new l.p.n. stressed out

[LPN2006STU]

hi:

I work in a nursing home/mental health facility. Most of our residents have health issues as well as mental health. The floor I have, majority are in w/c. I have 3 c.n.a's and a c.m.a, but we have 30 to 40 patients. I am working 12 hour shifts on Sat. and Sun. It is a lot of work but it is stressful. I keep wondering if this feeling is going to go away because I am new to the field. I get the feeling that because this place is desperate for help they are just glad to have anyone there. I am in fear if my c.m.a calls in I will have to do my job and hers. Sometimes i feel like I bit off more than I can chew but then I tell myself well I have to learn sometime. I have been told that this is how it is in nursing home when you are an l.p.n. Is that true?

[NoWaNrN, ASN, RN]

I worked 3rd shift (I'm a new LPN) and the tasks were so large! The 2 wks I orientated the nurse I was with never took a lunch or her breaks! So when I was let go on my own I didn't even know when to take my lunch! The tasks are really managable if you never take your breaks but that isn't fair. Then each week they added new thing we would have to do. I know first shift is busy also but at this LTC facility anything first said they couldn't finish 3rd had to. Then they wonder why TX's don't get done. I became a nurse because I truely wanted to help people and in a LTC facility that doesn't happen. After a month I decided I'm going to do home health until I finish my RN (Dec. 07) because there I will feel like I can have time and do one on one pt care and make a differece.

[crystalclear]

I have been working as a LPN for about 9months. My first job was a hell for me. "I received 3 days orientation, before I was put on the cart alone. I cried, and prayed, I thought it was me, but another nurse that worked on 11-7 told me that I didn't receive enough orientation. I was determined not to quit. I was eventually offered a 3-11 shift verses the 7a-7p baylor. I turned the job down. They tried to make it seem as if I just could'nt handle the shift and I couldn't because it takes proper orientation and time. I left that facility now I work closer to home. I received 30 days orientation with another nurse. The experience I had at the other facility made me look good because alot the feelings I experienced I could handle. You will ALWAYS have stressful times. You have to determine if you are working in the right facility. In time should be able to look back on your first work days and smile. It will or should get better after you develop a routine. About the doing the CNA's job. There has been a time or 2 I had to push the cart and do the CNA's job because I had only one aid on my end due to illness. You have to determine what needs to be done immediately and what will have to wait. I hope this helps!!! Keep you head up!!!

[mcdonaldgirl]

it can be done, having floated for many years. i have helped aides get up residents and worked "the floor:" of course, i had several years under my belt, also.

i consder ltc as a very rewarding experience. not all families can care for loved ones at home, whether it be due to the diagnoses, non-compliance, or life in general.

i have faith in you that you will learn and do well! :)

"mac"

[suebird3]

I have just started my 8th year at the same LTC Facility. I started as an LPN, and they helped me go on for my RN.

There are 120 patients, and I have had to deal with 60 on 3-11, and the whole 120 on 11-7. Is it hard? Yes, it can be, until you get a routine. Heck, I am well known for my "eat and run" deal. Seems like I can never make it to the break room, cuz something always happens.

I figure we learned to do patient care in school, and it isn't too hard to clean people when they needd help. Gives me a chance to assess skin and all.

Suebird