LPNA left on my own

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Rehab, LTC.

Ok sorry but I'm about to vent and I am sure I will make some people unhappy. Sorry in advance!

I am very recent new graduate working as an LPNA, (working under another nurse until I get my licensed..nclex scheduled 8/9). My provisional license states that I am to work under direct supervision of another nurse.

I work 2nd shift at a LTC facility after 3 days of orientation they throw me on a hall with 26 residents and I am on my own. Again, I am not licensed.

So I had 2 options, sink or swim. I decided to swim. I have done a pretty good job, considering. On 2nd shift there is no charge, no unit manager, nothing. Supposedly I am working with this other RN who has been a nurse since the beginning of time. She is so grumpy and flat out does not care. She tells me all the time, I don't give a $hit.

Every other nurse on this shift also just recently started at this facility so there isn't any other nurse I can go to when I have questions. The ONLY thing I ever go to her about is paperwork. This mainly because during the 3 days of orientation state was in the building and I never got to see any of it. So once they put my on my own hall (which of course was not the hall I oriented on) I didn't have a clue as to what I needed to do with labs, orders, ect. I hate getting so much attitude every time I ask her a question. I could understand if I was running to her constantly, or asking her the same questions over and over but I'm not

I honestly think that any other person in their right mind would have probably walked out the door the minute they put them on a hall of 26 residents on their own. But I am really trying to stick this out, any thoughts or suggestions.??

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Specializes in ICU.

Back in the "good old days" we were paid more to orient new employees. In the early 90's, I was paid $4.00 per hour more, just to orient a new hire. But nobody gets paid for this anymore, so I guess it has become just another chore to some nurses. I wouldn't take it so personally, maybe this nurse simply does not like to teach. Take time to read thru their policy/procedure manual. As long as you are following your employer's policy, you will be okay. Also, maybe this nurse sees you as a threat. You don't know her history. Hang in there.

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Specializes in ASC, Infection Control.

Correct me if I'm wrong: when you're working before licensure, you're not supposed to be giving meds and everything right? And I assume you're doing that, as you are taking on your own hall. I worked in LTC for a year.

However, if I'm correct and you are dispensing meds on your own, you REALLY should think this over. What happens if you make a mistake or don't realize there is an interaction, or give a dosage that someone else did but forgot to sign out and something happens, do you realize the potential repercussions? Such as, not being allowed to get your license?! I personally don't care what my employer says. Once you are licensed, you are on your own, and you are the only one who will protect it for you. NEVER put yourself in a situation that could compromise your licensure, because once it's gone, you're lucky if you'll ever get it back. Just think through what you're doing and what could possibly happen, and decide if the risk is worth it.

I'm licensed in one state and awaiting licensure in a different state, where I just accepted a job. I absolutely WILL NOT do any nurse-specific procedures or admin meds unsupervised, even though I am experienced, because I am not licensed in that state yet and won't risk my licensure like that. I've worked too hard for it and have been through hell and back with it, so the only way I'm giving it up is when I'm dead!

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

I can't believe your facility is allowing you to work w/o a license! :confused:

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Specializes in ICU.

As far as I know, you can give meds while you work on a temporary license. If you take state boards and fail, then you cannot do anything as a nurse until you re-take boards and pass. At least this is how it is in my state. The RN that she is working with would probably be held more accountable than the new LPN. I agree that we work too hard for our license to frivolously lose it, however. I protect mine at all costs!

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Specializes in CCU MICU Rapid Response.

Boards will be here before you know it. :) Check with the BON about working w a temp license and passing meds. it will help ease your mind. Good luck with boards too! :) Ivanna

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Specializes in ICU, ER, PACU.

I would quit... That is not the kind of atmosphere you need to be working in. I remember how nervous I was when I started working and the support I got from seasoned nurses was ESSENTIAL... That is not worth risking your license in my opinion.

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This sort of thing happens in LTC all the time. LTC are notorious for abusing new nursing staff. Shortened or poor orientation, sticking new staff with lousy precepters, using orientees to fill in the staffing gaps, etc. The abuse goes on and on.

You should clarify exactly what it is you are allowed to do legally as a graduated nurse before earning your state license. Did your facility provide you with an orientation packet? If they did, hold the facility accountable to their own policies and make them stick to it. Do not give in, do not cave. Hate to say it but it is always good practice to think on the defensive when working in LTC.

I hate to say it but this is going to be your work environment and it won't get better once you become licensed. Just saying.

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Specializes in pediatrics.

Not sure what state you're in, maybe I missed that, but, in MD when you go through nursing school, you actually get certified as a med assistant in your first or second semester, often without prior knowledge that it was done, and that is registered with the BON. In long term care, that is sufficient to administer and sign off meds. I've done this and I know many many more nurses here in MD that have as well. I've been a nurse for several years now, and it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders, and you are trying to weigh this out. My advice, stick it out, it is tough YES, but, in the economy we are in, we can be thankful that we have good paying jobs to go to. Long term care is tough, but, generally your patients are stable, because they are in their "home" environment and few things change, you'll get in your groove and it is a great first job to get your handle on a lot of practical skills and knowledge, as well as many laughs and crazy stories to look back on. Be encouraged today!

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Specializes in Mental Health, Medical Research, Periop.
Not sure what state you're in, maybe I missed that, but, in MD when you go through nursing school, you actually get certified as a med assistant in your first or second semester, often without prior knowledge that it was done, and that is registered with the BON. In long term care, that is sufficient to administer and sign off meds. I've done this and I know many many more nurses here in MD that have as well. I've been a nurse for several years now, and it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders, and you are trying to weigh this out. My advice, stick it out, it is tough YES, but, in the economy we are in, we can be thankful that we have good paying jobs to go to. Long term care is tough, but, generally your patients are stable, because they are in their "home" environment and few things change, you'll get in your groove and it is a great first job to get your handle on a lot of practical skills and knowledge, as well as many laughs and crazy stories to look back on. Be encouraged today!

I live in MD and have never heard of this. I went to nursing school here, and by 2nd semester traditional and non traditional students blended in. Many wanted to work and called BON to see if hours counted towards PCT or anything. They were told they could challenge the CNA boards and do that. I have never heard of the medical assistant thing, that is news to me. But I obviously do not know everything, just not familiar with that. I spent majority of my career in Southern VA though, and yes RNA (registered nurse applicants) and LPNAs can pass meds under their preceptors license (in the state of VA). LTC can be difficult and overwhelming. I started my LPN career there. I eventually got the hang of it and things were pretty smooth. I wish you much luck and success. GOOD LUCK ON BOARDS NEXT WEEK!!! :D

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Specializes in Rehab, LTC.

Nurse Netty thank you for the encouraging words! I am trying to stick it out, new grads jobs are hard to come by these days. I have worked ib LTC as a CNA for the past year. When I graduated the LTC I was had didn't have any openings so I went somewhere else. I live in KY and they issue a provisional license until you take boards. We re able to pass meds and everything but we are supposed to have direct supervision by another nurse. This has not happened. I am responsible for everything. I was of course told this would not be the case but a nurse quit so they threw me to the wolves. If I had another nurse I could go to that wasn't so digruntled and bitter towards nursing it would be a whole lot better but I don't. So I guess I will just have to do the best I can and pray I don't get my license taken away. :(

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Specializes in Long Term Care.

OMG...sounds exactly what happened to me when I first started except I worked day shift. Please, Please , Please be careful..double check and triple check. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me if you like. I had to figure out ALOT of things on my own and believe it or not I had to go to some of the CNA's on my floor because that's how bitter the nurses were on my floor.

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