job concerns

[horsehobby]

Hi, I am new LPN working in LTC - dementia unit. I just completed my first week on my own after 10 days of orientation and am just not always comfortable with this position. I am fine with the med adm and treatments and assessments and such but I am not sure of all the paperwork. I haven't seen much of it and we have to write in 10 different places and it just seems so wasteful to me. Anyone know how long before you are comfortable with this job? also I am continuing on for my RN in a 2 year program but contemplating stopping now and entering a BSN program? any advice would be welcomed!!:) THANKS!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

most documentation is redundant. Institutions find it easier to add than to edit.

I feel it takes at least a year to get comfortable in your job. Make little notes to yourself or a list of what forms have to be pulled for admission, discharge and other topics. You will gradually refer to the list less often. Don't forget to ask questions. When you ARE comfortable, volunteer for a committee that has some say in how things are done.

[catnip3]

I've been in LTC nearly 9 years, and the paperwork itself NEVER gets any easier! With all the rules and regs. required for LTC, the paperwork DOES seem like overkill! You do get used to it and it does get easier in time.

[scoutsmom]

as an LPN since 1989, you may NEVER get use to the paper work!!, or should I say, it never gets easier or welcomed, It will always seem something to dread. It is there for a reason, to satisfy State, and ect.., but there was a time I almost got out of nursing cause it seems that the whole reason one becomes a nurse, ...to make a difference with the patients,--- seems lost in time ---with all the paper-work ---and the other things required.

I think though,- you will find with time , you will be able to do it faster, and it won't become such a burden after a year or so. I may also add,-- to double check your MARS, and paper work, 2 times even, be sure you signed everything, look through your cart at the end of your shift, do a quick round on everything, and then when you go home and hit your pillow, you will feel you did your best.. and GOOD LUCK!!!