Med pass improvement

[notthereyet]

I am 8 days into LPN orientation/mentoring program for a LTC facility, working 7-3 with 18-20 residents to administer meds to. Fresh out of nursing school end of Jan. 09, passed boards 02/09. The LPN I am mentoring under is patient, knowledgeable, kind, and gentle when it comes to correcting any potential errors. I watch her in amazement as she effortlessly completes her med pass in a timely manner. She has been tending to these residents full time since Nov. 2008. When it is my turn to administer meds I take twice as long as she does. I have taken the time to take note of meds to be passed. learning trade & generic names, if med can be crushed, how resident prefers med (applesauce or not), SE/AE, ac or pc, if vitals are required...etc. All done in hopes to speed up the process. I am so terrified of making a mistake, it is slowing me down. Any tips on how to build my confidence and improve my med pass time would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time and Happy Nurses Day!

-C

[caliotter3]

Always keep in mind that accuracy trumps speed. Start early until you begin to build speed with familiarty. Never let yourself get rushed. You will get better as time goes on.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Just remember that it took time for your LPN preceptor to become timely, organized and accurate. It did not happen overnight for her, so, of course, it would not happen for you. Be grateful that you do have a kind preceptor who is really taking the time to show you the ropes in a manner that is not intimidating. I really believe you will be fine. You have to develop your own style and rhythm and it takes a moment or two to work on your own to be able to develop that.