In LTC, how many days did you orient before charging?

[mondkmondk]

I called work today to see when they needed me again and they asked me if I felt comfortable charging alone this weekend. I still don't know a few residents, maybe like 10 because they do everything for themselves. I know all the Med A residents, all the ones that get narcs (because only the charge nurse can pass those), all the ones that get tx's and accu checks/insulins. I oriented last weekend for both days. I am pretty sure I'll be fine, plus I'll have a med tech and 4 aides (eve. shift, approx. 35-40 residents).

Just wondering how much orientation the rest of you got?

Blessings, Michelle

[infectionRN]

We give are nurses 80 hrs, unless their a new grad then we give 4 wks. One weekend does not seem like enough. Did you get to learn all the paper work that fast? Good Luck !

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

When I first received my LVN license nearly 3 years ago, I received a whopping 8 hours (1 shift) worth of orientation before being cut loose to work as the "charge nurse" over 30 patients. Keep in mind that I had never worked as a nurse prior to this experience.

In my area, 3 days of orientation is the norm before you are expected to assume the role of the charge nurse in the LTCFs.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

I saw in you profile..16 yrs experience...is that in LTC? If so,most places will think you can handle it. What do you think? Are you set on the paperwork? P and P? Staffing requirements?

I know when I took a prn job, I had 2 days classroom, one day of a shadowing on one of the units then I was off on my own. This place used LPNs for the floor nurse, so I was considered bonus when I worked the cart..the RN super never came down to my floor...I was stuck doing all plus the cart.... Yeah, its the same in just about every facility, you just need to get acclimated.

I would wait and take advantage of more orientation if you can.

[TOBYDOG]

In our facility this year we have several new grads (LPN) myself included. We were supposed to have 16 hrs on paperwork and P&P. I had 8 hrs and that time was spent trying to figure out the computer system. The preceptor was busy one the phone and having impromtu meetings while I was orienting. I have spoken to other new nurses, that all happen to be from my class, and the orientation I received was about normal. I have worked at this facility for 2 yrs as a Med aid in a different household. The responsibilities and requirements for charge nurse are much greater than a Med aid. As far as orientation to the floor, I was scheduled for 80 hours but that did not happen. My first day as orientee the training nurse called off and I was the only Nurse on the floor. The next time I was schedualed I was told that I did fine last week so we want you to take over now. I work weekends so it is a little slower, not as many orders comming in. Figuring out the household on my own was a definite challenge but with good aids I survived. I will not be working there once I complete my ADN program (this May). I have documented this lack of training and have contacted the DON and her reply was that "you are a good Nurse and we have confidence that you will handle difficult situations as they arise. That makes me really want to work there Knowing my license is on the line everyday. There is very little actual mentoring or training of the Nursing staff. They pay alot of lip service to continuing ed. and staff development but the follow through is very poor.