LVN's first job. Nervous wreck!

sleepyndopey · Dec 14, 2007

Hello all!
I graduated years ago, but I'm pretty much considered a new grad. I finally landed my first nursing job in a long term care facility, and I am nervous as heck! I started reading my med surg book to feel a little more prepared. But honestly, I am so scared. Any advice, anyone?

Hi. I would advise you to be prepared for anything. Many LTC facilities don't have great orientation programs so you really need to learn as you go. It can be very frustrating to say the least. Make sure you bring a little notebook so you can write everything down. Good luck.

ps-what have you been doing all these years if not nursing? just curious.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Dec 15, 2007

I would obtain a copy of each of the paperwork that they provide and write notes on it so you will remember. I do also hear that the orientation for LTC basically sucks...maybe a few days or a week at best. Read up on how to do tube feedings, common medications, dressings, sterile technique and skin integrity, for starters. Good luck!

iwanna · Dec 16, 2007

Why is it that LTC do not give much orientation? I can remember years ago, shortly after passing my boards, I obtained a job at nursing home. I had a two-day orientation and was scared to death. I didn't stick it out, though. I was too exhausted for that type of work. It is physically demanding. If I can remember correctly, I had 50 pts. to give meds to, and dressing changes, etc. And, of course, it is not like the pts. take their pills real easy for you. There would be fights among the residents, I would have to break up because nobody was to be found. It was a horrible place to work. I will never go back to long-term care, again.

However, not to scare you too much, I must admit a few things. I have a chronic illness, and cannot handle physical demanding jobs. Unfortunately, I discovered this while in nursing school. But, then I was fortunate at that time to find a job in behavioral health. And, they had 4-6 wks. orientation. However, the downside to that is that you do lose a lot of your medical skills.

Good luck to you. If you are a healthy individual in good shape, you will most likely adapt to it.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Dec 16, 2007

I don't know why LTC is so stingy with orientation and staffing with adequate nurses and aides. I refuse to work there because it is more like a meat market and my conscious could not stand shorting people daily for their care. I hope that opportunities for LPNs in my area don't reduce to just LTC...I would go crazy.