Do I need to quit?

Specialties Geriatric

Published

Hello,

I am a new grad and just recently got hired on at a LTC/Rehab facility. The patient ration is 1:20 but the orientation and training has me nervous. For example, everything is disorganized and RN's are constantly coming in late for their shift and causing the previous nurse to stay and wait for them for up to an hour I've seen just all due to the fact that the other nurse is running late because "they stayed late the shift before". Everyone seems to be for themselves only and not look out for other people. Apparently there have been several different DONs being hired and fired over the last year as well. I even had a nurse tell me to throw out medications for the patients because I was taking too long for the med pass. I'm still in my "training on the floor" phase (3 days orientation about hep C, etc and 5 days on the floor) and haven't started working yet by myself and I'm already feeling miserable to go in everday. Am I wrong for this? I'm not sure because this is my first nursing job, but my intuition is saying that this job is wrong. I'm afraid that I'm going to lose this license that I worked tooth and nail (and many many tears) to get. So should I leave and find something else or stick with this for my "experience" to go to the field I really want?

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Specializes in LTC.

Yea I really wouldn't waste my energy on this place.

I am on time for work and I expect those who are relieving me to be also. Its basic fundamentals of work ethics and these nurses obviously lack it.

Throwing away meds because they are late? Pfft in LTC meds are late all the time. Nothing new.

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I know jobs are hard to come by, but that place sounds like a nightmare and is probably on the verge of being shut down. I would suggest that you get out now.

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Specializes in medical.

I would look out for another job stat! You are right- your license is on the line!

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

No one's license gets taken away because another nurse is late. Don't listen to anyone who tells you to throw meds away. Meds are quite often late without any detriment to the patient. Continue to do what you know to be right. If you're that unhappy, look for another job on your day off. In this economy, it would be foolish to quit without another job lined up. A 1:20 ratio is quite doable.

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I work in LTC and this is not how they all are. I would keep your job and do what you know is right for your residents. Continue looking for another job though. 1:20 is busy but doable, just prioritize. Doing meds for that many people is overwhelming, but the + to ltc is you have the same pts every day. you get to know their meds and you will be amazed at how much faster you get in a very short time.

As for people being habitually late.... My mgmt now has a point system for call offs and tardyness. 8 minutes after the hour you get 1/2 point and it's one point for calling off. At 8 points for the year, your fired... before that we had the same troubles. Not much you can do about others being late, but make sure you're on time.

This is a good learning experience for you on what not to do. make sure your document the top notch care you give your resident's to cya and eventually you will get to where you want to be.

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Specializes in LTC.
I work in LTC and this is not how they all are. I would keep your job and do what you know is right for your residents. Continue looking for another job though. 1:20 is busy but doable, just prioritize. Doing meds for that many people is overwhelming, but the + to ltc is you have the same pts every day. you get to know their meds and you will be amazed at how much faster you get in a very short time.

I totally agree. I have 21-25 patients depending on our census. At first it was overwhelming but when you get yourself running its doable.

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Specializes in ICU.
Hello,

I am a new grad and just recently got hired on at a LTC/Rehab facility. The patient ration is 1:20 but the orientation and training has me nervous. For example, everything is disorganized and RN's are constantly coming in late for their shift and causing the previous nurse to stay and wait for them for up to an hour I've seen just all due to the fact that the other nurse is running late because "they stayed late the shift before". Everyone seems to be for themselves only and not look out for other people. Apparently there have been several different DONs being hired and fired over the last year as well. I even had a nurse tell me to throw out medications for the patients because I was taking too long for the med pass. I'm still in my "training on the floor" phase (3 days orientation about hep C, etc and 5 days on the floor) and haven't started working yet by myself and I'm already feeling miserable to go in everday. Am I wrong for this? I'm not sure because this is my first nursing job, but my intuition is saying that this job is wrong. I'm afraid that I'm going to lose this license that I worked tooth and nail (and many many tears) to get. So should I leave and find something else or stick with this for my "experience" to go to the field I really want?

I'd look at this the other way around. Don't look to quit the job immediately, look to see what you can improve in the LTC center. As you said there have been many DONs hired and fired over the past year alone. Take initiative in your work and do things as you know they should be done. If you shine above everyone management may look at you for the next DON position. If that happens then you will have the ability to implement your own policies and practices and turn the place around.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Step-Down.

Like others have said, I wouldn't just quit right away without a job lined up. Do what you know to be right and don't listen when people tell you to throw out meds. I don't have a ton of experience but I have found that on each floor I have been on, either as an NA and now as an RN, there have always been people who seem to be more for themselves than anything else. I never risk my license or do anything unsafe even if someone tells me I should (ie throwing out meds) and I will help other RNs/NAs if they need it and I have time (ie answering call bells/IVs beeping that aren't my own, offering to help when I see someone stressed, doing vitals/weights if the NAs are really busy, etc.). In essence, be a team player even if no one else will and don't ever do anything that your gut tells you not to do. If you really begin to feel unsafe then I would start to look for another job, for now I would stick it out though because you can learn a lot in LTC

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Specializes in ICU;ED; ASU.

Welcome to nursing!! There is a reason starting out on a med/surg floor is recommended. LTC is difficult, if not impossible. Keep notes, smile and nod. Then do what you were taught to do. And find another job. Good luck!

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Get this...we are all late. However, I would start looking for another place of employement soon. Some nurses that have been there for years are "tired of it". Saftey is AlwaYS first. So lateness and right is GREAT. !!! just add your explaination if you can in your med pass. Best of Luck.

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Welcome to nursing!! There is a reason starting out on a med/surg floor is recommended. LTC is difficult, if not impossible. Keep notes, smile and nod. Then do what you were taught to do. And find another job. Good luck!

I totally disagree that LTC is impossible. It is great for new grads provided you have supportive people around you. I started at an LTC three months ago for my first job and it's been a great experience. There are ups and downs like anyplace, but my coworkers are great, and the managers are very supportive. I've learned a ton and feel like I'm doing very well.

Obviously the place the OP is at is a disaster and I would look to move on.

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