new graduate working in LTC, feel lost!

[nursesrockk]

I've been working the floor for about a month now taking care of about 30 residents. Some nights are better than others but I often feel overwhelmed! There are many situations in which i'm not sure exactly what to do. I find myself calling other nurses frequently. I dont feel like i am able to communicate effectively yet with doctors, family members, and the higher ups. Anyone remember feeling this way; or did nursing come naturally to you?

I also don't feel confident yet in when I should fax the md or call him. For example if a resident is on glucose checks but has no ssi ordered & the doctor wants notified of a mbs greater than a certain amount and the "R" has a mbs above that number should I call the md or is it okay to fax.

[libran1984, ASN, RN]

I hate LTC... oh, have you not read my post? Please allow me to direct you....

https://allnurses.com/geriatric-nurses-ltc/i-hate-ltc-828034.html

Now, as many people will say: you should spend at least one year in your current environment before you will truly begin to feel comfortable.

All your questions should be answered by facility policy and your supervisors. If you wish to take it a step further, email the physician your concerns and ask him what he thinks would be worthy of waking him from a dead sleep.

I would begin compiling a list of concerns asap so you have a comprehensive list for the doctor to review and offer his advice so you will not feel so bad for calling him at 0300 in the morning, b/c you know he would have wanted it.

[tbehlow, LPN]

You are not alone, I promise you , I felt that way and still feel that way at times.. Hang in there , and give yourself some time and don't be too hard on yourself.. Your doing great!!

[CYoungLPN, LPN]

Call!! I'd def call that IMO is more of a emergency situation so u need immediate feed back & waiting for a fax i wasting time

Don't worry u'll get it I've been workin in LTC as a brand new nurse and I've learned just be very observant watch closely how other nurses handle situations and when in doubt ask questions

[amoLucia]

Are you comfortable talking with your shift supervisor or any other particular senior, experienced nurse on your shift? Maybe the next shift? When you need to ask, you NEED to ask. But you need to be specific to get the right answers that SUPPLEMENT what you already know. A hint is to catch them at a good time - THEIR best time, but only take a few minutes of their precious time. Remember to K - I - S - S it (keep it short and simple).

Ask for feedback on something specific, like how you did an incident report and the accompanying nurses' note. Or a tricky chart entry for a problem. Ask someone to standby & listen while you phone a family (we can pretty much guess what is being said by family just by your conversation). Prep yourself BEFORE you call an MD - again, ask someone to standby & listen.

This is different from orientation. This is maturation & developing. As other posters have said, it takes time for newbies to become comfortable with all the technical skills, assessments. time mgt, people politics, etc. Also, become familiar with your agency's Policy & Procedure Manual, there should be info there too.