Adjusting to LTC/nursing rehab

Nurse8988 · May 9, 2019

I think that the workload in ltc and rehab can be overwhelming. It is great to learn time management. I recommend reflecting on how you can best manage your time and to create a plan to do so. However, there may be instances in which the workload is unreasonable to do safely. You have to be the one to make that call to see if something is reasonable or not and what you will and won’t deal with. I’ve been in that situation and worked my tail off and realized that there was so much work and so little staff that even with skipping meal times I still couldn’t get out on time given the workload. I was charge for subacute floor and was responsible for admissions, discharges, charting, wound care, emergencies, reviewing labs, talking to all 12 physical therapists that often had patient concerns, addressing said concerns, dealing with families, responding to routine patient complaints like pain, sob etc, sending patients to hospital, answering phones, sending pts on appts, dealing with drs who want you in the room when seeing patients at times, list goes on.I kept documentation of things I had to do in a shift , and discussed with my NM how I can get out in time. She thankfully worked my position before me and understood the challenges that the floor presented and paid me the OT for staying late because there was no other solution other than hiring another nurse for the floor which wasn’t going to happen at the time. After a while I wanted to change settings irregardless to learn a new specialty but even if I didn’t want to learn something new I would have left because I was getting burnt out and it wasn’t worth it to me. So there are a variety of factors you have to consider being a self review to see what you can do better, assessment of workload to see if it’s realistic to complete in your shift’s time, and what you are willing to deal with. I hope that helped some. Wishing you the best!

Nurse8988 · May 9, 2019

Also you might simply need time to get used to the floor. There are some things that take a while to perfect. Seeking a mentor if there is someone there that you think is an exemplary nurse may help as well. You can do this!

Lienne11, ADN · May 13, 2019

Thank you so much!

Nurse8988 · May 17, 2019

You're welcome! All the best with everything.

Forest2 · May 17, 2019

I tried it for a week and I just couldn't lower my standards to work there. I tried to talk to the head honchos about what was taking place. It went no where, that was when I said I wasn't coming back. I just couldn't live with myself working there. This seems to be an issue in all bedside nursing. How much you are willing to lower yourself in order to do what they want. Not only that, it is so unfortunate that this is how it seems to be these days. I just hate it, I have to be able to take pride in my work and know that patients are actually taken care of. Since, you are new, and hopefully young and healthy enough to keep up physically, just keep trying and if after a few months it still seems impossible, then move on. I know that may not sound like pleasant advice but that is what I would do, of course I don't know all your circumstances. In most jobs eventually you get the rhythm and can tell who goes first to therapy, find out who has insulin, dialysis and the other important stuff that you need to schedule around and take priority. ( delegate as much as you can and if someone offers help, take it!)

Wish you the best.

Lienne11, ADN · May 17, 2019

44 minutes ago, Forest2 said:
I tried it for a week and I just couldn't lower my standards to work there. I tried to talk to the head honchos about what was taking place. It went no where, that was when I said I wasn't coming back. I just couldn't live with myself working there. This seems to be an issue in all bedside nursing. How much you are willing to lower yourself in order to do what they want. Not only that, it is so unfortunate that this is how it seems to be these days. I just hate it, I have to be able to take pride in my work and know that patients are actually taken care of. Since, you are new, and hopefully young and healthy enough to keep up physically, just keep trying and if after a few months it still seems impossible, then move on. I know that may not sound like pleasant advice but that is what I would do, of course I don't know all your circumstances. In most jobs eventually you get the rhythm and can tell who goes first to therapy, find out who has insulin, dialysis and the other important stuff that you need to schedule around and take priority. ( delegate as much as you can and if someone offers help, take it!)
Wish you the best.

I’m so glad I’m leaving in 3 weeks. I finally got into the residency program at my dream job at this hospital only 10 minutes away from my house & it’s a great hospital too!

VinTX2019, CNA · May 30, 2019

I've just recently joint this forum looking for advise and support working in LTC/rehab. Then I noticed your posting. I totally understand your pain and frustration. I'm also on a similar boat as you, but I don't have plans to move on just yet as I just started my position as CNA, fingers crossed. Anyway, I just wanted to drop a note here and say that at least you tried it and did your best and now you can take that valuable experience with you and enjoy your next big step. I want to wish you the very best on your next journey. Truly congrats on your upcoming residency program!

Lienne11, ADN · May 30, 2019

Thank you so much! You’ll do great in your future endeavors!