Do you have and tips on what first time LVN's should know very well before working?

Nurses LPN/LVN

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I know there was a thread about tips for first time nurses, but most of those tips were about being prepared, being confident, and stuff like that. I would like to know what information should we know like the back of our hands to help us hit the ground running once we are on the floor?

I know for the sake of the NCLEX, there are things that need to be memorized for the test that aren't necessarily remembered by nurses who are actually working. So as a veteran at your work place, what information would you like your new nurses to know to help you get along with them better?

I'm not talking characteristics, but actual information. Important and universal protocols that aren't really emphasized in nursing school, charting, values, medications, etc?

When I was a nursing student, I didn't really get trained much on charting. Studying for NCLEX, i had to study a broad range of drugs and know a little bit of everything but I know certain medications are a little more repetitive in nursing homes and should be known like the back of our hands. Care to enlighten us these things? And are there actual books and websites that give us more info on these or is this more of a you have to find out on the job type of thing?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, LTC.

Charting Made Incredibly Easy

Insulins, how to mix, when to call doc, s/s of hypo/hyper, what to do for each.

Beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, Nitro patches, s/s of tachy/brady cardia, when to hold.

Stool softeners. s/s of intestinal blockage. Protocols on bowel regimens

Psych meds: haldol, xanax, klonipin,

Pain meds: percocet, lyrica, morphine etc s/s of overload/overdose

Patient education on all of the above, be able to explain in laymans terms,

"Why do I take Insulin"?

"Why do I have to take a heart med"?

"Why can't I have ice cream"? (diabetic understanding)

You will have your policies and procedure books on your floor. Study them.

Hope this helps...

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I just started my first LPN job about 2 weeks ago. There is nothing you can "prepare" for. I have wonderful, experienced co workers that are SO VERY helpful...you won't get that lucky sometimes. All I can tell you is to ASK ASK ASK. The hardest part of the job is to remember how to get on the computer, or which pharmacy to fax, or which doctor to call at what times of the day (the doctors that the residents have at this place are NUTS)...Its stuff like that that is hard. I trained 4 days on one cart, had one day alone, then will do that process again with all 5 carts until I get through them all. Everything is a "find out one the job" type thing. Most facilities have their own protocols on how they will do things. You will have tons of questions...and they are going to expect that. I get a lot of help from the residents...they tell me "hey, so and so Is starting to act goofy...you may want to watch her."

You will do great...its a lot to take in though...but you will for sure learn sooo much.

The HARDEST part is learning the names and faces!!!

Good luck to you!!

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READ MAR CAREFULLY... I cant stress this enough. It's very easy to get a med error.

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Thanks for all the advice

Couple nurses I know have told me that a lot of new grads have trouble with house supplies. Some don't know what DSS or ASA is. Can you guys provide a quick list of the common house supplies including any abbreviations?

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Specializes in LTC.

MV! c min- miuli vitamins with minerals

NS- normal saline

ABO- antibiotic ointment

folic acid-vitamin C

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Thanks for all the advice

Couple nurses I know have told me that a lot of new grads have trouble with house supplies. Some don't know what DSS or ASA is. Can you guys provide a quick list of the common house supplies including any abbreviations?

MVI = multivitamin

MVI c Fe = multivitamin with iron

MVI c Min = multivitamin c minerals

TAO = triple antibiotic ointment

D5W = dextrose 5%

FeS04 = ferrous sulfate

ABT = antibiotic

Mag Ox = magnesium oxide

SS = single strength

DS = double strength

APAP = acetaminophen

D50 = dextrose 50%

OsCal = oyster calcium

OsCal c D = oyster calcium with vitamin D

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