job anywhere else, so far.

[kaydensmom01]

old post

[CKPM2RN, ASN, EMT-P]

If I could work in a facility like that I would stay! I have at least 35 residents on my own on any given day.

[caffeinatednurse, BSN, RN]

I got about two weeks of training. The first couple of days, I was following my preceptor around, getting an idea of the routine of the shifts, and getting to know the residents. Then I was on the cart, but was being observed by my preceptor the entire time...then I was on the cart, and she was available if I needed anything. My training was cut short due to my preceptor going on vacation, though, so it was really like 1.5 weeks of training.

I just finished training a new grad RN. It was a solid two weeks. We pretty much followed the format I described above, except that I was "around" to answer questions for a much longer portion of his training - he picked up the med cart routine pretty quickly, and required little to no supervision when passing meds and caring for the residents. I was mostly there in the event of emergencies, and to answer questions about the computer.

Most RNs in our facility stay on the short term rehab unit, where the ratio is 1:12 or less. In the event that you have to float over to the LTC side, the ratio is still less than 1:20. A majority of our residents are skilled, but I realize those numbers must seem like a cakewalk compared to other facilities.

[Avill, BSN, RN]

It depends, my first job was at an LTC and they were great to me. It was a great opportunity to learn. Since they knew I was a new grad they helped me whenever I needed it. I was working 3 days on 3 days off. And they helped train me for the first 3 rotations I think? And they never EVER made me feel dumb.

I learned medication functions, Gtube feedings, wound care and more.

Just depends on where you are and how your nurses are!