first job LTC need advice

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good morning!! new grad here. got a job offer a nursing home. any advice on how to develop good relationships with the CNAs, LPNs? advice on time management, proper delegation, etc. any advice is welcome. I am a little nervous. very first nursing job. thank you guys

also, what kind of stuff do you guys think I should bring to work? stethoscope, notepad, etc?

Specializes in retired LTC.

Just brought up the death pronouncement/certificate issue just so it doesn't get lost/forgotten IF nec. In NJ, we did pronounce and start the death certificate before we sent the pt off with the funeral home. (Don't know if that has changed.) As a solitary RN in a facility, it could be her responsibility.

kbrn - you are right re State and facility expectations/limitations. They all differ. And when in doubt, just call up the chain to the on-call person.

Didn't know why you bolded surprise State visit, but know, while they are RARE, they can occur at any time. NJ survey often liked to pop in early on the first day. OP - call DON stat!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.
On 4/29/2020 at 11:36 AM, amoLucia said:

Just brought up the death pronouncement/certificate issue just so it doesn't get lost/forgotten IF nec. In NJ, we did pronounce and start the death certificate before we sent the pt off with the funeral home. (Don't know if that has changed.) As a solitary RN in a facility, it could be her responsibility.

kbrn - you are right re State and facility expectations/limitations. They all differ. And when in doubt, just call up the chain to the on-call person.

Didn't know why you bolded surprise State visit, but know, while they are RARE, they can occur at any time. NJ survey often liked to pop in early on the first day. OP - call DON stat!

Didn't mean to bold the surprise state visit part, LOL! You are absolutely right, those people can show up anytime. While it's not common I have seen them waltz in while night shift was still on. It was pretty fun getting to call and wake up all the managers and hear the absolute panic when they heard state was in the house!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

kbrn - oh, yeah!!!

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Guys, why is this site so user UNFRIENDLY? LOL!

Where can I post a question in accordance with it's appropriate topic? I know this isn't the right place, so sorry for that!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.
14 hours ago, Leyla Sak said:

Guys, why is this site so user UNFRIENDLY? LOL!

Where can I post a question in accordance with it's appropriate topic? I know this isn't the right place, so sorry for that!

You can always start by posting in general nursing or if you are in school and it is an education question post in the general student forum. If the question should be moved to a different sub-forum the mods will usually take care of it. They are pretty good about that. You can also ask a mod after you post if you want the topic moved.

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New grad currently working LTC/SNF.

I now have 9 months experience. I wouldn't say I dislike LTC, but I would definitely say I hate my job. I'm trying to tell myself that not all LTC's are the same. LTC comes with a lot of stress, especially if you are a new grad like you and I. Time management is key. In the nine months of working, I have greatly improved in this area. My problem is assessing and recognizing when something and/or someone needs intervention, because in LTC you are usually always running around like a chicken without its head, trying to do a million things at once. Patient load is usually very high in LTC, and in some places, usually short-staffed (high turnover rates). Hours are typically 8 hour shifts/5 days a week which can be difficult for family and social life (especially if you work 3-11 like I do). BUT at the same time, if you start out in hospital, most likely 7p-7a will be the shift you work, which I also hear is tough. You do see some acuity in a SNF, so I wouldn't necessarily be worried about losing skills (trachs, foley catheter insertions/removals, colostomies, wound care, gtubes, etc), but like someone mentioned, if you are an RN, get some experience and leave. That's my plan. I'm already burnt out between the constant stress I'm under at work, feeling unappreciated, and receiving no help or guidance. The only good thing that comes out of it is the paycheck. Most LTC's will pay more than the hospital settings (at least in my area), but I'm not that type of nurse and I don't WANT to be that type of nurse that just works for a paycheck. I became a nurse because I want to help people! I do like LTC though, and am currently looking for work elsewhere in this area. I don't think LTC is bad specialty to get into, I think it can be very rewarding. Working for an organized company that has a strong, upper management that supports and guides you can make all the difference. Make sure you are getting an adequate orientation, proper training, and make sure to ask questions, do not be afraid, and ask for help. I got a month of improper training, and basically thrown to the wolves. You just have to weigh the pros and cons, and don't let other people tell you LTC is not "real nursing". I can't even begin to tell you how many people I've come in contact with that say "Oh you're a new RN? Why are you here? Go to the hospital." In a sense I understand, but do what you feel is right, and where you are happy. Try it out, and if you don't like it, put in your time and move on.

Good luck!

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Specializes in general.

how's ltc

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