New LPN Meets "Real World"

[Williams6]

Hi everyone. I decided to join allnurses.com in hopes of finding support. I am a 2 year post graduate LPN and just landed my first assignment in a SNF/Rehab facility. I am orienting and find it, at times, overwhelming. My 2 questions: When should b/p meds be held if there are no parameters on the MAR and when should I question the RN/charge nurse about verbal orders to hold them?

[LTCNS, LPN]

If the blood pressure is low enough to cause you to question if you should hold it, and there are no parameters, you should notify the MD/NP and get an order from him/her to hold it if need be.

Did the charge nurse actually give you a verbal order to hold a B/P med.? Or I am misunderstanding your question?

[Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN]

If the BP is low then you would hold them then notify the doctor ASAP to see what to do next

[Williams6]

Yes, LTCNS, you are correct in saying a verbal order was received from the RN. Not only that, I made a notation. The short of the long is:

I have not ever passed meds in a SNF/Rehab facility that services approximately 35-40 residents per unit. On my orientation unit I am training as a med-aide. I found myself in an extreme rush to pull the meds "on time" and simply forgot. I feel horrible about the error (the resident, thank God, did not bottom out) and told my nurse manager it would not happen again. I would like to see the facility budget for 2 med-aides, we have 1 med aide to 35-40 residents. I have nothing but great respect for the med aides, they work their butts off and they are proficient. The error happened during my first week of employment and I am looking forward to improving my competence.