New grad...LTC nights

[sandy123]

Hi, recent grad LPN...first job in LTC working at 144 bed facility, nights.

Usually 2 nurses (they'd love 3 but can't get people), 7-8 CNA's, 4 units 2 CNAs each. I'm on day 5 of 8 shift orientation and it seems OK so far. I was CNA for 2 yr before nursing school so familiar with the LTC gig. The nurses orienting me are OK but have alot of bad habits that I hope not to catch. I think I will be OK. My biggest concern to be honest is learning the residents. They are in bed when I get there, most look nothing like the pictures in their chart and I am worried about giving wrong med to someone. Any suggestions?

thanks:idea:

[bsnrnoh]

Read the charts as you can, find one of the stnas to help you identify any pt you are not sure of identification. you will learn them and their preferences faster than you think.

Good luck

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Have the aides help you with id-ing the residents.

And congratulations!

[tinesia]

Hello,

I am also a new grad working in a LTC place and have the same issue and witnessed lots of bad habits such as prepouring medications, etc. I am so nervous about the med pass because there is about 50 patients I have to pass meds to. Asking the techs who each individual is is a good idea at least it helps me out a lot, but make sure you double check with name bands.

T

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Congratulations on your new job and good for you for wanting to keep doing things the right way.

How many meds are scheduled on your shift? Except for a Q4 or Q6 antibiotic or a 6am Synthroid, most of the meds should be scheduled on the other 2 shifts. We shouldn't be waking people up with medications they can safely take the other 2 shifts.

[sandy123]

worked my first night "in charge" of everything with the training nurse just shadowing me. most residents were still in bed or room when 0600 med pass started so my fears of who is who were lessened as I got another night of faces to names . most of the nightowls were quiet. all in all was good night. Only one potential problem when I almost went into the wrong room with med. 2 helens right next door to each other and their pictures look so similar they could pass for sisters! luckily my shadow questioned me and now i have an identifying method for the helens....one is a walker other has a w/chair. should suffice until I recongize them on sight. Have one more night of orientation and then am on my own. Have the same shadow my last night so have weekend off and then am pumped to come back and feel ready to go solo.

[marjoriemac, LPN]

Get the aids to help with id but I usually find a quirky way of remembering folk. It sounds so bad, but I remember names by distinguishing features (big nose, big lady!) or by distinguishing characteristics (swears a lot, has a doll...).Pictures don't always help as sometimes a row of little old ladies with grey hair and glasses can look similar and sometimes the photos are not updated often enough! I was puzzled trying to find a resident once until I realised he had grown a beard since the photo was taken!