Losing my mind in LTC!!

[SouthernLPN2RN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

I just need to vent. I sat and cried last night for a good hour. I can't handle all of the stress I'm under! I'm working at a NH, which I like ok, but I frequently feel as if my license could be in jeopardy there, I just started the LPN to RN program and my DD (who has adhd) has me at the end of my rope!!! Not to mention I have an almost 2yo boy to add to the mix. I'm seriously conseidering quitting my job and staying home for a couple of weeks to get myself and family where they need to be and then searching for another job. LTC just isn't for me. I miss med/surg so badly and now no local hospitals will hire LPN's! I did apply online at a larger hospital that's about an hour away for their internal agency. I just need a break or a solution! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! Ok, I feel better now. :)

[Jo Dirt]

I don't know how long you have worked in LTC, but after four years of it I found that things will get better. The good times are good and the bad times are really bad.

I can't think of a more stressful job than med. surg., though.

I'm doing private duty right now and I really like the low stress. Though, depending on the patient and family, it can be a tremendously stressful job.

I've been where you are, though. The gut wrenching agony, the feeling of inadequacy. We've all been there.

[SouthernLPN2RN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

I absolutely loved med/surg. I never had more than 9 pts to care for, and they kept me busy, but I could get the work done. I just don't see how in the world one person can pass meds to 44 residents within the allotted time frame. The unit I've been working on has a 4.5 hr am med pass (not just my time, other nurses are reporting the same). Get done with am's at 1130, then it's time for 1130 fsbs's and insulins and pre meal meds, go to lunch for 30 minutes, come back and do nothing but pass meds until 3. It does pass the time pretty quickly though.

[dinkymouse]

I wish I just had med passes! I also have to do assessments, tx's, orders, fifteen billion sheets on pain, g tubes, intake, output, uti's etc........

I like LTC but yes there are days that I feel like sitting down and sobbing. The stress of all those demands can overwhelm you.

[BadBird, BSN, RN]

I suggest you call some agencies in your area. I loved working for a agency the benefits are you can work less hours and make more money, you have total control over your schedule, no more mandatory hours. You can have every holiday off too. Even if you work as a sitter you will have less stress and will probably make more money plus you will have time to do your school work at the bedside.