LTC/ Psych nursing new grad

[gatoraims RN]

I am not really sure what I would call the facility I was hired at. It is a HUGE 299 bed LTC. I was expecting the typical clients at a LTC but upon entering the facility all that changed. The clients are all 30-70 (the oldest). The facility does not want to be "called a psych facility" but most of the clients have a major psych dx. Our state hospital sends their pts to us, I have heard rumors that the state hosptial is closing their doors so they are looking for homes for their pts and we are one that takes almost anyone. (rumor not sure if it is true) All the employess who talked to our group said the same thing and that was "they are not as bad as the stories we have heard".

I am a brand new nurse, I was a PCT many moons ago on a med/surg floor but since then have been a stay at home mom. Psych really was not my cup of tea when I first started nursing school. But I ended up being interested by it. I totally misunderstood psych pts in general. I understand that they can still be "dangerous" but so is walking down the street at times. You just have to be aware.

I am scared and nervous to start. My first day of training is next week. When I am done with training I will have up to 26 pts. Is this common. Can I really get all the meds passed, dressings, tube feedings, ect.. that have to be done done. I feel like I have been educated and had hands on training but am I really ready. Is it normal for a new grad to be a bit freaked out?

The pts are mostly heavy cases. IMO maybe because I am new. What also freaks me out a bit because we did not really touch on it much is that I will also be in charge of the CNA's. In that I assign their pts, I have to supervise their work, and not tell them what to do but make sure they do what they are suppose to do.

Is this really something I am ready for? Is my nervousness a sign that I am not ready or is it normal to be a little bit scared of having the lives of 26 people in my hands. Plus the role of supervisor. Will I make it?