New LPN starting LTC, what "things" are needed

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2008

I bring my own blood pressure cuff and thermometer, because using the facility's V/S equipment can be an uphill battle when you must share it with other nurses. You will be required to obtain plenty of vital signs on a LTC short term rehab unit due to Medicare charting guidelines. I also bring a gait belt just in case you need to assist in transferring a patient from bed to chair, etc.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2008

I was thinking to bring my personal BP cuff. The facility has all brand new electronic V/S equipment, but I am an "old school" type gal. I much prefer to use manual BP cuffs if possible.

A thermometer hu? Didn't even think of that. Each wing has its own (one) nurse and its own V/S equipment so I don't think I'll be "fighting" over the machines.

I think I'll get a nice tote bag like thing and put in all the suggest items I get from this post, and maybe some ones I come up with and have it all handy should I need it. I don't want my pockets overflowing and don't want my med cart cluttered with "stuff" :)

Thanks Commuter, I kind of figured you'd be one of the first to post, you are always so very helpful to the students and the new nurses.

Oh, where would I find a gait belt? Would a medical supply company have them?? (you'd think I'd know that since I worked in a DME place for a year)

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2008

I was thinking to bring my personal BP cuff. The facility has all brand new electronic V/S equipment, but I am an "old school" type gal. I much prefer to use manual BP cuffs if possible.
A thermometer hu? Didn't even think of that. Each wing has its own (one) nurse and its own V/S equipment so I don't think I'll be "fighting" over the machines.
I think I'll get a nice tote bag like thing and put in all the suggest items I get from this post, and maybe some ones I come up with and have it all handy should I need it. I don't want my pockets overflowing and don't want my med cart cluttered with "stuff" :)
Thanks Commuter, I kind of figured you'd be one of the first to post, you are always so very helpful to the students and the new nurses.
Oh, where would I find a gait belt? Would a medical supply company have them?? (you'd think I'd know that since I worked in a DME place for a year)

In my neck of the woods, every nursing home where I've ever worked has given nursing staff members gait belts for free (replacements were $10 if you needed another belt). I assume that medical supply places might carry them.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2008

I know all the CNA's have gait belts. I haven't seen any of the nurses with them though. Guess I'll find out :)

Thanks

Smokey9283 · Jul 18, 2008

Coming from LTC backround I would suggest making sure you have a black pen, watch, stethescope, small hand held note pad of some sort. In my experience in LTC, nurses have so many treatments, and meds to pass, that there is rarely time for charting through out the day. On the note pad you can leave yourself little notes including times and vitals on the goings on during the day with your residents. That way at the end of your shift you can begin to document on each resident. Have patients, wear comfortable, supportive shoes. I also prefer to wear the scrubs with kangaroo pockets in front, the more room to carry all of my stuff. Good luck on your first day. I hope you love LTC as much as I have, we need a lot of LTC nurses. :yeah:

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2008

A Hi Lighter marker and a red pen can come in handy. I'd also bring a drug reference guide. I always wear a scrub jacket for the extras that you need to stuff in your pocket.

ktwlpn, LPN · Jul 18, 2008

Some facilities prohibit staff from using their own equipment- (calibration problems,infection control issues,etc) Make sure you are permitted to use yours.I will also suggest you take a refillable insulated water bottle and some portable snacks (like granola bars,cheese sticks,nuts.etc) in case you can't get to lunch at a reasonable hour.

antidote · Jul 18, 2008

I think most of what I'd suggest is covered already.

- BP cuff (even if you're not sharing, you never know when something may malfunction or you need to take something right away and don't have time to run and get some of the facilities equipment.

- Stethoscope

- Thermometer (preferably one of the temporal ones for easy usage and cleaning)

- Paper/Pen

- Pen Light

- Scissors

If you are allowed, perhaps you can find a nice lab coat with nice of pockets to carry the BP cuff and what not. Otherwise, I'm sure you can carry a little bag or something to attach onto your waist.

Good luck!

bluegeegoo2, LPN · Jul 19, 2008

I pack around a steno pad for VS, and to jot down MD orders as they come in, and any other issue that pops up. I easily fill 3-4 pages in a shift. When I (finally) get to sit and take care of charting/MD orders and such, I highlight off what I've done, it helps me keep track of everything and not forget something. I also jot down res/family concerns so I can cover those as well. I am buying myself a BP wrist cuff today, as they are faster than the "old school" cuffs. My facility allows us to use them, and I'm grateful. I can get BP and pulse all at once, as well as count respirations at the same time. I also get their PCo2 while I'm getting all of that. All I need then is temp and to listen to their lungs and bowel sounds, and voila! Assessment done in less than 2 min! Handy when I have a dozen people to assess after breakfast. A word of caution: Skilled nursing units for a newbie is overwhelming more often than not. I have been a nurse on days on skilled for precisely 1 day. (I was 3rds for several months, and days on the behaviors unit). I usually work 12's, but worked 15 yesterday to finish up my day. Fridays and Mondays tend to be crazy at best. Remind yourself that "they have to let me go home sometime!". You can only do what you can do. You'll get a rhythm down and things will get more manageable. Ask TONS of questions, and ask for help if you need it. As a new nurse, most staff on the unit know we don't know everything, or know all of the tricks to get through just yet. Nursing school/NCLEX rules don't necessarily apply in "real life". The faster you can let go of the NCLEX training, the better off you'll be. Just don't forget it should state come in. These are some of the things I've learned since graduation. Good luck and keep your chin up!

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2008

The 7a-3p shift isn't the shift I'll be working once I am off orientation. I'll be working the 3p-11p shift.

However they do all new (newly graduated) nurses orientation on the 7a-3p shift. I don't understand the reasoning to have 3/4's of my orientation on a shift I won't even be working. (I worked as a CNA for years and worked both 7a-3p and 3p-11p. I much prefered the more laid back atmosphere of the 3-11 shift. Thats not to say that the 3-11 nurses aren't up to their eyeballs with things to do, its just that I noticed in all the facilities that the 3-11 nurses seemed a bit less tense than the day shift.

Thanks for all the great info and suggestions. I'm sure I'll use all of them :)

nanceinmypance · Jul 21, 2008

A sharpie!!! or seven!! to date feeding tubing, o2 tubings, etc. and mark med cups if needed. I cant work without one. I recommend the push-end ones without caps, they are faster and you cant lose the cap this way. good luck- it will take a while to get a routine but there is a lot of good things to LTC- LTAC. have fun!!