just getting my feet wet....

jude11142 · Oct 30, 2003

I'm basically in same situation as you. Been an lpn just about 2 yrs and have worked in LTC since graduating/getting licensed. I also work for an agency. So far, I have had mostly good experiences with a few that were horrible. What I try to do is find out(through others)about the facilities that the agency wants to send me too. It's amazing what you can find out through the grapevine. Ofcourse, sometimes you have to go and find out for yourself. What one person complains about it, means nothing to another. It is kind of scary(for me anyways)to walk into a "new place" where I don't know anyone, don't know the patients, the aides, nurses etc....but........most are very helpful and very happy to see you.

Are you ready for agency work???? You can only answer that question. I say, "go for it".........you will either like it or not. Or you may find that you need/want more experience before doing more agency. When you show up at your assignment, be punctual, ask questions, introduce yourself to the people you will be working with. Most importantly you have to show confidence. The second time I worked pool, I guess I was having a bad day or something because I walked into this facility, and automatically felt lost. I know that others felt that unsurity because half the time, I couldn't find the aides, nobody around to answer questions etc.....it went from bad to worse and needless to say, I never went back there.

Give it a try, keep in touch,

jude

Originally posted by jenac
Well- I've been an LPN for a year now. I've had my nose in everything going on I possibly could for the sake of experience. I've listened carefully-and watched closely. Now- I'm getting ready to take the leap into per deim agency work. I'm planning on keeping my full-time LTC job (Woundcare experience...), but I REALLY need the money per diem agency offers. (Overtime is nice- but agency is still higher, and you can't beat the same day or weekly pay options)

I feel very confident in an LTC role, trachs being the only exception-no experience there. I'm comfortable with all it entails. I think I know what to expect from an agency assignment( I've spoken with a great many agency nurses), and I do feel I'm ready for this. (I say I think because I am still nervous about horrible assignments, nasty staff nurses, getting in over my head, etc. My concern being that once I'm there- I'm stuck. No leaving or running out the door screaming till the shift ends.)

Anyone have any pearls of wisdom for someone just starting on the agency bandwagon? Any words of caution? All comments welcome. Thanks for the input.

BarbPick · Oct 31, 2003

you will not be expected to do trach care. Always work within the scope of your practice. If you do not know something, tell your charge nurse.

In LTC, you get much expereince with feeding tubes, handling many people at once. You will do just fine on a med surg floor.