New to this field! Have a question!

[gorgenurse]

Hello, I just interviewed for a position in a long term care facility and I have a few questions. My back ground has been mostly in hospital care, acute care.

My question is regarding staffing numbers, patient load. Can you all give me an idea of how many patients each nurse is responsible for and how many CNA's you have assisting you? I know it will vary greatly. But I am just curious!

Just wanted to add this is a charge nurse RN position.

Thanks!

[2bTraumaRN2008]

Thank you all so much for your reply's. It really helps to hear about your experiences! I think I got the job, I will know for sure on Monday!

Good luck!! I have 3.5 years exp. as a med/surg nurse in a hospital, and applied to a local LTC facility in my town in response to an ad they ran in the paper, and never heard a word back from them. This was 2 weeks ago, so I guess they have no interest in interviewing me.

[w3ndiscott]

I have worked LTC for 2 years. It's both frustrating and rewarding. You are the charge nurse, everyone comes to you for EVERYTHING from missing socks, to missing lunch trays, to fights between the CNA's. Doctors orders, doctors appointments, dialysis, strokes, skin tears, chest pains, seizures, falls, elopements, nausea/vomiting, sore toes, sore fingers, edema...everyone expects everything from you at all times. You have to be a psychologist, a secretary, a prayer partner, a house keeper, a CNA helper, and if there is any time left a nurse. The paper work is over whelming! And most importantly being there for the family when their loved one is dying. Bring them tissues, offer coffee, blankets, pillows...give lots of hugs and dont be afraid to cry. And just a word of advice, get to know your doctors, PA's, NP's and doctors nurses. You need to build a relationship with them, you are there eyes and ears. They come to rely on you if they can trust you. Oh and about the staff, you will always be short handed. Aids will always call in and you will always be asked to work overtime.