New grad starting on a subacute rehab floor in a LTC facility

[desro1986]

Hello. I am a new grad RN starting out on a subacute rehab floor in a LTC facility later this month. On this rehab unit, I will be working with another RN. We will each have 15 or fewer patients, and 2 or 3 CNA's on the unit as well. I want to prepare myself a little by reading up on and reviewing meds and procedures that are typical of rehab units. What are the most common meds given and nursing skills/procedures done on this kind of floor? Also, any time management or other tips? Thanks!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

You're going to be banging out meds, sometimes doing a cath, maybe trach care.

Lots of finger sticks for blood glucose. Scheduled and sliding scale insulin. BP meds. Know protocols for BP and when to hold. Digoxin. Know protocols regarding pulse and when to hold. Heart contractility meds - diltiazem, etc. Know the olols and prils. Lasix and HCTZ. Some antipsychotics, lots of antidepressants, mostly the SSRIs. Synthroid. Vitamins. Poop cocktails - colace and senna and fiber, oh my!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I worked on the subacute rehab unit of a nursing home 2 years ago. It was one of the most stressful gigs that I have ever worked.

On the subacute rehab unit where I once worked, we dealt with a lot of central lines, IV antibiotics, CPM machines, feeding tubes, suture removal, surgical staple removal, complicated wound care, ostomy appliances, diabetic management, casts, braces, splints, cervical halos, and so forth. Most of my patients had recently underwent surgical procedures such as laminectomies, knee and hip arthroplasties, kyphoplasties, CABGs, hysterectomies, limb amputations, colectomies, thromboembolectomies, and abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs.

The non-surgical (medical) patients were admitted for recovery from CVAs, acute MIs, debility, cancer, fractures, status post pneumonia, deconditioned states, failure to thrive, status post falls, contusions, and generalized weakness.