mellster LPN

mellster has 29 years experience as a LPN and specializes in LTC, home health.

Latest Activity

1. Are you being required to wear face masks all shift now on assisted living, memory care or nursing homes?

   mellster replied to Blackcat99's topic in COVID

   We were just told yesterday that we will have to use the same mask for several days and store in a paper bag. To me, that is just disgusting. I would love to culture those masks after a week to see what grows. I won't be back for at least a week t...

2. Changes to nursing theory course/exam delivery

   mellster replied to Lunah's topic in Excelsior

   I have thought about trying Excelsior College for my RN for a while, but I'm afraid that taking the online classes will be too expensive. Excelsior charges over 500 per credit. That is kind of steep. The community college in my area charges half t...

3. Accepted to 2 Nursing Programs: Help me decide which is the best option

   mellster replied to Nurse Beth's topic in Nurse Beth

   Make sure you really know what you are getting into with nursing before you spend the money. I'm an LPN, and I have no desire to go on for my RN at this point. I make good money even as an LPN. However, after 21 years, I am burned out. I have don...

4. LTC vs Assisted living

   mellster replied to Mscoleman78's topic in LPN/LVN

   I had a job in assisted living for 2 years. I ended up going back to skilled nursing. In my AL, there were 3 buildings. 2 buildings were AL and 1 building had a locked dementia unit on the ground floor with 3 floors of independent living residents...

5. Dumping on the ER?

   mellster replied to %D#2's topic in General Nursing

   In this situation, I would have sent the patient out also. I am an LPN with 20 years of experience. I have worked in an ALF where I was the only nurse on campus for 3 buildings. I only had med associates and personal care aides working with me who...

6. "State's Here!": Demystifying the Long-Term Care Survey

   mellster replied to VivaLasViejas's topic in Geriatric

   The reason why the regulations aren't followed all year in most cases is that the facilities REFUSE to staff in such a way that it is possible to do your job properly. I think it is a disgrace that all the admins come out of their offices and help o...

7. I think my nurses are on the verge of mutiny!

   mellster replied to NurseGuyBri's topic in Geriatric

   Viva, I wish I could work at your facility. And it is so true about the DON setting the tone. If you don't have a strong DON morale really goes down!!

8. Frustrating Workplace

   mellster replied to smcklpn's topic in LPN/LVN

   We had some of the same problems at the long term care facility I used to work at. We were also told not to chart supervisor aware. The supervisors were afraid they would be held liable if something happened. It is their job to be aware of what is...

9. I think my nurses are on the verge of mutiny!

   mellster replied to NurseGuyBri's topic in Geriatric

   Please don't leave since you seem to really care, and we need nursing administration like you. Nursing administration at my old job just kept throwing more and more work at us and had an it's too bad attitude. We really need people in long term car...

10. LPN or RN for nursing home

    mellster replied to snowwhite2002's topic in LPN-RN

    It pretty much sucks in just about every setting, because it is all about the almighty dollar. It won't improve, because nurses don't have the cohesiveness to stick together. If you bring your concerns about the workload in any facility, you will h...

11. Its official! I am leaving nursing.........

    mellster replied to Kashia's topic in General Nursing

    The problem is if you stand up for what's right administration will find a way to get rid of you. I have seen it happen too many times. Our job is one in which we have too much work piled onto us. No matter how hard you try to do things right, you...

12. RNs vs LPNs

    mellster replied to CapeCodMermaid's topic in LTC Directors

    Not neccesarily. An LPN has the scope of practice to work on any LTC unit in my state including subacute rehab. This is a CMS thing. The rating system makes it so that a facility is rated better with more RNs. Of course, it depends on your state ...

13. Why the heck do I have to be assertive???

    mellster replied to JaRoJoCT's topic in General Students

    I am also a somewhat introverted person. I have been a nurse for several years now, and I am much more assertive. I am more outspoken with my opinions. The job will challenge you and make you grow which is really not a bad thing. I'm still very t...

14. RNs vs LPNs

    mellster replied to CapeCodMermaid's topic in LTC Directors

    We take IVs. I've noticed that back when the acuity was lower our facility did not allow us LPNs to do IVs even the our state nurse practice act allowed it. Now that the acuity is getting higher, we are all required to get certified. And I agree t...

15. RNs vs LPNs

    mellster replied to CapeCodMermaid's topic in LTC Directors

    Number of RNs is part of the score, but only part. If your facility scores well in other areas, you can still be a 5 star facility. Also, it doesn't have to be all RNs. My facility has quite a few RNs, but still is not 5 star since it is low in ot...