Dissatisfaction again

I agree not so much with the wording but the thought on moving patients who are immobile, and we are expected to be superhuman and turn and boost and reposition, what about our backs? Why in the world are we expected to move these massive weights? Why isn't there more our there about protecting ourselves and our backs? I brought up the issue with my employer about this, and got totally blown off. It's like no one cares, and I think this is a very valid issue.

Hi,

Not likin my new job much for 3 main reasons

1. Manager butts in too much with work on the floor

2. Movin and handlin is atrocious, beds dont even go up and down and you are supposed to do immobile bed bound beached whales on your own! And hoists cannot be used in rooms as they are too small.

3. There is no routine! Everything is chaotic, paperwork is non existant and you never know what is happening because nobody shares info.

All the staff who work there have done so for years and don't see the problem!!!

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllllllllllllllllllpppppppppppppp!

Do you have the same Nurse Manager?

I would have a real issue with the lifting/bed part. Consider you have at least 20 years to work, you need to protect your back. I would also have big problems with the not sharing part. Good way to make an error.

Are there other units you transfer to? If not, I would really consider looking somewhere else if you are uncomfortable with the situation.

It's everywhere. I work on a general surgical floor in a fairly small town. A group of docs decided they wanted to perform bariatric surgeries. Supposedly, they only take the "healthiest" patients. Well, let me tell you, after surgery some of them decide they are unable to turn themselves or get themselves oob to the bathroom. Ya think we have a single lift on the floor? Of course not! My job description requires that I be able to lift 50 pounds...50, not 350! Ok, I'm done.

Hi,

3. There is no routine! Everything is chaotic, paperwork is non existant and you never know what is happening because nobody shares info.

All the staff who work there have done so for years and don't see the problem!!!

This is my current job. And everyone know, I guess telepathically, how things are done. And they don't share it with the new girl.

Watch your back, margie. Literally.

Wow...no one around here would stand for that. Most of the facilities are very careful because of OSHA. If we have a really heavy patient, we get special equipment....well, okay, if we know they are really heavy before they show up. We have all sorts of lifts---next week I'll be ordering some slip sheets....about $80 each but sure makes it easier to boost someone up in bed.

Why don't all y'all move to Massachusetts and come work for me!

Get the heck out of the there.... come to MN we'd love to have you too!!!

Been applying for everything, not due back on shift at hell hole until Wednesday, doubting whether I will go back as I can afford to be jobless for at least a month while I search. Got 4 application packs coming in the post! Interview I was at today commented on my short spell at 2 places since I moved to Scotland again and I told them,I left one for a promotion and didnt like the promotion but she seemed doubtful! Grrrrr!

next week I'll be ordering some slip sheets....about $80 each but sure makes it easier to boost someone up in bed.

OMG that's about £40 per slide sheet!! CCM you're being ripped off somewhere,you can definitely get good quality,cheaper slide sheets than that!

Marjorie ,the words Health and safety,Care Commission,come to mind!Every one is supposed to have mandatory M&H yearly.If the rooms are too small then the CC should have highlighted this on inspection.

Care plans Etc? Has this Home got a CC report that you can read after all the hastle we get over core values they must have some paperwork!!

As for manager I'll swop you!!Mine butts in all the time.I think it must be in their job description.All in all I would say move on.It doesn't sound like a very well run place,certainly not somewhere I would work!

I guess I am one of those butt in managers! :devil:If I see something written incorrectly, or a med on the Beers' List, or an IM med when an IV would be better or one of a hundred other things, I do butt in and explain to the nurses the right way to do things or the better choice of med to suggest to the doctors. I'm not butting in to butt in...believe me, I have plenty of other work to do, but sometimes you just have to show people the right way. I am not rude or condescending about it, but at the end of the day, it's MY butt on the line if things are not done.

Talk to your manager or your DNS and try to come to some mutual understanding..

I guess I am one of those butt in managers! :devil:If I see something written incorrectly, or a med on the Beers' List, or an IM med when an IV would be better or one of a hundred other things, I do butt in and explain to the nurses the right way to do things or the better choice of med to suggest to the doctors. I'm not butting in to butt in...believe me, I have plenty of other work to do, but sometimes you just have to show people the right way. I am not rude or condescending about it, but at the end of the day, it's MY butt on the line if things are not done.

Talk to your manager or your DNS and try to come to some mutual understanding..

I wouldn't mind a manager like you CCM! Mine buts in for no particular reason,stops you doing what you are doing thus making you late then wanders off without helping.

Hi mermaid,

Any advice for my first day of work on the job as an LPN in LTC? I've been working in a Peds dr office since graduation, and am just about to start LTC. I feel like I know NOTHING, but am positive that in the long run, I will be a positive addition to patient and staff/facility alike.

Blue

Hi mermaid,

Any advice for my first day of work on the job as an LPN in LTC? I've been working in a Peds dr office since graduation, and am just about to start LTC. I feel like I know NOTHING, but am positive that in the long run, I will be a positive addition to patient and staff/facility alike.

Blue

Blue-

A new job is exciting, isn't it?! My first piece of advice would be to make sure you get a good orientation to the facility and the unit you'll be working on. When I ran my own orientations for new staff it was the usual 3-4 days. Day 1-watch a seasoned nurse do the med pass and treatments and the pile of paperwork. Day 2-have that nurse watch you...or do half the pass depending on how you feel. Don't worry if you're slower than the nurse who has been there a while. You need time to learn the patients and the routines. Better to be a little slow and careful. Day 3 - do the med pass and the treatments with the other nurse at a comfortable distance. Silly how we all think 3 days is enough, but somehow that has become the industry standard and most facilities use the 3 day model. If my budget allows it, I have nurses orient for at least a few days longer.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. If your co-workers are less than helpful, speak to the staff development coordinator or supervisor. There really are no dumb questions...plenty of dumb answers, but no dumb questions. How else will you learn.

Don't be surprised by the patients/residents giving you 'the business' because you're new. I worked at one place for 6 years in management and all the patients knew who I was, but the few times I had to do the med pass, they all razzed me and told me I was too slow and didn't do it like the other nurses.

I hope you love your new job. LTC needs all the good nurses we can get.

Keep us posted on your first few days.