Am I doing the right thing??

[remched]

I am an LPN who has worked in LTC for 8 months. I recently graduated. I feel that the facility I am at is a dangerous place. First, the attitude of most of the staff is horrible. Mostly complaining that they hate the place. The CNA's are the nicest to be around. Anyway, I have been screamed at by staff, and put into situations where I don't feel comfortable. Simply put, working on floors where they have special needs, and I have had no one to train me. The first night I was there, the LPN that was "supposed" to train me, sat at the desk and rolled the med cart over to me, and said "there you go, start at that end" When I asked her if she was coming with me, she replied:

"you have your license, don't you?" I was scared to death. Anyway, the last straw was this weekend. I had a resident that was completely out of control. She was kicking, biting, spitting, and yelling most of the evening. She even spit out her 1900 meds, which I tried to give her. I called the psych. on call and he said to give her Ativan IM, which I did. She did calm down. She was also due for a fleet enema that evening. I waited until around 10pm to give it to her, and it was effective. Well, the next morning I got a call (at home) from the DON and she said, first of all I should have used the least invasive methods possible to administer the Ativan, and that the resident had fallen around 1 am and it was my fault because I gave her the fleet so late. First of all, am I supposed to contradict the Dr. on the Ativan?? and if I didn't give the fleet it would have been my fault if she became impacted. ANYWAY, this same morning I had a phone call from a good friend who works for home care (a well known agency) and they want to train me in pediatrics and let me pick up some of their cases. I probably won't get paid as much, but I will be able to pick and choose my battles. Thank you for letting me vent, and any input would be appreciated.

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

RUN to the peds job STAT. And don't look back- you might turn into a pillar of salt or something. Run, Forrest, Run!

[ohmeowzer RN, RN]

i would quit .. they are putting your license at risk... run run run with the wind at your feet...

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

RUN to the peds job STAT. And don't look back- you might turn into a pillar of salt or something. Run, Forrest, Run!

I am laughing so hard, I am crying...literally!! A pillar of salt... Sad, but probably true!

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

What a horrible thing! And if your 'preceptor' had been close to you, she may have directed you on what to do...meaning should you call the supervisor to question whether the patient should receive the fleet enema or what? I would have done the same thing, and I would run for the hills.

[Bridey]

Get out of there quick! When you feel uncomfortable, unsupported and like the staff is intentionally disrespectful towards you... get out with your license intact!

That place sounds like trouble waiting to happen. There are so many GOOD nursing jobs out there that you do not have to stay someplace you feel unsupported and uncomfortable.

Sometimes you have to weigh things based on their importance to you personally. For me, I am willing to work for less if it means things like excellent teamwork, good benefits and flexible schedule are factors. I LOVE being a nurse and would hate going to a job like you described... some things aren't worth the money. Happiness in your career is priceless.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Go, go, go!

I just found a job out of LTC and I can't wait. If you have an incompetent manager her life is spent in a search for someone to blame for the inevitable problems of taking care of dying, demented folks.

Good luck.