hi all

txsugarlvn · Jun 4, 2003

:)

Hi LargoLPN. Congratulations on your accomplishment! :biggringi

Pointers, okay let's see. I've been an LVN for over 8 years now and remember very clearly my first nursing jobs. It's tough going from a few patients to 15, 30 or more. I've had as many as 45 under my care but I had alot more experience at that time. It's not a good thing but it's the nature of the beast when you are understaffed. :rolleyes:

Anyway, here's my advice:

1. Get a strong orientation from whoever is your "trainer".

2. Ask lots of questions and don't be turned off by people who get irritated or seem annoyed. Asking questions is the only way to know what's going on.

3. Carry a notebook (small one that will fit in your pocket) and write everything down. Make notes to yourself that will jog your memory etc. It's helpful to tape a list of extensions or other pertinent info inside the cover for quick reference. Sometimes the lists aren't readily available by the phone.

4. Get a blank copy of the resident list (if you are going to work in a nursing home or the like) and make notes next to each name that will be little reminders for you. For instance: Rm 102A Jones, John...crush meds, likes applesauce not jelly, watch for food hiding... Things like that will be invaluable as you get to know that resident. You will be like family to them and you will get to know them all really well. In the beginning, it's hard to keep names and faces in mind. Review often.

5. Always carry a black pen, a black sharpie marker (LOVE THOSE MARKERS!!!! :chuckle , and a highlighter. Why? Because you will need all these things at one point or another during the day and it's a huge help to have them on hand in your pockets. Think kangaroo...

6. Take the time to really look around and get to know where everything is. Go through the med room, the med cart and MARS. Find where the linen is kept and where the dirty stuff goes.

7. Get a really good pair of sneakers because you will definitely be on your feet. I suggest investing in a foot whirpool. They come with massagers and everything now and you can get them for as low as $20. Check out Wal-mart and Target.

8. Lastly, ORGANIZATION is key. You'll find your system as you go along. Whatever works best for you and keeps you as efficient as possible without cutting corners on quality. It can be done. I've done it and so have lots of other nurses. Just hang in there and stay positive and focused.

Remember, you don't have to stay in a place where the conditions are so bad you hate going to work in the morning. there are so many options out there and nurses can always find work. I have never looked for a job and not been able to find one. :) I wish you the very best and send a prayer and a hug for you. If I can be of any other help, please don't hesitate to PM me or post or whatever.

Take care and God bless you!

Sophronia · Jun 4, 2003

Hello Largo LPN I'm sophie and I'm new here too. I'm not working in a hospital right now, but I remember last summer having up to 15 patients on some nights. I only worked weekends but sometimes I really felt it was unsafe. If you are put into a situation like that be sure you file a notice that you were working under unsafe conditions. There 's a name for the form but I cant remember it off hand.

Disablednurse · Jun 4, 2003

Largo, one of the biggest things that will help you is to get your own routine going. It may take a week or two to do but after you get your own routine, it will make things easier. Also try to make your steps count. If you can make one trip count for two go for it. Always make sure that you remember what you learned in school about passing meds, because that is one thing that you will use as long as you are a nurse passing pills. I have been in nursing for 26 years and every time I passed meds, I used what I learned in nursing school. Also when passing meds, make a list when you start of what you need on your cart and make sure that it is on the cart before you start med passes. This will save valuable time and steps. Good luck.

LargoLPN · Jun 4, 2003

thanks guys,

ive never been so scared in my life. Its real now you know. anyway, thanks soooo much. Ill remember all this advise and put it to work. we used those hourly scheduals in school and I liked that. any one have a good hourly schedual sheet they would like to share with me. are those used in the real word? well anyway thanks alot. any thing elce any one can think of I would be greatfull

atownsendrn · Jun 5, 2003

Congratulations and good luck Largo. Just remember we are all here for you