New LPN, this is HARD. Need advice.

Specialties Geriatric

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I knew nursing would not be easy, but I never imagined it would be this hard. I just started a new LTC job, had orientation for 7 days, and I just finished up my 3rd night shift on my own. I am a charge nurse for around 26 patients. I do work along side other LPNs, plus a supervisor on nights and they have all been helpful. I am trying to be optimistic, but this job is so tough. It took me 4 1/2 hours last night to do my 9p med pass!! I didnt stop all night. Between treatments (3 G-tubes and 2 trachs), I didnt stop. I still couldnt get 2 straight caths done for culture and had to pass them on to 1st shift.

I feel like I cannot do anything right, everything takes me twice as long as the seasoned nurses. Everyone else seems to be taking their time, hanging out at the nurses station socializing, and meanwhile I am walking my legs off, rushing to get everything done on time. There are treatments that I just cant get done, and nevermind the fact I cannot possibly keep an eye on 26 patients at a time.

Sometimes I have moments when I wonder what I have gotten myself into. I will get cussed out by a patient, or a supervisor says I did something wrong (already have had a error). They have all been more than patient with me, but I wonder when their patience will run out. Everyone keeps telling me it will get better, but I just dont see how from my perspective.

Am I being too whiny and impatient? Does anyone have any tips on time management? I appreciate any advice you can give.

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm an LPN student still. I'll graduate in August. I'm scared already and glad you posted this. Of course, I don't have any words of wisdom but would like to hear what other nurses have to say.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in LTC.

Patience, things will get better. You have not done this long enough to get a routine down or get yourself organized. With 3 g tubes and 2 trachs that in itself is a handful. Can you ask someone to show you how they get it done? Have them write their routine done and try to follow it, later you can tweak it for your own use. Can you delegate some of the things that you are now doing? I have worked LTC for a long time and I know that getting a routine down and becoming organized is important.

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Specializes in ER, PCU.
I knew nursing would not be easy, but I never imagined it would be this hard. I just started a new LTC job, had orientation for 7 days, and I just finished up my 3rd night shift on my own. I am a charge nurse for around 26 patients.

I am certain that you will do well and everything will work out ok. I am a nursing student so forgive me if this question sounds a bit crazy but a Charge Nurse is like a supervisor...right? And from your comments it sounds as if you are a new nurse.

Why would you take that position and is it normal for new nursing to go into such a position? :clown:

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Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

I'm barely 3 weeks in and it is getting better, by tiny increments. I'm hanging in there because really, where else can a new grad go these days? I still get lots of support (verbally) from the other nurses that I am doing a good job and that it will get better. Hang in there, and just work at getting better every day. Good luck!

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In my LTC, all floor LPN's are charge nurses, just generic term they use. It is entry level.

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Comfortable shoes are real important and a good routine. Just focus and keep moving. Don't give up. We need more nurses in LTC:)

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Specializes in Long-term Care.

LTC is a monster of its own kind and dont take that as a bad thing. Because I feel you. I'm also a LPN in LTC facilty I started my nursing career in LTC as well. It takes time to develope a routine and figure out what works for you. Eventually you will find a way of doing things that makes the process go by smoothly. It may take some time but eventually it will happen. There are always going to be times when you feel overwhelmed and would like to scream but with experience and a little bit of time under your belt you will be fine. And even if 15 things happen at once you wont be stressed out. You just need to figure out what works for you.

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I'm on the same boat as you. Luckily, I'm not taking any charge nurse duties until they determine I'm ready. I'm a med nurse with 60+ clients. All of the nurses in this facility have been telling me to just keep asking questions and one day I'll get the routine down on my own. I am so overwhelmed. I graduated nursing school in 06 but haven't practiced any nursing since then, plus took my nclex rather late. I took my time studying, got mediocre jobs here and there, and everything else in life got in the way.

You're not alone! Hang in there! :) I'm pretty sure all the other seasoned nurses started out like us too. The worse part for me is giving substandard care, regardless of all the training I've had. I WAS a good student. I don't know why I can't be a good nurse, without a professor watching over my shoulder. Just think, it will get better. We will get better. :)

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Specializes in Acute rehab, LTC, Community Health.

Hang in there, it is hard! I have been working very casually in LTC for approximately 9 months, but still have a difficult time completing my med pass, forget things until the drive home and sometimes feel that I do not give the care I envisioned myself giving when deciding to be a nurse. It has nothing to do with you, it is unfortunately the nature of LTC and you can only do the best you can do! Ask for help often, but also, offer help when you can. People will respect that you are a team player and will respect you more for it. You will develop a better system and feel more confident eventually. I am getting there as well. Much luck to you.:yeah:

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Thanks. You guys are great. The substandard care I totally agree with. I feel like these residents deserve more than what I can physically give them in 12 hours and I feel terribly guilty when I have to short-change them with their treatments, etc.

Thank you to all who have responded, and I wish all of you newbs like me good luck as well!!!!

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Specializes in LTC.

I felt the same way my first day in LTC. I recently was followed on my med pass by an RN who works for the pharmacy we use. The point was for her to mimic the surveyors. Lets just say it went terrible. I almost quit because of how inadequate and useless I felt. Needless to say all my med's were late. After boatloads of reassurance from my fellow coworkers and my DON, I came to accept the fact that I can only do my best. My DON assured me that with time it will get better.

So my advice for you is : Don't doubt your capabilities. And don't beat yourself up about time management. As time passes you will get to know the needs of your patients and be able to plan accordingly. Be a sponge. ABSORB THE POSITIVE, RELEASE THE NEGATIVE.

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