what's it like working at a LTC facility ?

eslvn · Sep 2, 2011

Wow 20-24 residents sounds lovely. I have 31+, CA doesnt have a nurse/patient ration in skilled nursing facilities. Only a required 3.5 nursing hours per patient per day. So depending on where you are you could have this many residents and its hard. But the elderly population are my favorite, I love them and remember even though many of them have some type of dementia you can still learn something from them and they deserve a lot of respect.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 2, 2011

Wow 20-24 residents sounds lovely. I have 31+, CA doesnt have a nurse/patient ration in skilled nursing facilities. Only a required 3.5 nursing hours per patient per day. So depending on where you are you could have this many residents and its hard. But the elderly population are my favorite, I love them and remember even though many of them have some type of dementia you can still learn something from them and they deserve a lot of respect.

Yeah- I've had 30 as well- it got a bit better in one facility, but in another (1985) I had 60 on 3-11....I did not stay there long, just because of the safety issue. I could crank out the meds and help feed, and get treatments done - IF everybody left me alone- HA!!

lvloverRN · Sep 2, 2011

wow thanks a lot... im glad i found this forum -- its nice to hear from experienced nurses. i will make a note of every single suggestion and tips...

greatly appreciated!

jcbhappy · Sep 2, 2011

I graduate in May 2011 (forces above willing) and my passion is geriatrics and wound care. My goal is to become wound certified. I like the idea of LTC acute, sub-acute, etc. because you actually have a shot of getting to know your patients. Sure the nurse to patient ratio can be a scary thought, but in the end, the time management, assessment skills, and experience you can potentially gain from these patients is invaluable. I am scared to death to think that someday I am gonna be that "real nurse" they keep telling me I am gonna be...... Even though the other day in clinical in an OB rotation, I ACTUALLY felt like a REAL nurse :lol2: !

Soak up everything you can from your aides on the floor, nurses that have handled your patients before you, and LISTEN AND LOOOOOK!!! Good luck and enjoy!! Always something to learn from our geri population... :idea:

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Sep 2, 2011

moved to our geriatric nurses and ltc nursing forum... look around

seashells2011 · Sep 2, 2011

Hi, new to this site but heard so many wonderful things about it.

I am currently precepting at a post acute care/rehabilitation facility. We specialyize in cardiac care, ortho, med-surg, and psych/dementia lock down unit. I have been training for almost 4 weeks. I am currently responsible for the care of 10 patients/residents on the psych/dementia floor.

As my preceptorship draws to a conclusion, I can reflect on what I have learned and what I still need to learn to feel more confident and able to deliver safe and effective care.

1. Be methodical in everything that you do (med admin, wound txs, and charting). Follow through completely with the task at hand rather than leaving it halfway through to attend to something else. I understand this is not always possible, but on the other hand, this is usually where mistakes happen.

2. Document as you go. Never leave anything to memory because 9/10 you will forget about the task you left partially completed.

3. Ask a lot of questions and try to get some different perspectives from other nures. This will assist you in developing your own style.

4. Most importantly, always have an open mind. "An intelligent person realizes what they do not know." Learn from others. It's one of the best rewards you can give yourself.

SIDE NOTE: PREPARE AND EXPECT TO BE COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED, ESPECIALLY WITH ALL THE PAPER WORK!

Hope this helps an sorry to be so "wordy" with the response. Good luck and God bless!

CNeilio · Sep 2, 2011

Hi, im a new grad w/ ADN , graduated in june 2011 and took the boards end of july, 1 month into looking for a job and got an offer yesterday to work for a LTC facility.
to my fellow nurses working at a LTC facility, can you give me an idea of what to expect ?Im starting orientation next week. I would appreciate any suggestions you can give me, tips and like a description of what goes on there...
thank you so much!

didnt you do clinicals in an ltc?

prettymica, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN, APRN, NP · Sep 2, 2011

Find a few of my old posts :)! I just hope they keep their promises to you, good luck and congrats on getting the job

scrapperjoe · Sep 3, 2011

I like to keep a small notepad in my pocket to jot down notes...you can get them at Staples or other office supply stores...I'm also a new grad that just started working at an LTC - I appreciate the advice here from all :) Thanks for the encouragement!

lvloverRN · Sep 3, 2011

didnt you do clinicals in an ltc?

we did!

only for 2-3 weeks. clinicals were greatly spent at a hospital. being a student and being an RN fully in charge of your practice IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT IN THE REAL WORLD. if you are not willing to give advice just dont post anything bec i wouldnt ask this question had i known what to expect.

lvloverRN · Sep 3, 2011

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE POSITIVE ADVICE. IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

any more other nurses willing to give suggestions and advice are welcome!! thank you again.