New Graduate, 1st job

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I started a new job as a new graduate nurse in a Ltcf. I took the whole shift to pass medications for 37 residents and the experienced nurses looked at me like I,m stupid. Is this a good environment to work for.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

if you were flipping burgers you would have to start off slow and work up speed. Ask her if she has any suggestions. 37 people sounds like an awful lot to me. In 8 hours that is about 12 minutes per person, not allowing for your breaks. In 12 hours that is about 19 minutes. You will cut it down eventually, but in the meantime - what if your services were required for another purpose?????

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But you've went by the book and checked six "P"s. Ask the experience nurse to show how she does it. They might know all patient very well since it is Long term facility.

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i think it's quiet normal that newbies cant do things s fast as the experienced once..you'll get used to it...and its even a better thing for yu coz u have a job,,,while i don't and its really becoming frustrating...

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Specializes in Geriatric,LTC.

i hope things will get better for us new nurses. i am struggling at work too and all I can say to you is that you are not alone. don't think that you are stupid because it is really hard to pass meds to 37 residents and trying to do all other stuff you need to do at the same time. think happy thoughts when you are at work...that's what i do and it helps me get through the day. just hang in there...we can do this! =)

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I've been a nurse now for almost a year. I can tell you the first 3 months were a whirlwind. Left feeling like an idiot constantly. By 6 months, things were starting to click. Usually left on time without having to stay late to chart. It does get easier! Stick with it!

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Specializes in Home Care.

I'm also a new nurse in an LTC and I only work 12 hour shifts on the weekends.

The first few shifts were tough as I was learning about my residents and their meds. My medpasses took forever!

It does get better...slowly.

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Specializes in OB, Peds, Med Surg and Geriatric Nsg.
I started a new job as a new graduate nurse in a Ltcf. I took the whole shift to pass medications for 37 residents and the experienced nurses looked at me like I,m stupid. Is this a good environment to work for.

37?? Wow! That's awfully a lot for a new grad. I'm already complaining with my hall having 28 residents. Knowing that you're a new, I believe that you are still working on your speed but there's no way that having 37 residents that you could get a break. If you could stick it up for a couple of months, do so, but if you see glitches in the facility itself, I advise to try searching a new job.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, LTC.

I'm in the same boat as you except I also do 50 treatments and all the insulin for 42 residents. Alone on the floor and I just graduated in january and started this job in April! It still takes me the whole shift to do the work, then another hour or so to chart. Sooo tired! You're not stupid, it's a long hard job.

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Specializes in ED.

thats a lot of patients! is that in FL?

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