Hi guys! I just want to share my very first interview experience. After applying to almost all job posting online, plus personally delivering about 10 resumes to HR in different hospitals, nursing homes, long term care facility, rehab center. Maybe 1 out of 50, I finally got a call from a facility. Im so excited to speak with the unit manager and when she invited me to come for interview! Yey! I prepared myself for the interview. So I arrived in the facility 30 minutes early. She introduced herself to me. She was very nice. She conducted the interview in her office. I believe that it went very well. I was able to answer her questions. She even told me that she likes me and she can see herself in me. When I heard that compliment I was really happy. Then after the interview, she told me that she need to speak with the director of nursing and I will hear from them after a week. She gave me a quick tour with the facility. Then again, im very much excited to see the workplace and see the patients. I was totally shocked! We visited the floor with dementia and alzheimers patients, she orient me to the floor telling this is the floor with 52 patients "stable patient" according to her. Then she brought me to her unit the complex subacute unit another 50 plus patients in that area with patient on trach, peg, picc, vent. I was totally overwhelm! Then I asked her usually whats the ratio of nurse in here. She said "3 nurses in am, 2 in pm, 1 at night"! In my head I was like?? Omg? What?? 1 nurse to 52 patient!!! wow! Thats alot! I used to work in the hospital in Med-surg and whenever i get 15 pt per day, its really so much work so I wonder how they can give quality nursing care if you have 50 patient to take care. Im so disappointed with the facility, it was not clean at all, you can see the patient everywhere, patients in the hallway, trashcan just all over the place, she even said that some pt have infectious disease, The smell isnt really good at all!!!I tried not to breathe while we are walking in the floor. Its totally horrible! I just cant believe how can they tolerate to work in that kind of environment. I was so disappointed. When I first saw that facility I liked it very much because I saw the reception area was really nice, people are very warm but I wasnt expecting that its totally opposite what's inside the facility!
When I came home I was really sad. I asked myself if thats where I wana work with. Or is there's something wrong with me? I am being too picky or expecting too much?? But just I dont feel like thats not a safe environment to work with.
Guys, pls help me, my husband seems not to understand coz he is not in nursing field, he told me that if I get the job offer I should accept it. I even have second thoughts if I even want to go back to that facility. I know its really hard to find a job nowadays. Should I really have to take that job and take the risk in working with them? IS it worth it?
To those who are working in the long term care facility, is this really the usual kind of environment I have to expect when I work in LTCF? Its my first job interview and even If the interview went well, Im not satisfied with the workplace and the ratio of nurse patient. So Im really feel sad and frustrated. Please give me some advice.
I'm an LPN and I've survived 7 months as a new grad working in a LTC facility. I work 3--11p and I usually have between 27--30 patients on the subacute care wing with 2 CNA's. There is only one nurse in this unit on 3--11p and 11p--7am shift. Some patients are stable, most are not, and I have a mix of patients who are there for palliative care. I wanted to run like hell when I got offered a position at this facility, but it was the ONLY job offer that I got after graduation and applying to over 25 facilities in my area (Boston area isn't so new--grad friendly). I couldn't just walk away from this job offer or I would be homeless. There are alot of things that I wish I could change at this facility--the nurse to patient ratio--specifically, but that's not something that is going to change. So I am currently in school pursuing my BSN. I look forward to providing quality care to less than 30 patients and walking away feeling as though my patients benefited from quality care provided--not rushed routines.
hai i m a student nurse .................................. i can give u advice .....................................but a warm hug............... tk cr .............
well.. your not alone dear.. here in the Philippines, we have that kind of enviroment too. But nursing is caring to people who are sick. actually,that kind of environment will really train you well. time-mangement, prioritizing things. it'll be a good impression for the future employer to see that u were able to deal with that environment. Just take care of your self. wear mask and gloves. universal precaution... if your a first timer in the prof. grab it.it's a stepping stone.u will see the big difference if u are trained in a stressful environment, u deal with it and when you change ur institution, they will be impressed on how well u manage ur work...
