NEW GRAD LPN

[RenaeReichar]

Hello,

I am a recent LPN new grad, I have never worked in healthcare before. I landed my first job in a LTC facility. I was given eight days of orientation, I will be honest I feel like they really did not show me much. The LTC facility has two halls in the back (Alzheimer and high acuity) with two nurse's and three halls up front (where I'm located) with two nurse's. In the front where I am located I have two halls(31 residents) and the other nurse has one hall (17 residents) she is the charge nurse and I am the floor nurse. I pass meds on my halls and all treatment up front and if time I help with documentation. The charge nurse has one hall and does all Accu checks up front. The charge nurse does all the orders and charting and calls to doctors. Recently I was working with a RN who has been an RN for at least 15 years. I was holding coumadin on one of my residents because we were waiting for lab results. We never got the fax in from lab so she logged in the computer and printed them off. She said it was to late to call the Dr. with results and to hold the coumadin and make a note on report for them to call in the morning and wright a nurse note saying I held it. I have been a nurse for 6 weeks and never worked in the health care setting before, so I trusted what the RN told me and did what she said. I woke up the next morning and called to make sure they got the message about the lab and if they called the doctor. Well I'm sure you could have guest it I got my ass chewed because I did not call the doctor with the results and held the coumadin without a doctor's order. She asked me what happened and I told her and she basically said I'm a nurse too and I should have called. I feel like the worst nurse ever I am new and I believed what the seasoned nurse told me, which of course resulted me getting in trouble me having to feel out a med error sheet and me looking like an idiot. I really don't know if I am meant for this field, I don't know what to do.

[SuzieVN]

Rule #1: Trust no one.

Rule #2: See rule #1.

[LTCNS, LPN]

Bless your heart. Shame on that nurse for putting you in that position! You trusted her because she is experienced so you thought she knew better. I can only hope she got her butt handed to her for that, but sadly I doubt a word was said since she's probably been there for years. Hang in there. I promise it will get better. As SuzieVN said, trust no one. And always go with your gut.

[SuzieVN]

Write yourself a clear and detailed summary of what happened, start to finish. Include the name of the RN, exactly what she told in quotations, and what happened that day and the next, until you were required to fill out an incident report. But only use the initials of the patient- to protect privacy. Keep this summary, forever. If you are ever called to answer to the BON for this espisode, you'll have all your facts lined up- and your assertions that the RN told you to do something against your better judgment will make you look focused and competent, in the face of adversity from a superior (LPNs work under the direction of an MD or RN). Might sound outrageous- but these 'are the times'. And that RN won't have any recollection, therefore- no defense for herself.

[RenaeReichar]

Thanks for the advice I'll do that tonight.

[SuzieVN]

Any threat to your license, claim of abuse...never really goes away. You never know. Think of your being proactive as being on the defensive. If you and that RN ever have to face off at BON meeting, trust me- she'll have a blank stare on her face, because she won't have a clue of what happened- and you'll be able to present yourself in a direct clear fashion. You'll impress them. It's happened to me. Unfortunately it's what things have devolved into. You'll sleep better with your story in your data bank.

[Stranded55]

The MD on call knows that he will be called no matter what the time. That nurse was wrong to tell you some nonsense like that.

[leanne1980]

Hang in there, and don't quit. REmember how long it took you to get where you are. There are lot of just plain mean people, and there are a lot of nice people in nursing too; you just happened to meet a bad apple. ALWAYS remember this and be wary of taking advice from a nurse you do not know well. Not sure if this was a "test", or her being lazy, but you took the hit and she slid by. Not good. Never trust her again. Remember, CYA.....and that means you look out for YOU....read, research, study constantly and ask nurses that you TRUST ( even former teachers can be a great source of info and guidance). It's all getting a handle on the skills and knowledge. AS far as getting yelled at by a dr....water off a ducks back, honey!! Do the bet you can and your skill level will soon be up to snuff, so that you can call someone if they try to pull one over on you!!