First Time On My Own in SNF

[king_of_the_hill_fan]

I've been reading other's posts about LTC/SNFs regarding patient ratios, responsibilities, etc.

I was hired at a SNF as an LVN/admin asst to the nurses. Then a week later, they offered me an LVN position, which I accepted of course. That first week was great to orient myself to all the paperwork involved in nursing. But as an LVN, I was only oriented to my specific shift for 2 days. I've heard it's a pretty mixed bag when it comes to orienting/training - some nurses get 8 hours, while others get a month.

I was on my own for the first time last night and had a terrible time. I'm trying to take comfort that if I'm running behind and feeling overwhelmed or stressed, that I'm doing my job well. I don't like to make mistakes or not do a job well. I know it's inevitable that errors will happen (nothing serious!) and I'll fall behind at first, but when will it become better and easier?

Stats: 30 patients to 1 LVN, 5 CNAs on my shift, 2 med passes (5pm and 9pm), a few treatments, 2 g-tubes, charting, families/phone calls, doctor orders, etc.

Any advice and words of encouragement welcomed and greatly appreciated!

[Nurse4163]

ElleVeeEnn, Things WILL get better.. remember that! My first job out of school was very overwhelming, and I never thought that I'd ever get the hang of it.. I had almost two months of training.. I finally felt confident to take a unit on my own.. I ended up working into the next shift because I was falling so far behind. But that is expected. Now, I usually get out of work at a resonable hour. I am now working another job where I've only received 3 days of training.. So each facility works differently. Always remember that you are not alone, and there will always be somebody there that can help you and answer your questions.

Best of luck!

[king_of_the_hill_fan]

My last couple of days have gotten a little better. I'm not as frazzled as that first day. But, I'm still running behind on med pass and wondering how to get quicker so I can stay on time. All my co-nurses tell me that it will just come with time....