Need some advice re: LTC work

[mondkmondk]

I posted a similar thread on the geriatric forum but only got a couple replies, so I wanted to try here instead. I'm currently orienting to a new LTC facility. It is a big one and is made up of 3 different stations in the ICF. I'm scheduled to work station 1 and have been told this station is the hardest (according to several CNA's that work there); I am supposed to be charge nurse every other weekend on this station on evening shift. Right now there is only 26 residents on this station so they told me I'd be passing meds and charging; the ADON assured me this is easy as she has done it many times before. The CNA's say the patient care load is very heavy...so my question is this: I would like to get my feet wet by working the floor with the CNA's on my first weekend, then shadow the charge nurse my next weekend. Do you think it would be possible? I feel like I can really get to know the residents I'll be caring for if I do some primary care first.

Please advise!

Blessings, Michelle

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

so my question is this: I would like to get my feet wet by working the floor with the CNA's on my first weekend, then shadow the charge nurse my next weekend. Do you think it would be possible?

You will only know once you ask the DON, I dont know why you couldnt, but you wont know until you ask them.

Good luck.

[JB2007, ASN, RN]

I think that is a good idea. All you can do is ask the DON. Good luck with the new job!

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Ask. I think it is a good idea and would encourage more nurses to to just this. You will learn tons more about the residents.

[faustoprickers]

I wish more of my nurses would demonstrate this type of inititive. You gain knowledge and respect from you CNAs. As a DON I always make it a point to spend a few shifts with the LNAs (VT); it has multiple benefits!