LTC RN's in MI

Hey All,

I am looking to network with othe LTCU RN's in MI. I am a former Crtical Care/ER nurse now working in LTCU in a small rural hospital near my family. (wasn't my first choice--family need) Anyway, I was wondering if there was anyone who could recommend some courses that would help me transition.. I really had a bad orientation and after a year I still do not really know what the rules are. It is a really bad situation, as some of the other personnell who work under me, know more that I do. I do not have a problem being humble, but how do I know if what they are telling me is the right thing for starters, and some of the time, I don't even know what to do about the problem, My DON is rarely around and many days, I just feel lost and hanging by a thread. People may think that it should be an easy transition. When one is accustomed to a max of 4-5 patients and now you have 40, and you know only the fringes of the situation, it is a very scary situation to be in. Can anyone give me any tricks of the trade on how to stay updated on everyone? I would be grateful for anything anyone can give me. Thanks MI nurses.

The 24 HR report you are given when coming on duty, the end of shift report, should be covering all the curent issues on each resident. Then if you need more info look in the chart on those particular residents. Those requiring every shift to chart on should be the residents with the most pressing issues. We highkight residents with four different colors, one for each shift to chart on, and a fourth colr for all to chart on. Hope this helps. I am in LTC 50 residents, 15 blood sugars, 1 to 2 aides. It is damn difficult!:angryfire