Flex time in LTC, Interview tomorrow!

geniann · Sep 20, 2006

LTC is not for everyone. I am not saying that to discourage you. Just being honest. LTC can get very hectic- there will be several days with no lunch and no breaks. I work 12 hour shifts and end alot of days without getting everything done. I take care of 28-31 residents and the hardest part is just getting to know them. That is something that only time will help. Once you get to know how Ms. X likes her pills and that Mr. G likes tap water and not iced water, you will be fine. Don't be afraid to ask questions- there truly are no stupid questions. Don't let anyone intimidate you and most of all, BE FIRM with the Cna's right from the start. I made the mistake of being a pushover and they took advantage of it. I do the "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" and it worked out much better. Your cna's are your eyes and ears- they can be your best assests or your worst nightmares. I always wondered about the clinical part of lpn school- they know alot of us will work in LTC but do no training with us there. Interesting huh? Well best of luck to you- You will be fine! :nurse:

Little Panda RN, ASN, RN · Sep 20, 2006

LTC is not for everyone. I am not saying that to discourage you. Just being honest. LTC can get very hectic- there will be several days with no lunch and no breaks. I work 12 hour shifts and end alot of days without getting everything done. I take care of 28-31 residents and the hardest part is just getting to know them. That is something that only time will help. Once you get to know how Ms. X likes her pills and that Mr. G likes tap water and not iced water, you will be fine. Don't be afraid to ask questions- there truly are no stupid questions. Don't let anyone intimidate you and most of all, BE FIRM with the Cna's right from the start. I made the mistake of being a pushover and they took advantage of it. I do the "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" and it worked out much better. Your cna's are your eyes and ears- they can be your best assests or your worst nightmares. I always wondered about the clinical part of lpn school- they know alot of us will work in LTC but do no training with us there. Interesting huh? Well best of luck to you- You will be fine!

Thanks for the reply. I am very nervous, but I really want to try a different part of the medical field. I have worked in a doctors office for a long time in many different areas such as Family Practice, Cardiology, Radiology, Orthopedics and podiatry. I am to the point that I feel like okay done this, whats next. Anyways, I appreciated the advice. Are there any certain questions I should ask during the interview?

Hairstylingnurse · Sep 20, 2006

Ndmom,

Hi and good luck with your interview tomorrow, please let us know how it goes. I wanted to ask you how does flex time work? What are the typical hours and or days you'll be working??????

As far as questions to ask I'm too tired to think(long long day), but one important question ofcourse is what will your pt. load be and how many cnas will you have assissting. Sorry like I said I don't feel so well this evening. Best of luck.

Little Panda RN, ASN, RN · Sep 20, 2006

Ndmom,
Hi and good luck with your interview tomorrow, please let us know how it goes. I wanted to ask you how does flex time work? What are the typical hours and or days you'll be working??????
As far as questions to ask I'm too tired to think(long long day), but one important question ofcourse is what will your pt. load be and how many cnas will you have assissting. Sorry like I said I don't feel so well this evening. Best of luck.

Hello Hairstylingnurse,

When you work flex time you are required to work 1 weekend a month. Other than that you can say yes or no when they call you to work. I currently have a full-time job in the clinic working Mon-Fri, so I only want to pick up a few hours a month. I am actually doing it this way to see if it is what I want to do. I am so afraid to leave my current position for something I may not even like, but I feel the need to do this since clinic is all I have ever done. I want to broaden my horizons. I would move to the hospital, but I make as much as they pay thier LPN's to begin with. Not really worth the added responsibility, plus I am interested in LTC. Thank you for the luck, it is appreciated:)

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2006

How did it go?

I would def ask to look at a job description. Ask about the staffing levels, any mandatory OT? What happens with call offs or being short?

Little Panda RN, ASN, RN · Sep 21, 2006

I went to the interview yesterday and I did get the job. I am only flex time, which means I only have to work one weekend a month. I already have a full-time job as a clinic nurse, but since I have done this job for so long, I am hoping I really like LTC so I can move to full-time there. I will be a treatment nurse for 20 residents. I was told that for 40 residents there is a treatment nurse, a certified med aid, 5 CNA's plus the charge nurse for each unit which consist of 40 residents. They also bring in 2 CNA's and a nurse to float but they have to fill the spots for those who call off. It all in all sounded pretty good. I have no experience in LTC, but I will be starting out making more than what I make in the clinic after 12 years. Not sure when I will start yet since I have to find time to go to orientation. The ADON was really nice and is willing to work with me on hours and I also will not have to do any over nights. I am looking forward to the experience, wish me luck and keep your fingers crossed that I will love it!

**Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN** · Sep 28, 2006

5 CNA's for 40 is good, we have 5 for almost 60, no wound nurse, 2 nurses and a unit manager during day shift.

geniann · Sep 29, 2006

Sorry nd_mom- My bad- I misunderstood your question- I must have been half asleep when I read it. Hope things are going well for you:nurse: