Published Jan 19, 2015
JustineLove
8 Posts
So I graduated in 2007, and received my nursing license in 2008. Had trouble finding work for years, which only got harder with time. I finally landed a job at a convalescent home with some help from my old school. So here's the deal.. I originally applied for a med nurse job which got taken..Instead they offered me a job as a treatment nurse. I of course said yes, because I would take anything at this point!! So I'm not only extremely rusty, but also the only other treatment nurse on the floor who is supposed to train me is downright terrible. Even the DON warned me that he is not the best to train me but there is nobody else (he has been working there for 20+ years). He doesn't follow correct procedure, has terrible bedside manner, speaks quickly in a heavy accent, and seems like he has no intention to teach me. I'm wrecked with nerves, because I don't remember a lot of things and I want to be a great nurse, I really do. But how can I succeed with this job if I basically need to teach myself? I barely remember how to chart, and the nurse who is training me refuses to use the computer ( I guess the girl I'm replacing would have to put in his charting in the computer FOR him..) I feel like I'm on my own, because I am. The DON is awesome and understanding but I want to just "get it" asap.
Basically what I'm asking for is any tips for new treatment LVNS. I'm currently brushing up on pressure sores, catheter placement, and what not. Anything else I should brush up/ study? I was very good in nursing school (once upon a time..) and don't mind spending all my free time outside of work studying. I'm also worried about the CNAs trying to take advantage of me. The staffing director kind of hinted to me that there were a couple of CNAs with a bad attitude but "I'll be fine". Usually I can hold my own, but because I feel so insecure with my knowledge and this being my first time in SNF, I don't want to be that obvious noob. Anything you guys can tell me would be greatly appreciated. ANYTHING AT ALL!!! Also, does anybody know if a treatment nurse gets paid more than a med nurse? Because the DON kept emphasizing that she knows that it will be overwhelming, and that I will for sure get paid more once I'm trained well and get the hang of things.
Libby1987
3,726 Posts
Take a wound care course, Anderson or Western have a comprehensive 30hr course, and if you buy the book you'll have a resource. It won't make you a wound nurse but it'll help you get there, and past just slapping on a hydrocolloid.
And watch some YouTube on how to apply compression dressings, 3 and 4 layer and Unna boot.