Are all LTC's Created Equal

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I graduated from nursing school in May. I have been at my present position as an RN in a LTC for two months. I am so frustrated. I have learned absolutely nothing except how to pass medications. There are 5 halls in my LTC and there are 29 - 30 patients a hall. All residents have many medications and the only things I get done each night is pass pills. Is this all there is to nursing? Are there any LTC's out there that you don't spend 8 hours passing medication? I know I am slow because I am new but they switch me from hall to hall every night and I can't get a routine down. Any advice would be welcome. :banghead:

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Specializes in acute care and geriatric.

I am so against changing assignments everyday- especially for a new nurse. Maybe you can ask for a more consistent assignment until you've found your sea legs. It shouldn't be taking you 8 hours to just pass meds- are the patients complaining? How are you getting along with the rest of the staff and the patients and their families?

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Specializes in Geriatrics, WCC.

Do you have a TCU (rehab unit) at your facility? You would have more acute level of needs there. Our LTC nurses work with IV's, wounds dressings(surgical and pressure), wound vacs, tube feedings, CPM machines, TPN's and the list goes on. It depends on the type of facility you work for.

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I get along fine with the residents, families and staff. I have a good attitude and I work my butt off, I never take breaks or lunches but I just keep spinning my wheels. I worked nights to start with and now am going to days. I truly love my residents which is why I went into LTC to start with, that want a kind word and deserve good, consistent care. :nurse:

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

While all LTCFs are created equally, they are not managed equally.

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Specializes in acute care and geriatric.
...I never take breaks or lunches but I just keep spinning my wheels...... :nurse:

I wish you'd take your breaks and lunches - you deserve them, and when you don't, it isn't good for the rest of us who are human and need our breaks. Supernurse died a long time ago, besides taking breaks helps reduce the rate of burn-out that we are so famous for. Be kind to yourself!!

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Specializes in Hem/Onc, LTC, AL, Homecare, Mgmt, Psych.

I float around a lot at work and this is what I do. I have worked all 3 shifts but currently on days. I go into work early whenever I can. In those 25 minutes prior to starting I ignore other staff (not punched in yet either)and make up a plan of attack:

+get report,

+flip through the TAR & make list of my treatments,

+find out who is medicare charting, what VS need to be done etc

+who's diabetic, insulins

+stock cart

+get med refill fax sheets ready so I can put stickers right on them

Stuff like that. That way I have all my stuff together and can jump right on the cart and get through the day. It makes all the difference.

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While all LTCFs are created equally, they are not managed equally.

Yep. Good and bad everywhere. For the most part, the work is the same. Some facilities might have more skilled residents so you will see different meds, treatments, diseases, etc.

It all depends on how management runs the place. You get one that values the residents and staff....you will see the difference.

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I get along fine with the residents, families and staff. I have a good attitude and I work my butt off, I never take breaks or lunches but I just keep spinning my wheels. I worked nights to start with and now am going to days. I truly love my residents which is why I went into LTC to start with, that want a kind word and deserve good, consistent care. :nurse:

This is why I am considering changing from acute care to LTC, I am just concerned with being a med passer and not being able to get to know my patients. Some shifts in acute care I feel like i do nothing but admit and medicate patients. I like to get to know my patients and form bonds with them. I am so glad I found this post! it has been very helpful to me. I have an interview on Monday and I now am compiling a list of questins to ask at my interview. If anyone has any input, I would love to hear it!!!

Thanks!!!

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Specializes in acute care and geriatric.
This is why I am considering changing from acute care to LTC, I am just concerned with being a med passer and not being able to get to know my patients. Some shifts in acute care I feel like i do nothing but admit and medicate patients. I like to get to know my patients and form bonds with them. I am so glad I found this post! it has been very helpful to me. I have an interview on Monday and I now am compiling a list of questins to ask at my interview. If anyone has any input, I would love to hear it!!!

Thanks!!!

The focus in LTC is in treating the patient in holistic manner. For example, we don't just focus on the diabetes but also in skin care, pain management, nutritional , self- esteem issues, social stimulation, vision and hearing, orientation, etc, etc, etc, When I make rounds and look at the patient I am trying to see the whole package and not just one aspect. Providing warm care in a safe environment is as important as pushing them pills. Making mealtimes more than just getting in 500 calories is another example. This is why our facility refuses to allow the patients to be fed by 60cc syringe - an unfortunate occurrence in many facilities in our vicinity.

Another key issue is quality of life....

It s also important to have good communication skills and the ability to get along with people.

Lots of Luck, :)

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