LTC: 3 Strikes I'm OUT???

[mejajo02]

Its been One year after getting my lpn license and I am so unhappy. I worked in psych for about 6 months and just grew tired of the constant violence and backstabbing of upper management, so i decided to give LTC a try. I was a cna in geriatrics for 6 years so i thought why not, plus being an lpn is already very limited places you can work. Well.... long story short, the first ltc i was "let go" after 3 weeks of orientation because i was not fast enough during med pass (30 plus patients). The second ltc i tried i quit after the DON promised me an 11-15 nurse patient ratio, then i end up on the worst floor with 25 or more patients with no one who wanted to train me!! Now i am currently at a 3rd LTC and i am just overwhelmed with the amount of patients 30 plus and working 3-11 finishing med pass at midnight or 1 in the morning........ I am ready to quit I am still in orienation. Either i am not cut out to be a nurse or maybe i need a slower pace..... I have been offered another job at another ltc working 11-7p and 7p-7a three times a week. Is night shift slower, than second shift??? I know my limitations I feel i may need a slower pace to gain my confidence. I really do want to be a nurse, but something has to give.....

[adventure780, BSN, MSN, RN, APN]

Tips for LTC, been doing it for over 2 years and here is what I have learned

1. Flag meds to be given later or at odd times in the shift

2. When getting report ensure you know how everyone takes their meds

3. If you know they have chronic pain , medicate around the clock that way they don't argue with u for being late with meds

4. Gather your supplies beginning of your shift, so case something goes haywire later in the shift, you still have time to deal with that situation and wish your other tasks

5. Someone who gets a dressing change on your time, check to see if they are due for a shower, do the dressing change after the shower so you don't have to go back in twice for same task

6. Sometimes you will have to stay late, but always double check your signtures because the facility and yourself will be in hot water when things are not signed for

7. if someone is willing to help you let them and you can do the same for them when you have less complicated load than the other nurse

8. Get your own cuff and keep it with you pulse ox is helpful too, so you can just get your vitals and you go through your medication pass

[lub dub]

When the workload is intolerable, and the work atmosphere is intolerable, there are other steps you can take besides quitting. Have you tried speaking with management?

[eeffoc_emmig]

When the workload is intolerable, and the work atmosphere is intolerable, there are other steps you can take besides quitting. Have you tried speaking with management?

I know this question wasn't meant for me. I found my second LTC position/situation to be intolerable for several reasons - not just the crazy workload. I went to the DON. I was honest about things that were going on that made the workplace just not work well. It actually got much worse. Day shift (a few of the nurses that brown-nosed her) started leaving more and more things undone (dressing changes, med carts unstocked, etc.) Some places don't want to hear the truth and try to flush you out.

[adventure780, BSN, MSN, RN, APN]

Same with where I work unless a patient complaint comes along

[MrsCuoco]

Slow paced??

What nursing home do you work at?

Yeah...I wanna know so I can work there! Hal my class works in LTC and they repot being run off their heinous!