Don't take the job. If you feel appalled by the lack of sanitation and the outrageous nurse to patient ratios now, you will only feel more discouraged and disgusted six months into the job---if you can stick it out that long. This sounds like an institution that puts a lot into the superficial appearances but they shortchange the residents in terms of adequate and safe nursing care. You won't gain proficiency in skills in this environment; you will only learn shortcuts and bad habits that will break your spirit and make you feel like you, too, are shortchanging your residents.
Check your state's department of health website to see the last survey results from this facility. If things are as bad as they appear, the state surveys will likely reflect the poor quality of care. However, some facilities will increase staffing when "state" is around; they'll do extra chart audits and put the employees through mock surveys so they look good for the real survey. When the state inspectors are gone, they return to their same, bad habits---so a good state survey does not always mean that it's a good facility. But do look at the deficiencies that turn up in the state surveys----consistent problems such as pressure ulcers, falls, violation of resident dignity---all these are serious concerns that should make you think twice about working in a facility. And look at the severity of the deficiencies. Was actual harm caused? Was there actual or potential harm to only one resident or to most of the residents in the facility?
The other posters are correct. This sounds like a nightmare and the poor conditions in this facility could either cost you your license or break your heart and spirit. Best of luck to you in whatever decision you make!
Don't take the job. If you feel appalled by the lack of sanitation and the outrageous nurse to patient ratios now, you will only feel more discouraged and disgusted six months into the job---if you can stick it out that long. This sounds like an institution that puts a lot into the superficial appearances but they shortchange the residents in terms of adequate and safe nursing care. You won't gain proficiency in skills in this environment; you will only learn shortcuts and bad habits that will break your spirit and make you feel like you, too, are shortchanging your residents.
Check your state's department of health website to see the last survey results from this facility. If things are as bad as they appear, the state surveys will likely reflect the poor quality of care. However, some facilities will increase staffing when "state" is around; they'll do extra chart audits and put the employees through mock surveys so they look good for the real survey. When the state inspectors are gone, they return to their same, bad habits---so a good state survey does not always mean that it's a good facility. But do look at the deficiencies that turn up in the state surveys----consistent problems such as pressure ulcers, falls, violation of resident dignity---all these are serious concerns that should make you think twice about working in a facility. And look at the severity of the deficiencies. Was actual harm caused? Was there actual or potential harm to only one resident or to most of the residents in the facility?
The other posters are correct. This sounds like a nightmare and the poor conditions in this facility could either cost you your license or break your heart and spirit. Best of luck to you in whatever decision you make!
Excellent post. I have been there and I agree 100%.
I strongly disagree. As a nurse, your license is put on the line every day. One small infraction could impose serious sanctions on your license. And, the amount of money it costs for an education in nursing is to me too high to place that license in jeopardy from the start. I have worked in LTC for many years. I have seen facilities that operate like this. How they stay open and not be shut down by the state is beyond my comprehension! But, if you work in a place that doesn't care about its patients/clients, then you are just as guilty as the ones who own and operate it as far as state surveyors are concerned. When a facility is "tagged" by the state for something like uncleanliness, or unsanitary, guess who the blame falls to?...You guessed it, the nurse on the floor. YOU are held responsible for the condition of the floor. Not some corporate yayhoo who doesn't have a clue. I have walked into facilities just like the one you described when I was desperate to find work, and I have turned and walked away immediately! Do yourself a favor, walk away and don't look back. I realize finding a job, especially for a new grad is hard, but you don't want to be associated with a facility like that. Believe me, word gets around. Nurses and CNAs are always moving from one facility to another and can tell you which ones shouldn't be taking care of dogs. Once you become associated with a facility that doesn't care about its patient population, reputable facilities will think twice before looking at you for hire. And, if you go on a job interview for another facility, you can't tell them that your leaving because of the "working conditions" or the "condition of the facility", because then they think you're just bad-mouthing your former employer and won't want to hire you then either.
I'm going to assume that you just got your license, and if that's the case, I would not accept that job. 52 patient's would be hard for an experience nurse to properly care for, much less someone new to that kind of work.
