I am a new LPN Grad, I started working at a Nursing Home 3 wks. ago full time, and a second Nursing Home PRN. I am working nights-12 hour shifts. I work as fast as a I can the whole 12 hours and still can't get everything done. I have two halls-approx. 45 pts. with charting required on about 25 plus 2-3 wkly reports, 24 hour report, meds to put away, glucometer checks, O2 tubing to change, census report to post. I had 10 days of orientation, which I am told is a new policy, they used to only give 5 days, so I should be grateful. Overtime is not allowed, lunch break is mandatory. So I put down that I take 1/2 hour lunch and leave on time when actually I am not taking a lunch, or even going to the bathroom more than twice a shift because I don't have time. I cannot get done by the end of my shift and end up staying at least an hour over with no pay. As hard as I work I always end up forgetting to do something. The dayshift nurses are very critical (putting it nicely) and I am beginning to think I don't have what it takes for nursing. I would appreciate any advice.
Sounds normal to me. Experience can only be obtained with time. Just think of it for what it is, a learning experience. Don't worry about what others say. Do your best and you know you gave an honest days work. I am constantly fighting the clock, but I refuse to slack off and dump stuff on the next shift which seems to be popular at my place of work.
I feel the same way about dumping work onto the next shift, I would rather stay with no pay and do it myself. Maybe thats pride and stubborness. But, if that atmosphere is "normal" that is very disturbing. I feel sorry for the residents and the staff. It boils down to corporate co. not wanting to shell out money to pay for enough staff.
I somewhat disagree with the above poster about HH being only for experienced nurses. I pretty much started out in HH and learned so much. I did pediatric HH for years. I had some clients with very interesting and rare conditions. I learned how to work with the vents, trach's, gt care, dressings....the list could go on. If you get involved with a good agency that holds classes and inservices, then this may be a great option for you. I am now an RN and have been working in the hospital on a critical care pediatric unit....that vent and trach experience is sure a plus!!! Most agencies have a clinical case manager covering all hours that you can call in the event you need advice. Start out with some easier cases and take training courses--you may find this is something that you like.
I am working prn at a different LTC facility. The atmosphere there is much better. They have been welcoming and encouraging. I don't feel like I'm stepping into hell when I go there! LOL! I am going to talk to some different HH agencies and find out more about it. In the meantime, I'm going to cont. working prn and look into getting my RN online. Hospitals in my area are not hiring LPN's, especially new ones.
Just because they have unreasonable expectations doesn't mean you should kill yourself trying to meet them. Given the situation, it seems that you can't possibly be successful and feel positive about yourself. Do the best you can but always keep in mind that you are human!
Todd SPN
319 Posts
Sounds normal to me. Experience can only be obtained with time. Just think of it for what it is, a learning experience. Don't worry about what others say. Do your best and you know you gave an honest days work. I am constantly fighting the clock, but I refuse to slack off and dump stuff on the next shift which seems to be popular at my place of work.