first shift experience in ltc

[Newgurl17, CNA, LPN]

Hi everyone!

Just wondering what your experience was like working your first ever shift as an LPN in a long term care facility? I graduated school last December, got my interim license in February (I'm a Canadian nurse from British Columbia) and had my first shift yesterday. My program at school was a year and a half long. I felt like my first shift yesterday honestly sucked. It was one of those days where I felt like everything I learned in school just escaped from me! I've worked in ltc for one of my practicums and preceptorship and thought that I would be fine because I had positive reviews from both of these experiences and positive reviews from the nurses on orientation, but as it turned out unfortunately I was wrong. The unit I worked on has 2 lpn's with 24 residents each in 2 hallways, which wasn't bad. I think I really struggled with the med rounds. The particular lpn shift I was working on had to give meds to residents in both hallways at 6 am med round rather than sticking to giving meds to residents in just one of the assigned hallways per lpn. I have not worked in this facily before nor have I done any volunteer work.

[angeloublue22, BSN, RN]

Yes, this is right on par with first nursing jobs. I love training new nurses and I always tell them if they say they feel incompetent, I tell them "you're supposed to feel that way because you're new and it's a new experience. If you came in thinking you know everything then we would have a problem." It also shows your concern for wanting to do a good job. I have 7 years experience and I still have those days when I feel this way. It took me 5 years alone to not be afraid of an emergency situation happening at work that I wouldn't know how to handle. Fortunately, working in a jail cured me of that. LTC is a hard job. You'll get it, give yourself a break and strive to do better every day. Find out what works for you in order to make your day go smoother. Lastly, be kind to yourself, nursing is hard, but it's harder if you beat yourself up.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

Yep, those first shifts suck. You realize that you did not learn everything in nursing school. One thing I do, is take a sheet of paper and write down what needs to be done when. You will also want to write down who needs their meds crushed. IN time you will remember all the things you need to do. At first you just seem so overwhelmed. As you get to know the residents and their routines, it will get better. Also, if something occurs and you are not sure what to do, make sure that there is someone you can call on for assistance. At my first job, the DON and ADON alternated who was on call for such assistance.

The fact that you realize how tough the first day was, tells me that you are going to strive to do well in the job. LTC gets a lot of bad rap from people/nurses, but it is a very rewarding area to work.

[edmseat35]

I was a new grad when I started LTC 2 years ago. You can do this! I felt like I knew nothing. It takes almost a year to feel like you understand why you do the things you do as far as documentation/ new orders/ new admissions, etc. At my facility it is all hand charting! I agree- make little lists to help keep things sorted at first. It is like a big puzzle at first! Just break it down into small bits. You will do great!

[Glycerine82, LPN]

I got laughed at for asking each patient their name and DOB , but other than that It was a lot of fun and it still is. Always something new to learn and never a dull moment.

[Newgurl17, CNA, LPN]

Well, gotta do what you gotta do to know who the residents are! I agree! When I was on my preceptorship I found that I learned something new everyday as well as on my orientation shifts! My preceptorship was fun because sometimes we had downtime to read magazines, talk about the funny things that old residents did or old employees. Then my preceptor and other CNA's would be practicing their dance for Diwali which I had the chance to celebrate at that facility and we helped decorate the units for Christmas!

[Newgurl17, CNA, LPN]

Did anyone ever struggle with time management??

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

Did anyone ever struggle with time management??

I found that if I outlined my shift into segments and what needs done when, I find I do better than if I haven't done so.

When I worked evenings it went something like this:

2pm Report and count narcs

2:30 Do vitals and assessments on those scheduled to have those done

Get the med cart set up for the med pass

4 -5 was a med pass

5:00 break, if time

5:30 to about 6:30 supper med pass

6:30 to 7 chart

7-8 bedtime med pass & treatments

finish charting if need to

9 last meds for the shift, usually only a few

10 Report off

Now, this is a general outline as you know things happen and they have to be taken care of. But it gave me an idea of how to plan my time.

[Newgurl17, CNA, LPN]

How long did it take for you to get to know how to do everything? To feel confident? Still feeling incompetent and I'm going to have my fourth shift today but 3rd 3pm-11pm shift -_- but it's getting better though!

[Newgurl17, CNA, LPN]

What is normal to see in someone who is just starting out like me when you're working with them?