New grad and first job as lvn but has no idea :( help!

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Hey! Im a new grad and just got a job and im on orientation for 6 days. Just finished my first day and i thought i was gonna learn alot but didnt. UnfortunTley the lvn that i was shadowing was too lazy to teach me stuff and orient me..so my question is for those who are working ad lvn, what do u do first after clocking in and making ur rounds? What are the steps from start to finish? And i know that the facility has a book of change of conditions so u can chart them, but who does the change of condition? Like who writes on it? Because i know that we lvn if we see a pt. that has a coc we chart them..pls help!

Thanks for all the comments these are really helpful to new LPNs looking for a job, like me. Chins up, and we WILL find something!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

squishyRN, thank you , you are the bomb, going out if your way to help a new nurse, wish there were more of you ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello. This is really helpful. I was wondering if you can write in steps😄? Ill be starting soon and excited/nervous

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

ABT =antibiotic treatment, Ie patient "xyz" remains on Bactrim DS for UTi, no signs of adverse reaction, reinforced with patient to consume more PO fluids.........etc

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.

Ugh, sorry friend, it seems like training of new nurses in LTC gets shorter and shorter. My current PRN job in LTC allowed me to orientate for 6 shifts and that's with 5 years of experience. While it was most likely more than I needed ( I had been out of LTC for a few years in another field) it did set me up to be just fine on my own. Wish they would do that for all. esp. new grads.

I know you have gotten great advice but I will give you a quick run down of mine because I am PRN and it seems like every shift is my first shift lol so I always have to be on my toes.

After I clock in/round/count narcs with the other nurse/and get the keys, we do report last. Since I am only in a few times a month, I write down all crush/whole meds, who is on ATB, who is a diabetic, who is hospice, who is on IV's, wound vacs, etc, and if I am not familiar with a resident just ask them to give me a quick run down. I also high light my skilled patients so I can do vitals and chart on them later (daily charting on skilled residents on my facility). I keep a separate paper besides my patient list with separate columns: vitals, Tx, and accu checks. I put their room numbers in the boxes and cross them off as I go. Just my little reminder sheet.

Side note: we do not have a change of condition book. In fact, I have worked in several LTC and have never seen one! We have a doctor's board for non emergent doctor request, like "Mrs. X is wanting to talk to you about DCing her catheter".... but that's it. So I can't speak on that.

Another VERY helpful thing I have asked other co workers is WHAT ORDER they do their med pass in. I have three separate "houses" to go to, we do not have traditional halls, they are in different buildings. So having a run down on how they do it has been very helpful.

I also have a clipboard that I can put papers in. I have pertinent info I need like Pham number, lab number, on call MD, non emergent transport ambulance, portable x ray people, etc etc. I also keep co worker phone numbers who are fine with me texting questions to them when they are off, this has been a lifesaver.

I work in a non traditional nursing home now, we do not have med times, just "upon waking" and "before bed" orders. It's to allow the residents to live as they please, it's a lot more laid back than most LTC. So one day Mr. Jones could have lunch at 11 and need his BS check at 10:30 or the next day he could eat lunch at 1 and need his BS check at 12:30. So for that reason I won't spell out my day because if your in a traditional LTC my daily routine will not be of much use.

Just write down any questions you have so you can remember the answer later. Its hard to retain any information when your new and overwhelmed. Good luck!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in sub acute, ltc, mental health/addiction.

If you dont like or feel that who is orienting you is doing what they are suppose to do then say something to your DON or whomever you report to. You need to learn and do. Find your own flow. It makes it hard when you have someone crummy and disinterested in traiing you. You just have to advoicate for yourself in this reguard. And if you dont feel your getting the response you need then look elsewhere for a job

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment