Before I get hired in a LTC... WTH!!!

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I am a newly licensed LPN and I have a few interviews coming up.

I have sooo much in my brain and then again not enough!!!!

My Question....fellow LPN's WHAT THE HECK do I need to know working in a LTC?

Dosage? Meds.? Charting? I know the anticoags but I feel like still don't have a clue with the heebby geebby's in my belly.

Thanks all for your feedback. :shy:

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Specializes in ICU /ED.

You need to know nursing info. Everything you learned in school. Working in a LTC facility is the same as working with any other patient except these patient may not be a critically ill as they would be in the hospital. There is no specific info you should know. You passed the boards your know enough now it's just time to apply.

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LTC are elderly pt so I figure I need to know meds but what type is my question.

I know I need to know timemanagement, bedsores (signs and stages, wet to dry etc), falls...?

Where do I channel my expertise?

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

There's a jack of all trades approach. It will take time to know every med. Knowing your stages of decubitus ulcers are important, paperwork you will learn at the job. Policy is important, my first job as an LVN was in LTC, I had two days orientation and no one round on nights to ask questions. When a DNR pt died at work I had no idea what to do next other than call the hospice agency; and my DON never returned my calls. So any scenario you can think of, ask while you are on orientation!!

dont freak out, you have a solid foundation, it takes time to build expertise. I am 5 years an RN and 3 years an LVN prior to that andI still feel like I don't know much sometimes.

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You can not assume that every LTC resident is elderly. Yes a majority are, but there are multiple other residents who may be middle aged as well.

The best thing you can learn is how to do a good, complete assessment. And how to document same correctly. Yes, you will more than likely be giving meds, doing treatments--but you will be learning all of the charting as well. You may be in a leadership role.

Know your resources. And best wishes!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

There's been mucho information posted here asking the same questions but I have 4 recommendations -

1 - Remember this is HOME for the residents. The have the same rights that you or I have, esp the right to refuse.

2 - NEVER EVER take any shortcuts re narcotics. Some things become laid-back in LTC, sometimes TOO laid-back. And you'll want to trust your coworkers, but not when your narc counts, wastes and med administration are involved.

3 - When in doubt, err on the safe side.

4 - Have your own . Most polices anywhere will run you about $100 a year (About $9 a month.) It's worth it to protect you, yourself, and you because no one else will take such good care.

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This is the info I'm looking for. Thanks

Anyone else have anything else to share?

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Wow I will def ask questions. Two days! thanks guys

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Specializes in retired LTC.

It's still early for many of them. Give them time - they'll be around.

And good luck with the new job - just remember to B-R-E-A-T-H-E!

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Any other advice anyone?

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You can look up "KCI wounds" for wound staging etc. They are a major company that has products in treating wounds, your facility may have another company they work with. The biggest thing about wounds is prevention which involves frequent repositioning of the patients. Even those in a wheelchair need to learn how to shift their weight or just stand up for a few minutes, at least every 2 hours. You should learn about the different products used to treat wounds with your orientation. Always, always ask questions, there is no such thing as a stupid question, the unasked question is the stupid one. Congrats on your first job!!!

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You can look up "KCI wounds" for wound staging etc. They are a major company that has products in treating wounds, your facility may have another company they work with. The biggest thing about wounds is prevention which involves frequent repositioning of the patients. Even those in a wheelchair need to learn how to shift their weight or just stand up for a few minutes, at least every 2 hours. You should learn about the different products used to treat wounds with your orientation. Always, always ask questions, there is no such thing as a stupid question, the unasked question is the stupid one. Congrats on your first job!!!

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