Remember, most nursing homes don't really care about your license, all they care about is making money. Should, god forbid, something go wrong you're going to be the first one that they try to pin it on. If you lose your license, you're easily replaced. I've found that in my job the quality of nursing care is often dependent on staffing ratios. Poor ratios equal substandard care. Do you really want to be part of that.
Unfortunately this seems to be the norm at a lot of LTC places. However there are a few good ones out there. I work for a decent one, and usually i am in charge of no more then 30.
The only advice I can give you is keep trying. Keep sending resumes, even to the same people. Be persistent, a door will eventually open up. Maybe find a job in a different field until a position opens up. I wish you the best of luck.
all i can say is wow! how can one care for 52 patients? how can one care for 30 patients? how can one care for 20 patients?:icon_roll i've been an rn for not quite a year yet and struggle with 8-10 patients on a busy med/surge floor. i cannot imagine a nurse/patient ratio of these numbers. am i missing something here? is this typical of ltc and alf's? i guess i need to get out more:rolleyes:. btw, i fail to see how single payer universal health care will solve these problems of nurse/patient ratio's...maybe i need to be enlightened to that...
Well long term care is a bit different then med/surg. Now keep in mind, the only experience with hospital nursing I have was clinicals. My patients tend to be a lot more stable then the ones on your typical med/surg floor. I also have a med tech pass out most routine PO medicines. They can't pass out scedule 2 meds or Coumadin. I also don't have to do a head to toe assessment on each one of my patients every day. Pretty much, all i have to do is accuchecks, treatments and dressing changes, assessing people who are on incident followup and/or having condition changes, taking off orders, and documentation. I know i am missing somethings, but i can't think of it right now. In my opinion, 30 is an optimal amount of patients in long term care. 40 is doable. But 50 is way too much.
What I would like to know is how do people get away with staffing ALFs and LTCs like this? How do they expect 1 RN to care for 52 patients?
Unfortunately there are no laws in my state that set an actual numeric limit on how many patients a nurse can tend to. However it has to be "safe". Now what is "safe" is very subjective. The only staffing requirements in Missouri has to deal with the fire code... 1 person to 10 patients during the day and 1 person to 25 patients at night. I'm not sure how many have to be there during the evening shift.
well.. your not alone dear.. here in the Philippines, we have that kind of enviroment too. But nursing is caring to people who are sick. actually,that kind of environment will really train you well. time-mangement, prioritizing things. it'll be a good impression for the future employer to see that u were able to deal with that environment. Just take care of your self. wear mask and gloves. universal precaution... if your a first timer in the prof. grab it.it's a stepping stone.u will see the big difference if u are trained in a stressful environment, u deal with it and when you change ur institution, they will be impressed on how well u manage ur work...
But in the Phillipines can the patients sue you for everything you're worth??? Can the government take away your livelyhood because you had to ignore patients while busting your butt taking care of other patients? The OP says there are vent/trach patients on this floor, and I am wondering if there is a respiratory tech that will take care of these patients?
I am just wondering if the people who are advising her to take this job have ever been to court? It is not fun at all. And it cost a lot of money.
Please get some very good Liability Insurance before your first day if you decide to take this job. And also be aware that you will not be able to take care of these patients, you will be running from room to room throwing meds into their mouths,, and then probably fibbing the assessments that are assigned to you. I hate to be harsh, but that's the real world in places like this.
Selene006, BSN, LPN
247 Posts
I'm an LPN and I've survived 7 months as a new grad working in a LTC facility. I work 3--11p and I usually have between 27--30 patients on the subacute care wing with 2 CNA's. There is only one nurse in this unit on 3--11p and 11p--7am shift. Some patients are stable, most are not, and I have a mix of patients who are there for palliative care. I wanted to run like hell when I got offered a position at this facility, but it was the ONLY job offer that I got after graduation and applying to over 25 facilities in my area (Boston area isn't so new--grad friendly). I couldn't just walk away from this job offer or I would be homeless. There are alot of things that I wish I could change at this facility--the nurse to patient ratio--specifically, but that's not something that is going to change. So I am currently in school pursuing my BSN. I look forward to providing quality care to less than 30 patients and walking away feeling as though my patients benefited from quality care provided--not rushed routines.
Good luck in your decision!