New Grad at Long Term Care (What Should I Review?)

[xLovelyThorns]

I am a brand new graduate that will be starting at a long-term care facility soon and was wondering what some good topics would be to brush up on before starting the job.

When I mean topics, I mean like common pathophysiology that I will see, medication, etc. I have a few ideas already, but if anyone reading this has worked at a long-term care facility and/or if you just have a few ideas of good topics for me to review that would be wonderful!

Thanks in advance to all those who reply! :)

[Marisette, BSN, RN]

Congratulations on the new job. I have worked in long term care for short periods of time, doing inservices so I'm not a real pro. However, I think it would be good to brush up on medications, in particular, cardiac meds, medications used for treatment of dementia, alzheimers. Some medication doses used in the general population can have enhanced effects on the elderly and really impact their mental status, cardiac status and so on. I would also suggest some review of transport and lifting of patient's for your own safety. Perhaps, look at some you tube videos to review best practice techniques. As a nurse who experienced a back injury, I can't stress enough the importance of protecting your back.