my first agency assignment....freaking out

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Specializes in Acute cardiac care, Psych., Med-Surg, CM.

Hello,

I'm a BSN with 7 yrs experience. All telemetry, a little psych, and the last 2 yrs I have been in case management at a long term care facility. Well, my ACLS has expired so I will only be sent to med surg or LTAC, which is fine because I've been off the floor for the last two years. So, my first assignment is on Sunday at an LTAC facility and I'm freaking out. I worked in a nursing home for two weeks once and I ALWAYS stayed past my shift because I took so long to give meds.

I'm afraid they won't tell me something that I need to be doing. Not with my actual skills, Im talking about policies, or certain forms required. I need to do this pay my bills but I'm also excited to have some hands on to put on my resume after having a desk job for the last 2 years.

Any advice will be appreciated. I saw in another post about making rounds with the nurse...does this mean after I get report just to eyeball my pt's real quick? I don't want to seem like I'm picky with my assignment....but I refuse to shy away from questions.

Just ask questions as you go and tell the charge nurse that you would like to be hold if you are missing anything. I usually talk the charge nurse the first time I go to a facility and review the requirements and what is expected. So far everyone has been so nice... Except one :) you will do great. Don't stress, I'm sure you will do great.

Just ask questions as you go and tell the charge nurse that you would like to be hold if you are missing anything. I usually talk the charge nurse the first time I go to a facility and review the requirements and what is expected. So far everyone has been so nice... Except one :) you will do great. Don't stress, I'm sure you will do great.

Except... one?

Specializes in Acute cardiac care, Psych., Med-Surg, CM.
Specializes in retired from healthcare.

I found out most private home care assignments are a little easier than most nursing homes. One of the only things I didn't like about it was when I had to wake up the charge nurse on my night shift to ask her a question. I tried not to do that anymore after the first time.

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