new grad/ltc

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Specializes in got a cna license but no job.

I finished nursing school last May and looked for a job everywhere. Last week I got an offer for charge nurse/nights at a nursing home. Because it's night I will be me and the can. I am really nervous. I will have 1 week orientation. ANy advice?

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Specializes in hospice, home care, LTC.

RUN AWAY.

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Specializes in CCM, PHN.

Yep. Run away. FAST. Do NOT take this job. You will regret it.

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please do yourself a favor... do NOT take that job... one week of orientation is INSANE!! I know it sooo hard to get a job as a new nurse, but that is ridiculous... another facility will hire you that provides better orientation... I am a new nurse as well, and started in LTC too, the orientation was five weeks... You NEED that.. trust me!!

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please do yourself a favor... do NOT take that job... one week of orientation is INSANE!! I know it sooo hard to get a job as a new nurse but that is ridiculous... another facility will hire you that provides better orientation... I am a new nurse as well, and started in LTC too, the orientation was five weeks... You NEED that.. trust me!![/quote']

Same with my job.

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One week of orientation is fine when you have been in LTC for 2-3 years but not your first job. I know you can't be picky in this job market but that is just not enough time, especially since you will be it and no back up when you are done orientating

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Specializes in got a cna license but no job.

I was thinking that. They said one week because I worked as an Lvn for a few months a couple of yrs ago. I haven't had any calls from anywhere else. It's been a yr since I left school. I wonder if I could ask for more training after this week.

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I'm a new grad LPN and work in LTC. I had orientation-5days. I have 37 patients!!! Mentally, physically and emotionally stressful. My opinion, don't take it; not worth the stress!

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Unfortunately, in today's economy you have to take whatever job you can get. Take the job and do the best you can.

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I was a new RN grad tired of getting turned down by hospitals. I finally got a job as night charge nurse - 58 LTC residents and only 2 CNA's. I was scheduled to have 2 weeks orienting but only had 6 nights and then was asked to take over because they were short staffed. I took out my third night-scared after every shift that I may have done something wrong-very stressful! I've managed to survive 4 months now and am glad I did. Other positions that I had applied for or interviewed for all fell through. I would've still been unemployed if I hadn't taken this job. Besides the insurance, I would suggest getting your sleep/wake schedule on nights set in advance. Those first two nights of the 6 that I oriented were a blur because my brain didn't want to think. Make yourself do mental practice like reading or reviewing nursing material during the hours from 0000 to 0600. Good luck!

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Economy be darned! That is no kind of Orientation you will get other offers with a realistic orientation. Take that job at your own peril. Sounds like they just need a warm body to lay blame on.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Just curious - what is the size of the unit? I have worked small units, so that might be manageable in some instances.

And how acute versus chronic is the unit?

Is there another experienced, resource, nurse (ie supervisor or RN) in the building? Again, that helps.

However, I agree that the 5-day orientation is too short for newbies in LTC. As a LTC veteran, I've done all kinds of orientation programs. A good supporting foundation is absol nec. Even for us seniors.

Tough decision for a newbie in today's tough work environment. Good luck!

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