Help, I am a brand new LPN grad and I am struggling in LTC

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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I am a brand new LPN grad and I am struggling in LTC. I was training and thought I'd be training for at least 2 weeks. Well they had a call off and threw me on a heavy cart with 34 pts. They put me on the cart after only 3 days of training. Not only that but I was trained on a different cart those other 3 days. I was drowning to the point of them having to put Another nurse on the cart to help me. I told them I wasn't comfortable and they treated me like I was stupid. Should I give it a chance or should I go somewhere else? I'm feeling extremely defeated right now. 

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Congrats on earning your LPN and I'm so sorry this is happening!

I can't tell you how many orientations have been cut short (mine included) by the "I'm sorry, someone called in sick tonite and you're on your own" scenario.

To add insult to injury, your colleagues treated you badly. 

Starting a new job, especially in a high-pressure setting like LTC, can be overwhelming, especially when you're thrown into situations you're not prepared for. Three days of training on a different cart and then immediately being given 34 patients is not OK, especially for someone just starting out.

Your feelings of being overwhelmed are completely valid, and you weren't given the proper support to succeed. It's not okay for them to make you feel stupid for expressing your discomfort. You're learning and developing your skills, and that should be respected.

Here's what I suggest:

  • Reflect on what you need. Do you need more training or a slower introduction to the responsibilities? Or, is the environment toxic enough to make you want to leave entirely?
  • Communicate. If you want to try it, have a candid conversation with your manager. Share how you feel about the training process and how it's affecting your confidence. You deserve to have a work environment that helps you grow, not one that pressures you unnecessarily.
  • Consider your options. If you don't feel supported and it's making you feel defeated, it might be worth looking for a place that offers more structured training or a better support system. You shouldn't feel like you're drowning in a role that requires learning and growing.
  • Take care of yourself. Don't let the frustration cloud your passion for nursing. It's tough, but this doesn't define your future in the field. You have value, and some employers will give you the chance to thrive.

If you decide to leave, secure another job before you resign. It's always easier to land a job while you're employed rather than unemployed.

Whatever you decide, make sure it's in your best interest for both your growth and mental health. You've got this, but don't feel bad for considering your well-being first.

Nurse Beth

 

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