I just got hired at a LTC any advice?

1. 0 I just got hired at a LTC and I would appreciate any advice I can get on how to survive and do the best job for the patients in my care! I'm so nervous, but excited too! Thanks to all in advance!!!

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2. 13 Comments

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   #1 2

   Nov 13, '12 by PinkNurse42

   Remember that the elderly are young at heart! Enjoy your new job :-)
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   #2 1

   Nov 14, '12 by Browneee

   I was a CNA prior to egtting my LPN, so I know.both sides. Be active with your aides. Help as much as you can! Also, the patients deserve to be treated with dignity. Emphasize this to your aides!!!
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   #3 0

   Nov 15, '12 by Cyndibelle

   Congrats on the job!! I was an STNA prior to becoming an LPN in Long term care..So remember....Our elders are amazing people..THey had a life just like us, alot of them were crazy and have alot of fun stories to share. Give them some of your time and that is like gold to them!!
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   #4 0

   Nov 17, '12 by kckris

   Always listen to your CNA's. They know your residents the best.
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   #5 1

   Nov 18, '12 by dlynn34LPN

   Only advice I can give is make sure u do work in the scope of ur role as a nurse... Cause companies will ask u to do stuff that ur not allow to do
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   #6 0

   Nov 18, '12 by lpn954

   First of all congrats! I was excited to have my first job as well. I am not the fastest learner, but I learned and grew SO much at my first job. I worked at what is called a sub-acute unit at a hospital. I had a really good training program there. The nurses taught me everything I needed to know so well. I also had a great support system from all the nurses who really encouraged me and pushed me along. It was difficult and stressful at times, I'm not going to lie but so worth it! I was slow and not so confident in the beginning, and grew to be much faster and confident in the end. I learned trach care, suctioning, peg tubes, vents, and I was in charge of 10-15 patients many of whom were on peg tubes and vents. It was only me. I had no RN, (only if needed in an emergency), no respiratory therapist, or anyone else. I did it though and I am proud of myself for being able to do it. I learned so much, and if I can get though that, I can do anything! So can you. It will not be easy at times, but it will only get better with time, it did for me. I wish you the best.
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   #7 0

   Nov 19, '12 by Mojotown

   I've been doing this 20 years now all skilled rehab long-term care in Utah California and now I'm currently in Texas. A bit of advice don't be afraid to ask questions and don't be afraid to say I'm not sure
10. 
    #8 0

    Nov 19, '12 by MSdeltaPN2012

    I too started a new job at a LTC facility 2 days after you did. Interested to know how it's going for you? As for me, I am overwhelmed. I love being a nurse and I also love all 30 of my residents. My job includes: issuance of meds PO and feeding tube, breathing tx's, 11 am accu-checks, and charting just to name a few. I am familiar with my residents after 3 wks of employment but I am finding it quite stressful that I cannot complete tasks on time. I am constantly interrupted for something, mainly for new resident orders or "so an so needs a laxative". I was taught in nursing school that no one should interrupt you while on med pass bc there is a risk of encountering a med error. Do you or anyone else have this problem?
11. 
    #9 0

    Nov 20, '12 by Midwest4me

    Congrats! Now for the advice: Be prepared for constant interruptions during med passes, when on the phone with MDs, doing treatments. Often you are understaffed and need to help the CNAs or take on a patient or two yourself as well as do your nursing work. Often you are the only nurse in charge of 20-40 patients. Do NOT expect to leave work on time. Be prepared to get your heart broken by the kind things (AND nasty things) patients say to you. Make list after list of things to do and prioritize! Depend on your CNAs but don't be bullied by them. I wish you the best of luck!
12. 
    #10 0

    Nov 21, '12 by al586

    congrats on your new job! Don't be afraid to ask questions, & as Midwest4me said, Prioritize! Who needs labs, who needs accuchecks, who needs essential meds, and so on. Embrace the British motto:
    "Keep Calm and Carry On"
    
13. 
    #11 0

    Nov 25, '12 by grace.z

    I am seeing the same problem; I just started at LTC as a new grad. Very discouraging...seeing alot of bad habits around me, and most are illegal.
14. 
    #12 0

    Dec 1, '12 by jagged777

    @newnurse I am in the same situation.I start orientation on monday. I am a nervous, but i am trying to stay calm and soaking all the advice in this thread. I am approaching my first Lpn job in LTC by being humble and willing learn . Any advice on time management, dealing with stress on being a new nurse and just anything else i need to know.Thanks in advance.

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