New job in LTC and not feeling too sure about it

Published

Specializes in behavioral health.

I have just started a new job in nursing home. I have been out of nursing for almost five years due to chronic physical disability. My health has stabilized on meds. I have always worked in behavioral health. Although, I did work very briefly in a nursing home right after I passed boards back in 1997. I only worked about two months. This nursing home was horrendous, and their turnover rate is very high. I see an ad in the paper constantly for that nursing home.

However, this nursing home that I am working at now has a very low turnover rate. They hardly ever hire new nurses. That is what made this job so attractive. And, they have good reports with the state.

I have been working there almost a month now. I am feeling that this job is not a good fit for me. First, of all I am supposed to be working a job that is not physically demanding and too stressful. Of course, it is both. Also, my dr. said only PT. Well, I am supposed to work three days a week. But, since I am having such a tough time, the DON thought I should work four days a week, until I get the hang of it. Honestly, I feel more overwhelmed at the thought of working four days a week. But, I can understand that they want me to hurry and orient. I was fine when I had another nurse following me. But, when I have been on my own, I am a basket case. I am very slow. I go home and remember things that I did not chart. e.g. amount of supplements residents drank. There is just so much. I am there at least forty-five minutes over just doing my charting.

I do get nervous just thinking about going to work. I am having anxiety. My husband wants me to quit because he is afraid that I will have an exacerbation of my illness. I don't know what to do at this point. Do I continue to work and hope that it will get easier? Do I try to stick it out because they have been doing a lot to help me? e.g. making me reminder notes on who gets fingersticks and vs at certain times. Also, have helped me on things that I didn't have a chance to get to. Honestly, I feel that I am way too overwhlemed and way too slow. I am wondering if it would be better for me to quit now, as I don't seem to be improving much. I am thinking that maybe I should quit before too much times goes by, so they can hire another person. But, I will feel tremendously guilty for quitting. I feel obligated after all they have tried to help me, but I am just not picking it up like I should. I don't know what I was thinking! I had reached a point where I just wanted a job, even if it meant jeopardizing my illness. And, I did not divulge my illness to them, as I thought that I would never get hired. So, I am feeling that I was deceitful. But, I think that I need to be at a slow paced office and making less money.

And, if I do decide to resign, should I do it soon, or try to stick it out some more? I just don't have faith that I will be improving to the degree that I should. How do I talk to my DON?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC?Skilled and dialysis.

Well Iwanna from a LTC LPN working there for 4 years so far...it doesnt get any easier. Just when you think you are running on schedule and all is well, something pops up or someone falls and puts u behind. It is a very stressful and demanding job and I am constantly on the move. U do what is best for you and your health. Dont worry about what others think. You spend your career taking care of everyone else. It sounds like it is time to take care of yourself.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

I have to agree with the previous post. Actually, working fewer days a week makes those shifts harder, because so many things happen and change inside a few days. I understand your loyalty as it seems you work for one of the few facilities that recognizes the benefit of teamwork, however, I believe no one will benefit from this in the long run. Are there any other employment avenues you could pursue? Perhaps you and dh could look into this togehter.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can understand what you are going through. I have been in nursing for 22 yrs. and recently tried LTC. I quit after 1 month. I could not keep up and it was stressing me that I lost 4 pounds in one week, heart raced all the time and cried everyday. Do not worry about others. I agree with taking care of yourself first. Life is too short.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I work nights in LTC for that exact reason. It's too chaotic, a million things to do at once...I'm never EVER "caught up" (whatever THAT means), and my pt care suffers. I worked days for several months and could not stand it. In fact, I quit LTC altogether because of the stress and ancillary BS. I could do it physically, but my psyche suffered greatly and I had to move on. It took me FOREVER to just finish a med pass, nevermind the orders, tx's, falls, skin tears, charting, etc. Long story short, I came back to the facility on nights and couldn't be happier. There is still BS, but in much smaller, more manageable amounts. The 0600 med pass is much less stressful, and tx's are at a minimum. It's much quieter, which is helpful. I have more time to assess my pts and get them taken care of, so I feel better about the job I do. Some people are cut out for days, I am not one of them. I originally wanted days so I could be home with the kids in the evening. I still am, I just sleep during the day and am up in the evening with them, they go to bed, I go to work. :) Whatever you decide, good luck. I almost gave up on nursing entirely, but am glad I didn't. So far, anyway!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTAC, Wound Care, Case Management.

Oh my goodness. Reading these posts make me very nervous. :uhoh3:

I am a new LPN and was offered a position yesterday at a LTC. I will b working 7a-7p Saturdays and Sundays (work 24 hours, paid for 32). Am I really in for such a stressful and hectic job. I don't mind a busy schedule, I just want to be prepared for what I may actually be getting myself into.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hem/Onc, LTC, AL, Homecare, Mgmt, Psych.

Each facility is different, go in with a positive attitude & try it out! You'll have good days and bad days just like any other job.

Oh my goodness. Reading these posts make me very nervous. :uhoh3:

I am a new LPN and was offered a position yesterday at a LTC. I will b working 7a-7p Saturdays and Sundays (work 24 hours, paid for 32). Am I really in for such a stressful and hectic job. I don't mind a busy schedule, I just want to be prepared for what I may actually be getting myself into.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion