LPNA left on my own

[wishinguponastarLPN]

Ok sorry but I'm about to vent and I am sure I will make some people unhappy. Sorry in advance!

I am very recent new graduate working as an LPNA, (working under another nurse until I get my licensed..nclex scheduled 8/9). My provisional license states that I am to work under direct supervision of another nurse.

I work 2nd shift at a LTC facility after 3 days of orientation they throw me on a hall with 26 residents and I am on my own. Again, I am not licensed.

So I had 2 options, sink or swim. I decided to swim. I have done a pretty good job, considering. On 2nd shift there is no charge, no unit manager, nothing. Supposedly I am working with this other RN who has been a nurse since the beginning of time. She is so grumpy and flat out does not care. She tells me all the time, I don't give a $hit.

Every other nurse on this shift also just recently started at this facility so there isn't any other nurse I can go to when I have questions. The ONLY thing I ever go to her about is paperwork. This mainly because during the 3 days of orientation state was in the building and I never got to see any of it. So once they put my on my own hall (which of course was not the hall I oriented on) I didn't have a clue as to what I needed to do with labs, orders, ect. I hate getting so much attitude every time I ask her a question. I could understand if I was running to her constantly, or asking her the same questions over and over but I'm not

I honestly think that any other person in their right mind would have probably walked out the door the minute they put them on a hall of 26 residents on their own. But I am really trying to stick this out, any thoughts or suggestions.??

[LPNVa2Ny]

Forgot to add..You can do it and don't let anyone and I do mean anyone kill your spirit. Trust me...

[mazy]

I am really surprised they are letting you work without a license. Well. Considering it's LTC not that much, given how corrupt those facilities can be. But I have never heard of a nurse working without a license. My state still does not allow med techs to give meds, the BON has not approved it, and has fought legislation to certify med techs. So depending on your state you may be practicing completely out of your scope.

I can see that an RN would be able to do that as most states recognize them as LPNs after a certain time in school and so they can practice within the scope of an LPN. However, an LPN would only be recognized as a CNA.

I would check into this very carefully with the BON. What happens if you make a mistake? What happens if someone else makes a mistake and State comes in to do an investigation and finds you practicing without a license? You will lose your license before you even get it.

And I see from your post that your state allows it, but again, the RN is not supervising you, and so if you make a mistake and are called to account for it, what are you going to say? That you were knowingly practicing without the supervision of the RN?

Be very careful here. In the end, it is your responsibility to protect yourself. If anything were to happen, you would be called up to justify why you are working without licensure. The facility would continue on as before and your career will have tanked before you even started.

[Nurse Netty]

I will post the link to the page on the MD BON website explaining the med techs. In long term care, med techs are often not even new grad nurses, they are GNAs (Geriatric Nursing Assistants) who have taken this course and pass meds and do fingersticks. They cannot do injections, though, including insulins.

http://www.mbon.org/main.php?v=norm&p=0&c=medtech/index.html

[Nurse Netty]

You are very welcome.

remember, your nursing assistants can be your biggest asset as a new nurse. they know their stuff, respect them and they will help you anyway they can. they generally know who everyone is, where they are, what they get and how they get it, as well as any little tips and tricks along the way that will be helpful to you. "mr. jones takes his senna so much more agreeably with a soda chaser" LOL you know what I mean?

[tiredbeatupRN]

Be very careful here. In the end, it is your responsibility to protect yourself. If anything were to happen, you would be called up to justify why you are working without licensure. The facility would continue on as before and your career will have tanked before you even started.

Exactly what I'm trying to say!!! Sounds harsh but it is the reality.