New Grad LPN NO training!!!!!!

rita jordan · Nov 23, 2010

Get over it and do what you have to do. That was mean, but it is what it is. They should never hire new grad to work in LTC facilities. Call up a nurse to help you or insist that the DON get you more training. Things have changed in the way that LPNs are trained now. As an LPN in the early 90's we were encouraged to go to a hospital for training. I had an RN mentor for 90 days. Good thing she was an LPN first because she was people smart too. What the DON needs is a body and that is not good for your license. So quit now and get a job that will give you the training that you require.

Bluebell, LPN, ASA, BAS, MHA

blessedmomma247 · Nov 23, 2010

I agree with the previous poster...all the DON wants is warm body and you are it. Get out now why you can. I speak from experience. Last March I was fired from a LTC facility just under my 90 days and the only the reason the DON gave me was because she felt I "wasnt fitting in" with the other staff. I was floored. I worked extra shifts...stay over to finish the charting. I knew the first day on the floor that this wasnt going to work but I ignored my gut feeling because I needed the paycheck. With kids to feed, its very hard to say good bye to a good paying job. However, ask yourself this question, is this LTC facility worth everything that you sacrificed to get your nursing license? I would immediatly start looking for a new job and turn in a two week notice to your current employer. (my LTC facility is 4 weeks notice..so check your employee handbook)

IF YOU DECIDE TO STAY: Here are some tips:

DOCUMENT DOCUMENT DOCUMENT: if you dont document it, it never happened.

Ask questions. Do not be afraid to ask any questions..the only dumb question is the one you do not ask. Ask Ask Ask!!

Have a good assessment sheet for vital signs, skin assessments, reports and notes. At the begining of my shift, I do my vitals and any blood sugars. I also set up any breathing treatments and all the "quick" wound treatments. Then I start my "PM" med pass. It usually takes me 2hrs for 27 residents. Then I help with getting the residents to the dining room and assist with feedings then help the residents back to their rooms. After supper, I start my "HS" med pass and that usually takes me just over an hour. Then I go back and finish up any treatments or vitals that need to be done. I do not sit down unless I am feeding or at the dest charting. I am lucky, we have computer charting, and a laptop for med pass. For the most part, I chart as I go. If I had a fall at 1730, its documented ASAP right at my med cart just as soon as the resident is stable. We also have cordless phones and that helps running back and forth to the nurses station. Also, dont watch the clock. It will drive you insane. Yes, you have an hour before and a hour after to pass the meds. However, you are human and can only do so much. Within reason, do the best you can to pass the meds as close to the golden rule as possible. Our pharmacy assigns meds by AMs, NOON, PMs, HS and NOCs. Am = 0700-1100 NOON = 1200-1400 PMs = 1300- 1800 HS 1900-2200 and NOCs is 2300 - 0600. And that is my med pass "clock".

Always cover your ass...CYA..that is the one abbrevation nursing school didnt teach you. You do that by documentation and avoid getting caught up in drama with the staff..Trust your gut instinct..its what got you into nursing in the first place. Any questions, just ask. This is a great site.

HUGS!!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2010

I received one day of training when I was an LVN/LPN new grad 5 years ago. I was promised 3 days of training, but the LTC facility had no one to train or orient me.

If you want this job badly enough, you are going to have to learn things through "baptism by fire." In other words, you are going to have to jump right in there, use your intuition, ask questions along the way, and polish the skills that you learned during school.

NotFlo · Nov 24, 2010

I am like the others...I had about three days of training then I was cut loose on 3-11 on a transitional care unit with peritoneal dialysis and traches and the nurse on the floor with me graduated with me! She quit after one night, I stuck it out. It sucks, it is far from ideal, but so many of these places just want a warm body.

I'm orientating a new grad RN right now...3 weeks has been extended to 8 weeks! This person should be thanking their lucky stars they are getting so much orientation...a hospital length orientation...but of course they're not.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

caliotter3 · Nov 24, 2010

The chance of finding a job at all, much less one where you receive optimal training, is slim. Suggest you follow the advice previously given and stick it out.

2011LPNJ29 · Nov 25, 2010

If you decide to quit,could you tell me what state you are because i honestly need ajob and i am ready for the tasks ahead.Goodluck with you decision.

cawkazn · Dec 1, 2010

your luck you have a job to, "learn on the job" at, i would do anything just to have that opportunity.

Leelee2 · Dec 2, 2010

with all due respect, I disagree with some of the above comments. Your complaint and concern are valid.

As a new grad, I recieved 10 shifts of orientation time (this is a few years back, and I would expect that in this economy it would be somewhat less) As a new grad, your employer should be willing to invest something in you, for your safety in practice, as well as for safety for these residents. You should be trained on forms, on admissions, on discharges, and at least have a few shifts of training. Even in this economy, if an employer put me in this position, I would be stating my feelings at least to the DON. You have a license, and need to protect that too. If the employer is not going to give you adequate training time, and you are not comfortable, you need to decide if this is something that you are willing to do. It's a tough position to be in, and I feel for you.

shortscrubbs108 · Dec 2, 2010

I don't know what the job market is like in your area, but I would not stay in a place where I was uncomfortable. My opinion is to stick it out while searching for a different job. As a new grad I was lucky enough to get a clinic position which imho is the best!

CloudySue · Dec 4, 2010

How can there be "no one to train you"? Are they really saying there were NO other nurses on that shift in the ENTIRE building pushing a med cart that they can have you shadow? That is such a crock! Even following a novice nurse would be better than throwing you out there cold turkey. I would have walked right out of there.

kat7ap · Dec 4, 2010

I'm not schocked at all. This sounds like typical LTCF BS. As a new grad I was told I would get 3 days of floor orientation. It turned into 2 days, due to state being in the building on the 3rd day. I was fortunate to work with some helpful nurses who helped me along. Learn as you go... not ideal, but at least you have a job! It sounds like management isn't interested in giving you more orientation, so if feel too uncomfortable then quit. I would try to give it a chance first.