New LPN

Thujone · Aug 12, 2011

Congratulations, how much did they offer you per hour, if you don't mind telling?

eve5483 · Aug 12, 2011

Congratulations! So exciting! :)

nursejody · Aug 12, 2011

Congratulations! My best advice is to take it in stride. Your first few weeks may be stress, especially if you haven't worked in an LTC facility before. Just take a deep breath and enjoy the fact that you are getting to do what you've wanted to do.

I just got finished nursing school in June and passed the NCLEX last month. I was hired at jobs.baptisthealthsystem.com. I've been on the job almost three weeks. I encourage anyone in the San Antonio area or who wants to live in San An to check them out.

Best of luck in your new job. I hope you like it as much as I do!

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2011

Congratulations :)

You will feel overwhelmed- plan on it- it's normal :) Bring a clipboard and legal pad, or other thing to keep info on- you'll figure out your own system for knowing what labs are being done (LTCs often have a designated lab day- and a service for stats and ASAPs), who is sick, new orders, etc.

Always do meds by the book :) You can find ways to do some things faster, but meds isn't it:D Don't sign out meds before you give them - huge issue with state health departments- and something often blown off....it's easier to get into good habits than fix bad ones and you will always hear nurses say "we just do it like that" - those people will be nowhere to be found if you get in trouble for something :eek:

Ask questions- there is nothing scarier to an "old nurse" than to hear a new one keep quiet- makes us want to run screaming from the building and play in traffic

You can do this- remember that, especially when you feel like you're going to breakdown in the middle of a med pass, when someone falls, and another is throwing up. It all gets done- just learn to prioritize.... in this case- fall comes first, barf next, and then continue with med pass- as has been said before on AN, you might get a ding for a few late meds- but you'll get a huge ding for not dealing with emergencies :) The meds aren't going anywhere without you !!

Don't tolerate poor care from the CNAs- most CNAs are really good- but there are always a few who think that they can provide sub-standard care. The old folks (and sometimes chronically ill younger ones) deserve the best from everyone. You're not there to be anyone's friend- if you're friendly co-workers, that's great (and something I found as important as my 'not at work' friends)... but it's job first, friends later :)

Don't listen to rumors about staff- make up your own mind. It's fine to hear someone blow off steam about someone- but you don't know their whole relationship and the dynamics- they may have old history that has nothing to do with the job.... but also trust your gut.

You passed boards- you are qualified to do this But it will feel very crazy for a while- feelings aren't always facts- give yourself time

Brea LPN · Aug 12, 2011

Congratulations :)
You will feel overwhelmed- plan on it- it's normal :) Bring a clipboard and legal pad, or other thing to keep info on- you'll figure out your own system for knowing what labs are being done (LTCs often have a designated lab day- and a service for stats and ASAPs), who is sick, new orders, etc.
Always do meds by the book :) You can find ways to do some things faster, but meds isn't it:D Don't sign out meds before you give them - huge issue with state health departments- and something often blown off....it's easier to get into good habits than fix bad ones and you will always hear nurses say "we just do it like that" - those people will be nowhere to be found if you get in trouble for something
Ask questions- there is nothing scarier to an "old nurse" than to hear a new one keep quiet- makes us want to run screaming from the building and play in traffic
You can do this- remember that, especially when you feel like you're going to breakdown in the middle of a med pass, when someone falls, and another is throwing up. It all gets done- just learn to prioritize.... in this case- fall comes first, barf next, and then continue with med pass- as has been said before on AN, you might get a ding for a few late meds- but you'll get a huge ding for not dealing with emergencies :) The meds aren't going anywhere without you !!
Don't tolerate poor care from the CNAs- most CNAs are really good- but there are always a few who think that they can provide sub-standard care. The old folks (and sometimes chronically ill younger ones) deserve the best from everyone. You're not there to be anyone's friend- if you're friendly co-workers, that's great (and something I found as important as my 'not at work' friends)... but it's job first, friends later :)
Don't listen to rumors about staff- make up your own mind. It's fine to hear someone blow off steam about someone- but you don't know their whole relationship and the dynamics- they may have old history that has nothing to do with the job.... but also trust your gut.
You passed boards- you are qualified to do this But it will feel very crazy for a while- feelings aren't always facts- give yourself time

Great post but let me add. Don't think I'll never get this. I've been there done that. I thought I made a wrong career choice, and that I wasted time and money going to nursing school because I was having a hard time at first. Believe me, you will get in the hang of it sooner than you think.

raincitynurse · Aug 12, 2011

take a moment to center yourself,.whatever that means to you.......give yourself a moment...., you've got this! Follow the excellent advice of the pervious poster!!