How to prepare for new LTC job....

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm a new grad LPN and after searching far and wide for a job it looks like I have one at a nice 120 bed facility (they sent me for a physical today). It seems like a great place. The patients wear arm bands (I'm really excited about that) and they only have four or five PEG tubes and two catheters in the whole place. I'll be on 11-7 and have about 40 pts after I complete my two week orientation.

How can I better prepare myself for this? The biggest worry I have is that the ADON who interviewed me mentioned that a couple of new grads "just didn't work out". She mentioned about them making some mistakes such as not checking off orders and forgetting to pass some meeds.

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. With as much trouble as I've had finding this job I sure don't want to screw it up.

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Specializes in LTC, SICU,RNICU.

Forty patients sounds like a lot. Is there another nurse with you?

Just make sure you check your orders against the mar and against the pill cards. How long are they giving you for orientation?

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Specializes in LTC.

It does sound pretty daunting. There will be two other nurses on the same shift with me. She said it would be a two week orientation. I'm relieved I won't have to try to remember everyone's names! Most of the LTC's in this area don't require that the residents/patients wear arm bands. That had me really scared.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, LTC.

Learning names will be the least of your problems. Read up on dementia and depression, HTN, and other common elder problems. Common geriatric meds, lasix, xanax, klonipin, insulins, diabetes, blood pressure meds, percocet, zocor, dilantin, etc.

Just go slow and do your best. Do everything by the book, no short cuts. Don't gossip. Be on time, take notes, ask questions. Bring healthy food with you. Wear good shoes. Bring a stethoscope, bp cuff, pens and a sharpie. Know the policy and procedures of your facility, read the binders on your lunch time! Look professional, ie clean ironed clothes, hair back etc, just like in school.

Be polite to everyone, say hi to family members, answer call bells. Be enthusiastic. Be extra special nice to your aides, be respectful yet be a leader; without their support you are sunk. Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC.

You learn the residents pretty quickly(yes even 40).

I work 11-7 in my facility sometimes. We have about 50 residents. 1 LPN for each unit. 2-3 CNAS and a RN supervisor for the whole building.

It will be tough at first but once you develop a routine and get a flow of the shift. It gets easier. What I find helps me not to miss any meds is as I go in room order and go through each page for the 12am meds, give those, and flag any 6am meds. This way at 4am(yes .. start your meds early) .. I just give the meds on the pages flagged.

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

I have 43 residents and I'm the only LPN on my unit. There are 90 residents in the building. Double and triple check your work. Make lists to stay organized. It will be daunting at first, but after you get a routine you'll be fine.

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