New grad RN in LTC

Published

Hi all. I just graduated with my BSN and obtained my RN license. I had an interview today in a LTC, dementia/Alzheimer's locked unit, and rehab facility. I could be hired into any of these units.

My question is: will this be a difficult transition for a new nurse? The nurse to patient ratio is 20. They explained a few times that a lot of nurses cannot effectively time manage this many patients and that is their only concern.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You will be okay...I started as a new nurse at a LTC facility...it wasnt bad when I got my own routine ...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 8 yrs LTC, 12 yrs school nursing.

My 1st job as a nurse was in a skilled nursing home and I came from a foreign country with English as s second language. It was very hard for me because of the language barrier and cultural differences...but I got the hang of it in less than a year and got really good at what I was doing. It takes a very special and compassionate person to work in a nursing home. I did it for almost 10 years and I loved it! I am now a school nurse...weird transition!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Agency, HHC.

I started in LTC as a new nurse with 25-28 residents. Had three 8 hour shifts of orientation then was on my own. Took me about a month to get a good routine down. You will be fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi all. I just graduated with my BSN and obtained my RN license. I had an interview today in a LTC, dementia/Alzheimer's locked unit, and rehab facility. I could be hired into any of these units.

My question is: will this be a difficult transition for a new nurse? The nurse to patient ratio is 20. They explained a few times that a lot of nurses cannot effectively time manage this many patients and that is their only concern.

I could only wish I had 20 patients!!! I have 35.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

We all started someplace....20 is manageable even for a new grad. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow 20 would have been awesome! When I was a new grad LPN I.would have 30-35 residents depending on census. When I was a medication nurse I would have up to 50 residents on my cart to get done in 2 hours. You can handle 20. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.

In my first LTC job I was the only RN on a 120-bed unit, and I was also passing meds to 45 patients due to LPN shortages. That place should have been shut down. I didn't stay for long.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

1:20 is a good ratio for LTC and should be very doable, even for a new grad. Work hard on establishing a routine early on and you'll do fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Once you know the residents you will find it much easier!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

you'll do fine :) I have to say, give yourself 3 months, and you'll be walking down the hall like you've beeen there forever!

first month might be hectic, and everyday will be a learning experience for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion