Constant Fear. Help Needed. 1 nurse 80 Residents

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I have been a LPN for a little over 2 years. I've been working part-time on a PC unit in a nursing home that I love (for the most part), however I don't get many hours so I got a pool position at another nursing home. I've never seen such a place in my life. Even thought its personal care many of the resident need skilled care. During 7-3 shift there is suppose to be two nurses on. However, every time I have worked the nurse leaves me to do paperwork and other BS. Leaving me on the floor to take care of everything. Mind you, this place has at least 2-3 falls a day, skin tears daily, resident that wonder off the floor, families members calling thinking they are doctors screaming at you to call the doctor and have this and that changed. Granted there isn't something going on with all 80 resident at a time but usually a good 20. I have such anxiety about the last day I worked worried if I wrote the orders right on certain medications or did I assess that resident correctly . I am so fearful of causing death to a resident here I cant even think straight. I've only been here a month and 4 resident have died already. I want to quit so bad but I don't want to also leaving other staff members hanging in the process. I haven't stopped crying, and I pray I didn't cause any harm to a resident I wouldn't be able to live with that. There is just to much work to practice safely! Just need some advice!

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Oh honey, RUN from that place. You worked hard for your license, and I know you want to keep it. There are too many liability risks it sounds like. 1 nurse to 80 patient is INSANE, plain & simple. You cannot go on with such stress....it is just going to get worse.

Do what you know is RIGHT! :)

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Thank you for your reply!!! I just feel bad calling Monday and saying I wont be back when I'm suppose to be in on Wednesday.

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Specializes in Rehab/Brain/Stroke/Spine.

Yes, RUN!! I still cannot fathom how facilities with such sub standard care STAY OPEN, UGH.

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Thank you for your reply!!! I just feel bad calling Monday and saying I wont be back when I'm suppose to be in on Wednesday.

Don't feel bad! You are protecting your license...if you can stick it out until you work a notice then fine but if not, RUN.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

RUN!!!!!!!!!!

They won't hesitate to throw you under the bus. Leave.

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Get out of there ASAP i have 30 pt MAX and even with that i worry and if i did all the right things i cant even IMAGINE what i would go through with 80 pts !!! 30 is already wayy too stressful!!! LEAVE

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You need to run. ASAP.

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Thanks everyone!!! I don't know how the other nurses do it there. I cant imagine! I'm calling the nurse manager ASAP tomorrow morning.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I didn't read past your subject line: if it's really 1 nurse for 80 patients, get the hell out of there as fast as you can. Nothing else you put in that post would have convinced me otherwise.

I normally suggest waiting until you get a new job first before leaving an old one, but in this case, I'd really consider getting the hell out of there even if you don't have another job just yet.

Best of luck.

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