Do you feel prepared for job as new grad nurse?

suzanne4, RN · May 23, 2004

That is a pretty big bite for a new grad to handle. It is one thing to be in a hospital and the only nurse on your unit, when you have available personnel available to answer questions, even if just calling the next unit. Here, you are going to be completely in charge..........How many clients are in your facility?

What types of patients? Is there a manager on site or will it be you? Will you be the only LPN in the whole facility or are there others on the other units?

Betty_SPN_KS, LPN · May 23, 2004

I'm thinking of working in 2 different facilities. In the main one, the LTCU is part of a small town hospital, so the hospital nurses are there if I have questions. In the other, I will be the only nurse in the building at night. The DON says I can phone her, but of course I hope I won't have to. I wondered if I should take the second job. But another nurse and the DON don't think I should worry. I have about 40 residents in each facility. They are both in small towns. I'm a graduate practical nurse.

lady_jezebel · May 23, 2004

Yikes! So if one of your patients codes, you'll know what to do? What if someone has a severe drug reaction? Or if a pt becomes violent or has a sudden change in mental status? Or if a pt becomes injured? Would you feel on top of it, or have to call the boss first?

There's no way in heck I would have taken a job like that out of school. I've been a nurse for only 8 months now, but I rely on my nurse co-workers EVERY SINGLE DAY to answer questions - and this is after six weeks of orientation! New things pop up all of the time. B/c I have this support, I am providing safer care to the pts, without a doubt.

A new nurse cannot simply go on the knowledge gained from school and clinicals. Really, it's the input from experienced nurses on my unit that is making me a more competent and safe nurse. A new graduate really doesn't know anything out of school -- time will show you this. Why deprive yourself of the needed mentoring of more experienced nurses???????

Please rethink your decision.

newgrad04 · May 23, 2004

I'm thinking of working in 2 different facilities. In the main one, the LTCU is part of a small town hospital, so the hospital nurses are there if I have questions. In the other, I will be the only nurse in the building at night. The DON says I can phone her, but of course I hope I won't have to. I wondered if I should take the second job. But another nurse and the DON don't think I should worry. I have about 40 residents in each facility. They are both in small towns. I'm a graduate practical nurse.

Betty, the first job doesn't sound too bad. At least there'll be others around to help. The second one - heck NO~~!!! As a new grad, fresh out of school, GVN or GN - it doesn't matter! Don't do it! I believe, that's one of the fastest ways to loose your license. Do you think you'd be ready to respond to whatever happens without guidance and teaching from experienced nurses? I know I wouldn't. I graduated May 14, (ADN program) and I wouldn't dream of accepting a job that makes me 100 % responsible for whatever happens. Alone there at night - PLEASE think about this. I know, I wouldn't do it. :scrying:

suzanne4, RN · May 23, 2004

Definitely do not do the 2nd position, and even with the first I would seriously consider. School does not prepare you for anything in real life, such as 2 patients crashing at once, then what are you going to do? Your real learning curve starts when you begin work. For you to be ultimately responsible for 40 patients, is sheer nonsense. You may as well give your license back to the board now.

If something happens, will you even have time to call your DON? Proboably not.....And you will be the one that will be let out to fend for yourself.

By the way, how long is the orientation that they are giving you for either position?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · May 23, 2004

Somewhat. I'll be getting additional training, but i have bought a new bottle of Vaseline Water Resistant lotion, special socks for foot circulation, and good shoes. I'll be standing a LOT.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · May 23, 2004

But there's no way i would be ready to be the only nurse in the building.

Betty_SPN_KS, LPN · May 24, 2004

I decided not to take the 2nd job. I will keep the first one, I'm already training for that one.

Betty_SPN_KS, LPN · May 24, 2004

Somewhat. I'll be getting additional training, but i have bought a new bottle of Vaseline Water Resistant lotion, special socks for foot circulation, and good shoes. I'll be standing a LOT.

Good idea. May as well dress for comfort.