Need advise LTC Facility

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I need some advise on what are the things i should study. I recently passed NCLEX and is now applying in a LTC facility. Any list of common drugs that i should study? procedures?

I want to be prepared when I get a Job because I always hear negative things about LTC facility. I dont want to go to war equipped with nothing:D

Thanks for the help!

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Specializes in Aged Care, Dementia, Mental Health.

Dementia...... one major issue you will be up against. What to look for, behaviours and how to manage it.

LTC is not negative, the nurses are good nurses and care. Many people don't understand the pressures of working in this environment. You may not be emerg situations, but still, it is important to be a good advocate for patient and families needs.

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Specializes in Home Care.

Take a look at this forum https://allnurses.com/geriatric-nurses-ltc/ there are lots of threads applicable to new grads. There's a thread on the most common meds used in LTC somewhere there.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Common procedures in nursing homes include G-tube feedings, G-tube medication administration, IV therapy (PICC line flushes, peripheral line insertion), dressing changes, wound vacs, nebulizer treatments, oxygen therapy, topical ointments, surgical staple removal, suture removal, pin site care, application of colostomy bags, insertion of urinary catheters, and so forth.

Common medications in nursing homes include Lasix, Potassium, Colace, Surfak, Senna, Dulcolax, Lopressor, Catapres, Zocor, Lipitor, Prilosec, Nexium, Synthroid, Digoxin, Multivitamins, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Niacin, folic acid, ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, Flexeril, Neurontin, Lyrica, Norco, Vicodin, Roxanol, Ativan, Benadryl, Tylenol, ibuprofen, aspirin, Glucophage, Actos, Glucotrol, insulins of all types, Norvasc, Lisinopril, Altace, Dilantin, Cymbalta, Lexapro, Xanax, Prozac, Zoloft, Duragesic patches, Lidoderm patches, Nystatin, Mycelex, Prednisone, Cipro, Levaquin, Macrobid, doxycycline, Albuterol, Atrovent, Xopenex, and many others.

Common diagnoses in nursing homes include hypothyroidism, chronic pain, depression, congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infections, vascular dementia, Alzheimer's, aspiration pneumonia, osteoarthritis, anxiety state, gastroesophageal reflux disease, protein malnutrition, adult failure to thrive, debility, incontinence, seizure disorder, COPD, yeast infections, nonhealing wounds, gum disease, coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy, and many, many more.

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Specializes in Geriatrics/LTC.

Brush up on your assessment skills! The MD's only visit once per month, YOU are the MD's eyes and he/she can only go by what you tell them.The LTC nurse's assessment skills are sometimes his/her best tool to be an advocate for their resident. Don't be afraid to call an MD, I have workrd with a few "new" nurses that have been hesitant to call because they were new, remember the MD does not know you, or that you are new. Just have all your ducks in a row before you call ie: s/s, v/s, any pert. labs/meds, and have the chart right in front of you when you call and you will do just fine ; )

PS: never say "I don't know"! the best reply is "I'm sorry, I don't have that information in front of me right now, but I can find it for you"

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Specializes in LTC.

Alzheimer's and dementia, the difference between the 2.

End of life care, hospice, pallitive care, DNR, and advance directives.

Incident reports and proper documentation, MDS charting, Medicare charting and specific assessment documentation to why they are covered. Chart all therapy services, and how resident tolerates, and response to.

Insulin, accu-cheks, and Coumadin are huge tags where state surveys are concerned. Make sure you document your MAR in a timely manner. Don't forget the 'hour before and the hour after' rule to passing meds.

Cover your butt. If in doubt, send them out (ER) and chart any unexpected occurances. And never forget or get too busy to chart a refusal of any treatment, follow facility policy on when to contact MD also.

Look for the humor in it, it can be a rewarding job. :)

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great advice ladies! I'm taking notes.

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This is why I love this site, like you guys above, ( posts) who take the the time to answer questions , so wonderfully!! and smart! I think it shows, that most Nurses are such great helpers, they truly do reach inside and show they care!! kudos!!

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU, Psych, Med-surg...etc....

One other thing...learn how to listen...to residents and families. Family members are sometimes difficult to manage...the residents are great, but the families can be a challenge. Learn how to deal with them, learn how to listen...learn when to keep silent and sometimes bite your tongue and say "I am so sorry, I'll take care of that right away" or "I can't help you with that but I will call the supervisor/DON/whomever" if it is something you can't handle. I am not saying you must take any sort of abuse...but sometimes all they want is to know that they have been heard...It can make your life easier (sometimes). Again, don't take any abuse, but don't challenge either...know when to back down and report!

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@everyone ty for the help! Ill take note on that and start studying! Hopefully i get a job here in san francisco/daly city

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Specializes in Critical care, trauma, cardiac, neuro.
This is why I love this site, like you guys above, ( posts) who take the the time to answer questions , so wonderfully!! and smart! I think it shows, that most Nurses are such great helpers, they truly do reach inside and show they care!! kudos!!

Sometimes I wish I could give more than one kudo to a post!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, LTC.

" The MD's only visit once per month, YOU are the MD's eyes and he/she can only go by ..."

Not true everywhere! I work at a five floor LTC facility and there are 2 units on each floor. One doctor and a PA and an NP assigned to every unit. And two of the three of them there every day. Every facility is different. Once a month? That's crazy! And we do see emergencies almost every day. Not sure if you were the poster who said we don't see emergencies. And you're right about assessment, almost missed 'pursed-lip breathing' the other day and when the PA walked on the floor he just about handed me my head!

LTC teaches you many skills you may not get in an acute setting

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