Published Feb 8, 2012
scrublifenurse10, LPN
186 Posts
OK...I currently work in a specialty physician practice. I am getting ready to start a second job in a LTC facility working on the weekends....and eventually may decide to go full-time in the LTC facility after I get some bills and things paid off with the extra $$ from working two jobs. I have only been a nurse for a few years. I worked 2 years in a hospital on night-shift on Med/Surg and then when we relocated the hospitals here did not hire LPN's so I went to work in a urology office and have been there for 1 year. I have not worked in LTC before, and I was wondering if anyone can share with me a description of duties the LPN does throughout the shift in the LTC facility. I'm a little nervous about it....so thanks in advance for any information and/or advice you can give me to help me as I begin this new position.
WingnurseMsT
2 Posts
I have been working LTC for about 6 months now and the biggest issue for me was time management. Passing pm meds and hs meds are a challenge in itself. It can be done if you relax and stay focused on the task at hand. You will need to be able to do your med pass, respond to family members, answer questions or concerns your cna's may have ( learn to trust those cna's they will be your eyes and ears) handle any type of incidents aka falls,skin tears and such. I felt like in the beginning I was just turning the wheels and not getting anything done on time UNTIL I relaxed and let go of all the senseless stress I put on myself. Now I actually look forward to going to work. I start full time the end of the month and I am looking forward to getting "my groove on" on the new and challenging wing.A word of advice....don't ever say "it's going to be a good shift" that's when all heck breaks loose LOLI wish you good luck!!!!
CaliBoy760
187 Posts
Read: MED PASS, CHARTING, MED PASS, CHARTING, MED PASS, CHARTING, etc....
happy-gal
7 Posts
other thing to ask is...
1.)how do you handle medication/patient teaching to elderly who are confused, have alzheimers, no verbal?
2.)what to do when you have 30+ patients, like 2 hours to give meds, drug interactions considering most will have about 5+ different prescriptions, drug calculations, refusals, etc?
loumomoftwo
9 Posts
OMG, I just passed boards on Feb. 6, was on the way to the gym, thought I would swing by and pick up an application at this LTC real close to my house. Before you know it, I'm interviewing (in my workout cloths) and I start orientation on the 28th... needless to sat I'm freakin out. Afternoon shift & charge nurse. I don't know how many residents I'll have but I'm used to the pixes machine and computer charting. Hope I don't hurl from my nerves. Any thoughts what happens if you don't finish your med pass or fall behind? Who do you call.. ghost busters????
DixieRedHead, ASN, RN
638 Posts
Any thoughts what happens if you don't finish your med pass or fall behind? Who do you call.. ghost busters????
1. You will fall behind.
2. You will finish your med pass.
3. You will be slow.
4. You will get faster.