I work 7p-7a and the 8p med pass went beyond being ridiculous a long time ago. Amidst the regular falls, elopement attempts, fighting (yes fighting), irate family members, and calling the MD routinely for the multitudes of problems every night, the med pass is often running over into 3rd shift.
I've worked LTC for a number of years now and while I don't think I'm super fast, I know that I can do my med pass as fast as most of the nurses I've worked with. I don't draw the meds up beforehand and I always work with the MAR. I do know the residents pretty well and know most of their meds so I'm not slowed down by that.
On weekdays there are two nurses to split the same med pass as I do alone on the weekend. They also have a supervisor in-house that can help with issues where we do not. I am the type of person who tries to do things "by the book" and this is really driving me batty because even on the very best of shifts there is no way I can complete this med pass within the required timeframe. I have made my frustrations and concerns with this known to the administration and have asked for help. They've told me they weren't aware that we were having these problems and would try to get some additional help at least for the hs med pass. So far nothing has happened, but I can't say I honestly believed that anything would. I really worry about what would happen if anything is ever said about the fact that some of my meds are late every night. I'm sure I'd be blamed, but I am doing the very best I can. I honestly don't believe it is possible to complete that med pass on time without some shady maneuvering.
I spent several years at one LTC that progressively deteriorated with revolving door management. I spent the last three years waiting on empty promises of improvements that were to be made. After I finally left I said I'd never waste my time with another job that made me miserable like that one did. Now here I am and while I have a nice salary it isn't nearly enough to compensate. I'm thinking of leaving, but I worry about getting labeled as a job-hopper too.
Just a random thought, but tonight there were FOUR people making sandwiches at Subway. That just caused me to think about how messed up priorities have gotten. Subway has four sandwich makers and the
elderly share one frazzled nurse with up to 70 other people.
ugh.....I'm not even sure if this is a rant or vent or what. I do apologize for the length though.:) Someone please tell me that there is at least one good LTC left out there.
and while I have a nice salary it isn't nearly enough to compensate. I'm thinking of leaving, but I worry about getting labeled as a job-hopper too. 
I do apologize for the length though.:) Someone please tell me that there is at least one good LTC left out there.