Most important thing to know in LTC

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To all of you experienced Nurses... What would you say is the most important thing to know if you work in LTC.? :nurse:

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Specializes in MDS RNAC, LTC, Psych, LTAC.

Know that the geriatric aged patient can go down hill fast just like children do. Also listen to your CNAs and assess your residents and listen to other nurses who have known the patient awhile as well until you get to know all your residents on your hall or floor .

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Specializes in LTC currently.

Agree with above post. Know what to do in an emergency as different facilities have different protocols. Also, try to avoid medication errors.

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

Don't listen to people who say it's easy! :lol2::lol2:

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Be NICE to the CNAs!!!!!

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Strive for organization

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Specializes in LTC.

Be nice even when your residents call you the b word, and try to punch you for helping them. Remember its not personal.

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Specializes in Hospice.

Realize that on any given day, a small percentage of your residents will need the majority of your time. Most of your patients will only need you to give them their meds, and then you can move along. Others will need more attention and closer monitoring, for example, someone with blood sugar issues, respiratory issues, or the patient that is actively dying.

And, realize that you are not just the nurse for the resident in the bed, but a nurse for the patients family as well. This is especially true for new residents and families who have only recently made the decision to rely on long term care. It's our job to show them that they made a good choice for their loved one, and that they will be taken care of.

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Specializes in Rehab, LTC.

Realize that a lot of new patients that are coming into LTC are younger with a lot of psych issues. Be sure to give them their meds! I can't tell you how many times I've been off the weekend and come back Monday and my psych patients are pacing the halls and agitated because they didn't get their meds.

Communicate with your CNA, example: "Hey I need to know if Ms. Soandso has a BM this shift" or " Mr. Soandso was admitted to the hospital so he won't be back this shift." They are not mind readers and just like you don't like any suprises on your shift, they dont' either!

Sometimes you have to set ground rules with your residents too. You have the A&O x 3 that wants to come up to your cart when THEY are ready for their medicine. Or I have seen residents who knows the DON will give them whatever they want if they throw a fit. Now adays you have a lot of residents that used to be drug addicts and I have seen them go as far as throw themselves out of bed just to get a trip to the hospital. (he refused to get up unless we called 911)

Just always watch your back, CYA, but most importantly LOVE WHAT YOU DO!!!

Good Luck!

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Specializes in LTC.

When you hear an alarm(read: chair, bed, clip, door. etc) go off. Start running fast.

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

Most of us will get there.

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Specializes in hospice, HH, LTC, ER,OR.

time management so you can get off the clock ontime and not get written up at the end of the week :)

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