*Deep breath* I am a new LPN. I took a part-time job at a respected LTC facility. I was hired to take over for the nurse on maternity leave. The unit I work in is AACU, ADVANCED Alzheimers Care Unit. I work the 7-3 shift, have 32 or so residents. The LPN is responsible for all treatments, all meds, serving meals (CNA's serve the snacks), new orders, incident reports, etc...! I am still orienting but am feeling like a robot at times. How in the world do I get to know the residents and what may or may not be 'normal' for them when all I do is kill myself to get meds out on time- (2 hour window), (which NEVER happens with ANY of the nurses that I have talked to). There are supposed to be 3 CNAs on my shift but often someone calls in sick or is a no-show. Then there is the issue of not being allowed to do certain things in 'public' places like eye drops, insulin... We cannot pass them their meds if they are doing an activity, or eating or ?.... How can I EVER get organized? Often I have to 'look' for the resident to give meds. I keep hearing, "oh, you'll get the hang of it". Pardon me, but there is NO WAY these residents get the attention that they need from nursing. Any thoughts?
Specializes in med-surg, home health, hospice, LTC.
OK here's my 2cents: Our surveyors just left my building today and I would never tell a staff person to do things differently when state is here than when they are not!!! Staff get nervous being observed and critiqued, if you take shortcuts routinely, than more than likely you will forget how it is supposed to be done when you are being observed. Do it right all the time! However, I would document all the time it takes to do the tasks correctly and share the info with your DON etc in order to justify getting the help to do it right. If admin cant or wont help when given documentation like that, its time to move on!! There are better homes out there!
Thanks for all of your help! I am still trying to decide what I really want out of my 'career'. I truly enjoy 'total care', so I may look into hospital work. To me, getting to know your patients/residents is a large part of nursing. You are treating the whole person!
old rural nurse, RN
36 Posts
OK here's my 2cents: Our surveyors just left my building today and I would never tell a staff person to do things differently when state is here than when they are not!!! Staff get nervous being observed and critiqued, if you take shortcuts routinely, than more than likely you will forget how it is supposed to be done when you are being observed. Do it right all the time! However, I would document all the time it takes to do the tasks correctly and share the info with your DON etc in order to justify getting the help to do it right. If admin cant or wont help when given documentation like that, its time to move on!! There are better homes out there!