New grad, LTC facility

[Toaster2k18]

Hello,

So I accepted casual position for a long term care facility as new grad...kinda..(i did not practise for a year). I had two days, two evenings and 1 night for orientation. I had my first shift last week and let me tell you, it was not pleasant. Resident had a fall, residents shouting at me because they were not getting the routine care that were given by regular parttime/full time nurses, psws asking for help, maybe 5 residents had their medication late because I had to give to 25 pts.

All my placements were in hospitals and I did not realize how stressful it is to work in nursing home/ ltc. I don’t know what to do! I am stressed out, I am telling myself, is it worth it? Did I make a mistake in choosing nursing? The only reason I chose this position was because I was not getting any jobs. I like providing care to pts, it is very rewarding.

I keep getting text msgs to pick up shifts but I am so scared I dont even respond to it even though I am avaliable to work.

Any advice? :’(

[Golden_RN, MSN]

25 residents is actually good staffing for LTC. If you keep picking up shifts, you will get to know the residents and be able to anticipate their needs and get much more efficient.