Finally got a job

[cincin1222]

all,

I'm a new Grad who just recently got a job offer at a skilled nursing facility, I am so excited to land my first job after I waited six months to get into a nurse residency at the hospital I was working as a nurse extern but did not get a job offer after two interviews, first I was very saddened but at the end I had to pick up the pieces. After applying to every hospital I can think of ,I finally decide to give a nursing home a shot, can anyone give me some highlights on what to look for, what I will be doing on a day today basis, and what the procedures are when there's a code?

Thanks

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[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Read through some of the posts here. There are hundreds of years of LTC experience on this site.

You'll be able to use all your skills in the facility. Good luck.

[cangel]

Congrats on the job. I also started in LTC. It is hard work, but rewarding. I love all of the residents I work with, but the nurse patient ratios are overwhelming at first, but you get used to it.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Great news for you!

[NurseNightOwl, BSN, RN]

I'm a new grad starting in LTC, too (didn't even apply at hospitals though -- LTC is my passion!) and I've had 5 days of orientation so far (only 2 days on the floor, though -- the first 3 days were spent watching videos). So far I've been pleasantly surprised with the workload... I was prepared for the absolute worst. Everyone has been really supportive, and getting to know the patients has been wonderful. What shift are you starting out on? I think that has a lot to do with the general day-to-day workload... I'm on 11-7, so things are relatively light so far (knock on wood), but of course there are a lot of extra duties that they put on the night shift that the two day shifts just don't have time for (like extra paperwork, etc). Just make sure you get plenty of orientation (ask for more if you are still feeling unprepared when it comes time to be on your own) and make a list of questions you want to ask, because you might think of them when you're at home and then not remember then when you get to work. I also recommend getting a pocket-sized notebook and writing down EVERYTHING -- you might think you'll remember something, like the code to the door or the way a resident likes their medication given, but then the next day (or hour) it's gone completely from your head!

[NurseNightOwl, BSN, RN]

Also, the procedure for our facility when there is a code is to do CPR and call an ambulance (as long as the patient is not DNR). There is also a "crash cart" (it's called that, but it doesn't have what you would normally think of when you think of a crash cart in the hospital) with an oxygen tank for administering oxygen if needed. Then you will call the resident's physician and family.