I got a job as a graduate nurse/RN at a nursing home recently here in California. I've been training in a very fast-paced busy hectic environment. I'm not learning a whole lot (atleast not enough to be completely on my own) because of the environment. My nurse (LVN training me) has been very patient and as helpful as she can be while still taking care of 17+ patients at a time. She said she wishes she can go more in depth with all the paperwork and things like that if she had the time. I asked to be moved to a slower unit of the nursing home. But I was told that there is only 1 nurse per unit of the nursing home for every shift (~20 patients per nurse). And if I were to move to another unit, I'd be completely alone and I'd have to be READY to be on my own.
This place is SEVERELY understaffed. There is no unit secretary to call doctors, fax papers, deal with jammed copiers, etc. No wound care nurse. Not enough nurses. You have so much to do. Nurses stay atleast an hour past their shift just to catch up on what they need to do. The nurses are constantly overwhelmed. One says that she thinks about quitting every other day. There's a nurse who doesn't even document correctly. She documents about a right arm PICC line when the patient actually has a left hand peripheral line... That is how crazy it is. And people get written up a lot... I wonder why. Maybe because they're overwhelmed and can't possibly do everything. And we only get 30 minutes lunch. The nurse training me doesn't even have time to eat... I don't have time to actually sit down with my patients and have a nice conversation with them. It's just like, "Hi. Here's your meds. Gotta go now bye."
I've only been given 5 days of orientation. How is anybody supposed to learn how to do their job in 5 days? Apparently they'd give me more time to orientate if I need it. But I need like 6 months (like new grads at hospitals get). I'm supposed to have a sit-down discussion with the DON and whoever else on Monday. I don't even know if I should show up. They won't even give me 1 week off to study for my NCLEX. They'll just give me 2 days off before my test to study. I need to pass it the first time to start my BSN program. They said the job is more important than the NCLEX...
This is my first job. So I don't have anything to compare it to. But I know this isn't how it's supposed to be. New grads should be trained well to do their job in a reasonable amount of time... especially when human lives are involved. I don't want to screw something up and lose my license before I even get to RECEIVE my license.
I want to just quit and concentrate on the little time I have to study for my NCLEX and then focus on getting my BSN. Apparently some hospitals won't even accept nursing home experience anyways. And I don't NEED a job right now. I don't have kids to support or an apartment to pay rent.
LTC is not an ideal place for a new grad. There's a lot of skills learned in hospital nursing you won't get at a SNF. That being said you're there. I don't know about 6 months but I had 8 weeks of orientation to my first hospital job and you should expect more than a week of orientation as a new grad. Start looking for a hospital staff position. Apply to every hospital in your area. If there are none considering moving. Sadly, this is the way it is at most SNF's and a when a mistake happens the facility won't necessarily be there to defend your license.
Thanks everybody. I was shocked to find out that this is much more common than I thought. I am definitely not applying to other LTC facilities. I just applied because I couldn't find a job at a hospital. I sure learned a lot.
My interview is tomorrow! AAAHHH! I'm freaking out. This is my first real interview (the one for the nursing home was a joke... she was just like "Hello. This is what you'll be doing.") And then the day after my interview, I have my NCLEX. I think I'm gonna pass out.
One key point is that you, and RN, are being trained by an LVN. If your facility is TJC certified, I would bet money they have a policy that states RNs are oriented by RNs. It may also be something for the Board of Nursing, as it is highly impropper for an LVN to orient/train an RN. Right up front I want to say that I have met many competent LVNs who provide excellent care, and that is not what I am talking about. This is about regulatory and institutional policy, and if they are disregarding it, you have a good case for improving conditions not only for yourself, but for those who come after you.
The NCLEX is not a test about what you know as much as it is a test at how well you can play the NCLEX game. I studied a lot for it, but realized when I finished it that, I could have taken it right after graduation and wish I had not delayed to study. However, if you feel that just the stress of it all might frazzle you too much, you can call them and reschedule, I think. I don't remember what the rules are, but see if you can do this, maybe buy yourself a little more time if you think you need it.
Unfortunately many nursing facilities are in the same conditions you described. In my opinion, get out of that facility ASAP with proper resignation. It appears to be placing you in legal jeopardy and it could place you and your career off to a negative start. It took me many years to follow my inner voice and gut instinct but more times then none if you listen to that it will guide you right. Good luck with your new profession and employment.
