A concerned LPN!

[gil3]

Hello everybody,

As many of you might know, I became a Licensed Practical Nurse a few weeks ago and as soon as I received my license card, I started working in a nursing home. I'm grateful that I have a job, but I'm kind of concerned/nervous/scared with my job. I started working night shift, and as you all know, the patient to nurse ratio is way different for night shift.

I normally have 35-38 residents every night and it makes me feel nervous that as a new nurse I don't feel prepared enough if two or more residents were to need my help at the same time. Yes, there is more nurse on my shift, but she basically has the same workload as me.

To be honest with you all, I don't think I like it- working all night AND having all that responsibility to myself- so, I started looking for another job. Some of my coworkers tell me that it gets better, but I don't know.

Any opinions or suggestions??

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

Your first year is awful... The first three years are hard. My advice it to really try and make it a year in your first job. Once your in the working world you are nothing but the sum of your work expearence. Without a solid first year your going to be no better off than a new grad applying for other positions. When you say nights I'm assuming you mean overnight 11-7 shift. Nights are also a different creature. It will take you a little longer to get a sense of time management because night shift tends to be paced differently than days or evenings. Mostly more work at the very end of the shift rather than the start. Good luck and hang in there.

I use my phone, to type, I work at night, and I'm a bad speller. Pick any reason you want for my misspellings

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

Also do you think it's possible your suffering from imposter syndrome?The feeling like your pretending to be able to do something and the anxiety that you will be found out to be a fraud even though you are appropriately trained.

I use my phone, to type, I work at night, and I'm a bad speller. Pick any reason you want for my misspellings

[SE_BSN_RN, BSN]

Hang in there. It does get better. Try to give it at least a year. I spent 6 in LTC as an LPN and was charge on the medicare unit with 15-20 patients because the RN in house didn't want to do it. The first month will be totally overwhelming, but after that you'll find you can manage time better and know what to expect. When I worked nights in LTC, we had 2 nurses for a 120 bed facility. You can do it!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I normally have 35-38 residents every night and it makes me feel nervous that as a new nurse I don't feel prepared enough if two or more residents were to need my help at the same time.

35 to 38 residents on night shift? You have a great nurse/patient ratio for night shift and I doubt you'll find a lower one anywhere else.

When I worked night shift in LTC, I typically had 68 residents by myself with the help of 2 to 3 CNAs. Yes, two residents might need your help at the same time, but in the vast majority of cases, one can wait while you help the other first.

[sMoLsNurse]

I wouldn't look at it as having 35-38 residents, but look at it as how many things are to be done on that shift. Typically there aren't a lot of meds or treatments to be done. I would make a list of things that need to be completed. I remember working a few nights with 50 residents. There wasn't much to do until about 4am. I just made a list like 5am-meds 615-fingersticks etc.

[NOADLS]

I have more than double that many on night shift. The ratio you are presenting is a normal LTC ratio for day or evening shift.

[libran1984, ASN, RN]

Don't feel bad at all about feeling overwhelmed and looking for a different job. While what you are experiencing is typical, about one year is a good time frame to really begin to feel comfortable. On the other hand, you can pretend this is all a prioritization NCLEX question. Which patient would you see first? I really liked the idea another user had about making a list of what needs to be done. Keep ur chin up! You're doing an honorable service that, make no mistake, is also very difficult.

[MinelaBabic]

I just graduated a couple months ago as well & I also started working at a nursing home. It was so hard for me at first and it still is, but you just have to hang in there and it gets better! It's already gotten much easier for me. Just think of why you became a nurse in the first place & it will keep you going. They all say the first year is the worst - and that's only because you're getting used to a new job and career!! After a year of experience I bet you'll feel much better. ☺️ Hang in there & good luck! God bless.

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

Everyone who posted gave you good information, the only thing I can add is if that is you in the picture, you should change it to something that doesn't identify you :)

[MinelaBabic]

Okay guys! I have a question. So I just got a permanent hall at work. It's a lockdown unit for dementia/Alzheimer's residents. What should I expect, and any advice? :) thank you I'm advance.

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

Start a new thread. Don't hijack this one.

I use my phone, to type, I work at night, and I'm a bad speller. Pick any reason you want for my misspellings