New LPN...survived two nights on my own!

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Hi everyone!

I am a new LPN, and after 12 orientation days in a LTCF (I'm spoiled, I know), I was put on my own two nights ago. I work 3-11 shift, and for the first half, I am responsible for 20 residents. After 6:30pm, that number changes to 28. Two med passes, treatments, documentation, shower checks are also included.

Whew....

I survived.

I managed to get everything done and clock out at 11:34pm my first night, and last night I was outta there by 11:40pm or so.

I still feel very nervous, overwhelmed, but I think that each day that passes, I'll get more comfortable.

Just wanted to share with you all, since I know you'll understand my feelings. :)

Please tell me it gets easier!

Lisa

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

It sounds like you are doing great!

:yeah:

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You should be proud of yourself J I know it is overwhelming and exciting - sounds like you are doing great.

12 orientation days doesn't seem like very long! Is that considered normal? I'm an RN (hope you don't mind me popping in to wish you well), and I thought my orientation was ridiculously short at 4 weeks on the floor. I don't work LTC but to be honest your task sounds challenging with all of those pt's. My hat is off to you!

Hang in there and congratulations on your success!!!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
12 orientation days doesn't seem like very long! Is that considered normal?
In my part of the country, the typical nursing home orientation period is 3 days, and you are cut loose to work on your own afterward. When I was a newly-licensed LVN in early 2006, my orientation period was 1 day, then I was thrown in there to work on my own.

LTC is a world all its own. And yes, a 12-day nursing home orientation would be regarded as ridiculously long around here. ;)

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I hear that the most people get on my side of the fence in LTC is three days, so, you are doing just great! I hope to do similar to you when I get to do my per diem med surg deal! A party for you,too!!:WHCk::tinkbll::dncgbby::dncgcpd::dancgrp::urck:

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Specializes in LTC & Correctional Nursing.

it sounds like you are doing great! i cannont wait to get done and get out there! it sounds like you are at a good ltcf. congrats!!:D

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Thanks to all for the good wishes. I just finished four afternoon shifts in a row, and I think it was a huge help that I was put on the same floor each night. I know my residents quite well now, and I can do each med pass in about an hour. I'm getting quicker!

It's slowly starting to settle in, as far as paperwork, meds, charting, etc.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Hospice, Palliative Care.

Congratulations for getting it all together, and for saying that it eventually will kick in for those of us who are new!

e

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Hi everyone!

I managed to get everything done and clock out at 11:34pm my first night, and last night I was outta there by 11:40pm or so.

I still feel very nervous, overwhelmed, but I think that each day that passes, I'll get more comfortable.

Congrats on your new position Lisa! You are absolutely correct here, that you will feel less nervous, and overwhelmed with each med pass that you do. I find that "organization" is the key to success, no matter where you work....... :twocents:

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