Is this legal?

[jschut]

As most of you know, I just recently graduated and became a LPN. I work in a LTC.

I have been working as a LPN for one month tomorrow.

I have also been working this facility alone. A nurse will help pass pills till 11p, then I am alone (the only nurse) till 5a.

I had no orientation, just people "helping" me if I had a question. Kind of a "learning as you go" type of experience.

I do not feel that is a safe practice. Especially with me being brand new yet. What if something happened? I surely wouldn't know what to do. Shoot! I didn't even know what the requisition form was for lab when they came in this AM!

I can always go somewhere else, I suppose, but I really enjoy my job and the people, just not so much responsibility yet! Maybe in the future, I wouldn't be so worried about it, but I am now.

What do you guys think? Isn't it illegal? And if something DID happen, I know the place would save their butts and sacrifice my license, and I worked hard for my license.

I just am in a quandry right now....

[Kayzee]

Ypu need to speak up and say something. This is unsafe and unfair to you. I have worked LTC, and some facilities just want a body there. Don't jeopordize your license...speak up!

[TracyB,RN, RN]

Document, document, document, THEN Cover your butt, b/c no one else will. Then be vocal.

Definitely check your nurse practice act. I need to review mine, but Illinois requires an RN on duty. I don't think it's different for LTC.

I am just shaking my head about lack of info on your diabetic. . . had a similar thing happen to me. God, I still get sooo angry thinking about those incomplete reports. Not safe for anyone, patients or staff.

And what crappy staffing, you & 1 or 2 CNA's. For 60 residents? but, not at all uncommon.

[fence]

I know that in Oklahoma unless you have medicare beds (skilled) you only have to have an RN for 8 hours per day. From 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., one direct-care staff to every six residents is required,from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., one direct-care staff to every eight residents, and from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., one direct-care staff to every fifteen residents. Direct care would be nurse, aide, PT. Until last year the state alowed social director to count as direct care. My sugestion would be to go to a larger facility where there are more staff so you have resources in the building. I am not sure of the reimbursment rate in your state but in Oklahoma we have some cathcing up to do so it is hard for owners to turn a profit. And the LTC industry in a large part is for profit. From your post it does sound though as you stafing ratio is unsafe. So I would be sure to check your state regulations and point out any deficiencies to your supervisor. Follow chain of command and if this fails. Call your state health department.

Jimmy

[SmilingBluEyes]

Wow scary for you and scary for the residents. THIS is what it's all coming to....I hope my parents, inlaws and I DIE LONG BEFORE LTC becomes a necessity......I would highttail it outa there faster than you can say goodbye. This is NOT a good situation. I wish you well! I wish those residents good luck! They will need it.