I got a job as a graduate nurse/RN at a nursing home recently here in California. I've been training in a very fast-paced busy hectic environment. I'm not learning a whole lot (atleast not enough to be completely on my own) because of the environment. My nurse (LVN training me) has been very patient and as helpful as she can be while still taking care of 17+ patients at a time. She said she wishes she can go more in depth with all the paperwork and things like that if she had the time. I asked to be moved to a slower unit of the nursing home. But I was told that there is only 1 nurse per unit of the nursing home for every shift (~20 patients per nurse). And if I were to move to another unit, I'd be completely alone and I'd have to be READY to be on my own.
This place is SEVERELY understaffed. There is no unit secretary to call doctors, fax papers, deal with jammed copiers, etc. No wound care nurse. Not enough nurses. You have so much to do. Nurses stay atleast an hour past their shift just to catch up on what they need to do. The nurses are constantly overwhelmed. One says that she thinks about quitting every other day. There's a nurse who doesn't even document correctly. She documents about a right arm PICC line when the patient actually has a left hand peripheral line... That is how crazy it is. And people get written up a lot... I wonder why. Maybe because they're overwhelmed and can't possibly do everything. And we only get 30 minutes lunch. The nurse training me doesn't even have time to eat... I don't have time to actually sit down with my patients and have a nice conversation with them. It's just like, "Hi. Here's your meds. Gotta go now bye."
I've only been given 5 days of orientation. How is anybody supposed to learn how to do their job in 5 days? Apparently they'd give me more time to orientate if I need it. But I need like 6 months (like new grads at hospitals get). I'm supposed to have a sit-down discussion with the DON and whoever else on Monday. I don't even know if I should show up. They won't even give me 1 week off to study for my NCLEX. They'll just give me 2 days off before my test to study. I need to pass it the first time to start my BSN program. They said the job is more important than the NCLEX...
This is my first job. So I don't have anything to compare it to. But I know this isn't how it's supposed to be. New grads should be trained well to do their job in a reasonable amount of time... especially when human lives are involved. I don't want to screw something up and lose my license before I even get to RECEIVE my license.
I want to just quit and concentrate on the little time I have to study for my NCLEX and then focus on getting my BSN. Apparently some hospitals won't even accept nursing home experience anyways. And I don't NEED a job right now. I don't have kids to support or an apartment to pay rent.
What do you think I should do?
Quit. Give them proper notice, about two weeks, concentrate on passing your boards. This unfortunately is the real world.
The time that you can sit down and talk to a patient one on one is past. I worked in Geriatrics. I used to be able to sit with a patient and talk. I never left the side of a patient if they were dying because I believe that no one should die alone. Now I have to push a med cart. The compassion has gone out of Nursing replace with the Almighty Dollar and the Sacred Bottom Line. Your RN is forever but the job isn't. As an RN, you will have your pick of jobs. What ever your decision, We will be here. Good luck on your Boards.
I got a job as a graduate nurse/RN at a nursing home recently here in California. I've been training in a very fast-paced busy hectic environment. I'm not learning a whole lot (atleast not enough to be completely on my own) because of the environment. My nurse (LVN training me) has been very patient and as helpful as she can be while still taking care of 17+ patients at a time. She said she wishes she can go more in depth with all the paperwork and things like that if she had the time. I asked to be moved to a slower unit of the nursing home. But I was told that there is only 1 nurse per unit of the nursing home for every shift (~20 patients per nurse). And if I were to move to another unit, I'd be completely alone and I'd have to be READY to be on my own.
This place is SEVERELY understaffed. There is no unit secretary to call doctors, fax papers, deal with jammed copiers, etc. No wound care nurse. Not enough nurses. You have so much to do. Nurses stay atleast an hour past their shift just to catch up on what they need to do. The nurses are constantly overwhelmed. One says that she thinks about quitting every other day. There's a nurse who doesn't even document correctly. She documents about a right arm PICC line when the patient actually has a left hand peripheral line... That is how crazy it is. And people get written up a lot... I wonder why. Maybe because they're overwhelmed and can't possibly do everything. And we only get 30 minutes lunch. The nurse training me doesn't even have time to eat... I don't have time to actually sit down with my patients and have a nice conversation with them. It's just like, "Hi. Here's your meds. Gotta go now bye."
