Got 1st US nursing job, now freaking out...

[cebuana_nurse]

Hello all!

I just recently accepted a job offer as a medication nurse in a LTC facility.

Though I have mixed emotions regarding the position and the feeling that I'm back in the nursing field. I took a year off for myself to adjust my life here in the US (moved here last 2009) and at the same time to get licensed by taking the NCLEX.The position seems overwhelming and I just don't know what to expect. I have a couple of questions for you guys out there who works in LTC facilities.

With your current job, how was your orientation phase? I did asked the recruiter on how long the orientation phase is, but she told me that it totally depends on the employee. They don't wanna pressure new employees as we are all different and not a lot of people catch up with a snap of a finger. So, how many months did it took you to learn everything?

How was your relationship with your co-workers? I get anxious to people of higher authority---people that speaks the English language well. I speak the language good but sometimes, my nerves get the best of me and I stutter. Really, I think it's embarassing. Makes me feel soo little of myself, but I'm always trying.

LTC facility is new to me. My previous working experiences were in Labor and Delivery as well as Peds. So, its typically a different world. I haven't picked a specialty yet though I am open on trying different things to figure out if this is fit for me. Can you gimme some advices with regards on how to establish that trust and rapport with your clients? How do you greet them?

Lastly, I am scared of committing errors that may endanger my patient's lives. I know that we are not perfect and committing mistakes helps us learn. How do you avoid these?

I'm sorry this is kinda long. I would really appreciate any replies or advices.

Thanks!

[SoulSearcherRN]

I think with nursing you never learn EVERYTHING. I had an interview at a LTC facility, but didn't get the job. When I asked how long the orientation period was, they told me 2 to 3 days. I thought that was terrible considering my previous job at a hospital mandated atleast 6 weeks of new hire orientation. They actually told me they felt that a short orientation allowed a person to get out there and make their own mistakes so they could learn from them. When dealing with patients I just don't think making mistakes is good if you can prevent them, which is what I think a longer orientation helps to do. I wish you luck and I'm glad it seems your recruiter gave you a much better answer. They sound like they will be helpful in letting you adjust to your position. It is probably for the best that I didn't get that job.

[LadyEJ BSN, RN]

Congrats on the new job!!! Good luck to you, I'm sure you will do fine. Don't worry, just take it one step at a time. :)

[SoulSearcherRN]

You'll be okay! The facility must be impressed with you as it is starting to get very competitive in the nursing job market. Trust in your abilities. As far as greeting patients, I think the typical "Hi my name is ____. I'll be your nurse for the day/night. Is there anything I can do for you at the moment?" would be sufficient.

[cebuana_nurse]

Thanks for all the replies! I really appreciate it. I'll take notes during orientation and just be myself.

[Ace587RN, RN]

hi kabayan, I agree, and always ask questions. Just take it one step at a time. I was in your situation with the language thing back in 2003, but eventually it got better

[LVN2010M]

Im currently at a LTC facility and been on orientation for 3 weeks now and i have one more week and there letting me on my own w/ the med cart, charting, pt teaching, faxing labs, calling doctor, and cant forget about answering pts family questions... its overwhelming i must admit. Take notes ask questions and don't do things that you are not comfortable with b/c its ur license on the line. As soon as u get a hang of it your will be fine.. and as far as co-workers here will always be that nurse that tries to eat there young & it sucks.. but we must deal with it, eventually you will find your place at your new job & love it!

Best of Luck. =]

P.S

CYO=cover your A**

at all times.. hehe

[nrswnabee]

hello. it's been awhile since my last post. i should update my screen name because i am an rn now and have been working in an ltc for over a year.

anyways, congrats should be in order. what you're feeling is normal but once you get your groove, you will find it easier. try to device a routine for each day you work, i.e. rounds, check and restock on missing meds or follow-up pharmacy or the lab for test results. i know most ltc's have some form of a report sheet where you jot notes on your residents' status from shift turnover. keep this sheet on hand as you move along med pass to write down any further change you notice or a reminder for you to do later. it helps if you write with a different colored pen to distinguish the current observations or notes you make from that of the previous nurse's. also important is to maintain smooth relations with your fellow staff because it's a hell of a difference if they help you or if they just decide to give you an attitude. be pleasant yet firm. bite your tongue whenever you feel like lashing out in frustration whether to a fellow worker or a resident's family. breathe and decide to do what is professional. i know it can also work against you if english isn't your first language but hey, you were schooled in english from kinder all the way through college. so long as you can express yourself effectively, that's all that matters. never mind the accent. you will hear all sorts and get used to them so other people should get accustomed to you as well. this is usa--- the proverbial melting pot of all cultures. there will be times that your day will not work out as you would want it but remember this: learn from your mistakes and just move on.

take care and have a blast...