How to stay afloat as a new nurse in LTC

Java Mama · May 16, 2014

I am in the same boat as you. I am a new nurse and work at a short-term rehabilitation unit. The average patient load is 16 (and I know most are saying you're lucky to have only that many), but you have to remember, being right out of school...it's over-whelming. There is SO much paper charting, admits, discharges, etc. My average day is usually 15 hours trying to get everything done. I am so over-whelmed.

jessicaRN32 · May 16, 2014

It will get better! I've been an LPN and have been working at my first nursing job at a LTC facility since November '13. We have up to a 30 resident load (depending on residents being LOA, in the hospital, etc..). It does get overwhelming at times with all the charting, med passes, putting in new orders, lab collections, skin checks, looking after CNAs, and dealing with everyday resident requests, but like I said, it will get better! I would love it if everyone were eager to help one another, but there will be nurses, CNAs, and even other staff members who will not be friendly, but in those situations, you will have to look passed that and take care of what you need to take care of. Your number one priority is taking care of the residents that you are assigned to. Being new to the facility, unfortunately you may have to earn the respect of some of the people that have been there longer before they will open up to you and be more willing to help you without you needing to ask. There will be some people out there who will be more than happy to help you with anything you need. Be that person as well! Do whatever you can to help someone if they ask - and if you sense that someone needs help, but they won't ask, then offer your help. If you show your loyalty to people, then they will most likely respect that and return the favor by helping you. When it comes to CNAs, remember that they are not below you. Most of them who love their job will work their butts off and not give you any problems. Respect them as well! If you treat them well, then they will help you without any problem. If they do give you a problem without any good reason, then as the charge nurse, you need to step up and voice your concerns to them. If they still give you problems, then maybe you need to bring this up to your ADON/DON, because there are things that you should be more concerned about (i.e. your residents) than worrying about them giving you trouble.

Good luck to you! It gets better!

spiderslap · May 24, 2014

I just sttd training for a PRN position in an LTC facility. I am scared to death. How do I keep myself from getting eaten alive:chicken: by the other nurses and CNAs? Any advice will help!

I am in the same situation as you. It seems that we may need to power through the hell of always being confused and behind before we will be able to prioritize our work. I always offer help to ppl who seem stressed in hopes that I will contribute to better teamwork and the favor will be repayed. So far, the only thing I can do is try to think "Which task are actually important to the patient's health?" And getting those done first. Save all the stupid orders for last if you can.

Penholder · May 27, 2014

Listen to the CNAs, be thorough and be honest. And be nice. Tell a joke if you need to let some stress go.

If possible-bring food.

aortas · May 27, 2014

You need to know what your ding and if you don't know ask the other staff for their help. Learn quickly who knows what he or she is doing and who doesn't. Your aides are really yr eyes and ears.

Nola009 · May 28, 2014

Be nice, but not too nice on a day to day, and FIRM when you have to. In time, you will find your footing. You will learn SOMETHING new everyday, if u pay attention! Good luck!