I've only been given 5 days of orientation. How is anybody supposed to learn how to do their job in 5 days? Apparently they'd give me more time to orientate if I need it. But I need like 6 months (like new grads at hospitals get). I'm supposed to have a sit-down discussion with the DON and whoever else on Monday. I don't even know if I should show up. They won't even give me 1 week off to study for my NCLEX. They'll just give me 2 days off before my test to study. I need to pass it the first time to start my BSN program. They said the job is more important than the NCLEX...
This is my first job. So I don't have anything to compare it to. But I know this isn't how it's supposed to be. New grads should be trained well to do their job in a reasonable amount of time... especially when human lives are involved. I don't want to screw something up and lose my license before I even get to RECEIVE my license.
I want to just quit and concentrate on the little time I have to study for my NCLEX and then focus on getting my BSN. Apparently some hospitals won't even accept nursing home experience anyways. And I don't NEED a job right now. I don't have kids to support or an apartment to pay rent.
What do you think I should do?
The NCLEX is more important than that job. If there is anyway you can survie without working now. Focus on mastering NCLEX. Wish I had that opportunity. Still need to master mine.
are you really surprised. its a NURSING HOME!! Short staff, poor working environment. LEAVE!! find somewhere else. The stress level will break you. That why there is a shortage of bed in major hospitals. Reliable source, a doctor.
You'e answered your own question pertaining to present situation. It would be in your best interest to leave that job (nightmare) and focus on the NCLEX. I don't know what the supervisor was thinking when she told you it wasn't important to study for your NCLEX. Instead of encouraging you to do so she is keeping you from bettering yourself. As you can see from the other posts of those who work or have worked in an LTCH it wasn't a pretty picture. Some are just as bad or worse than what been posted. Your main PRIORITY for now is studying so please do so and let the job go. You're able to do that since you've no other obligations. If you really want to get experience try looking into the VA Hospital. You'll get the experience in addition to going further into the profession. Since you're out here in California you should not have a problem . Just go to the VA Administration web-site. You might also considered military nursing as well. So do yourself a favor and leave or you may regret it later. You don't want to be saying years from now: Should Have, Could Have, Would Have. Take care and Good Luck!
Specializes in LTC; Home Healthcare;Hospice;Med/S.
Im really sorry that the healthcare system is soooo corupt , I have been a LPN for 2 yrs and going through the same stuff, at my first job orientated for 3 days at a LTC facility and worried that I didn't know enough to go out on my own, when i told this to another nurse she said that " These are old people don't worry about it they are going to die anyway." Sometimes I wonder is that what management think. At least at your facility nurses can stay an hour over,we have to clock out at 3:15 no matter what! I always clock out and then finish my work before I leave because I need my job and don't want to loose my license.
I am sorry but i disagree wholeheartedly with your decsion to just call them and quit. You never ever under no circumstances whatsoever want to burn a bridge. I was in the exact same postion in an LTC. You were given 5 days...I was given 2 days and then thrown to the dogs. I made some mistakes sure, so does every body else. Don't ever think that you just get out of school, go thru orientation and then you become perfect. Don't let even the most experienced nurse tell you that they are mistake-free....RUBBISH!!... I did give my 2 week notice because I told them that I wanted to go back to school and that was acceptable.
Im really sorry that the healthcare system is soooo corupt , I have been a LPN for 2 yrs and going through the same stuff, at my first job orientated for 3 days at a LTC facility and worried that I didn't know enough to go out on my own, when i told this to another nurse she said that " These are old people don't worry about it they are going to die anyway." Sometimes I wonder is that what management think. At least at your facility nurses can stay an hour over,we have to clock out at 3:15 no matter what! I always clock out and then finish my work before I leave because I need my job and don't want to loose my license.
Clocking out before you are finished, I think don't quote me,is against the law. Your working so they have to pay you. That's what happen to me in the eighties. This DON refused to pay over time . I took it up with the NJ hour and wage board, two weeks later I got a check. Don't let them bully you. You may get fired but there is always a job some where. Raise a little hell. Check with the department of Labor in your state. Remember Slavery was abolished by the 14th amendment. They have to pay you for work that you do for them.
girtster
28 Posts
LTC is not an ideal place for a new grad. There's a lot of skills learned in hospital nursing you won't get at a SNF. That being said you're there. I don't know about 6 months but I had 8 weeks of orientation to my first hospital job and you should expect more than a week of orientation as a new grad. Start looking for a hospital staff position. Apply to every hospital in your area. If there are none considering moving. Sadly, this is the way it is at most SNF's and a when a mistake happens the facility won't necessarily be there to defend your license.
Read your later post-good choice!