Are You Kidding?

[jennyga]

Okay, I have been reading threads and have seen I have had 42 pts. or 40pts etc. I am a student and will be on my own in a couple months and I am very nervous about having that many pts. So I wanted to ask everyone how many pts. do you have on average (oh yeah I am speaking to LTC) and do you really feel its safe to pass meds administer tx and whatever else comes up during a nurses unpredictable day? Thanks for all and any replies!!! ( I love these dancing guys!!LOL)

[TexasPediRN]

IMO, LTC isnt good for a new grad- its unsafe and quite frankly dangerous.

Most places that I've heard of do give you ALOT of patients, with maybe 1aide to help you.

Are you going to school for your LPN? Have you applied at this LTC facility aready and accepted a position?

If not, I cant tell you not to do it; but I will tell you its something you should really consider. With a new grad, and a new license, if anything goes wrong its your fault, and you can loose your license.

I'm not saying this to you as being condesending, I'm saying this to you as a new grad myself (5/2005). I wouldnt take that risk. Its just not worth it. If you can and are willing to find a hospital job, you should look into it. Some places are getting away from hiring LVNs but will always take RN's.

Good luck, and remember that in LTC its your license and you a*s on the line if anything happens...

[LPN_mn]

I think LTC has a lot of learning experiences for a new grad. I started my nursing career in LTC. Yes you have a lot of residents to care for but in the facilities that I worked at you had enought time to take care of all the residents. The tx were divided so that they were not all on one shift. Make sure if you want to get into geriatric nursing that you check out the facility that you are going to work at. Get anything that they offer you in writing. If they are not willing to put it in writing then you can bet that they are not going to keep their promises. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.