Can you offer me some advice?

Published

I am a new grad, and I just began orientation for my first job a few days ago. It is a full time position on the 3p-11p shift. I will be the only RN on the 30-bed Alzheimer's care unit in a LTC facility. To be quite honest, I am very intimidated by this. I have three more days of orientation, and then I will spend 4 weeks precepting with the full-time RN on the 7a-3p shift, and after that, I will spend 2 weeks with different pool RNs on my regular 3p-11p shift before beginning on my own.

Obviously, my biggest concern is that I will be the only RN on the unit. I am going to have so many responsibilities... how will I juggle it all? Could anyone share some words of wisdom to help alleviate some of my worries? Any other new grad RNs who started in a LTC facility; I would love to hear any advice you can give.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ask questions. Don't pretend that you know something when you really don't. Would it be possible that your orientation period be extended if you're not comfortable yet?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I say go through the training and see how you feel closer to the end. Make sure you have a phone number so that you can always reach another rn, and a back up rn to reach when an issue should arise. But give it the almost full orientation before you make your final decision.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I work 3-11. I also work 11-7 sometimes where I am the only LPN on a 53 bed unit.

What do you have to do? Will you have LPN's on the unit with you? How many CNAs will you have?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow...6 weeks total. Thats good.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion