NEW LPN

neongloss · Jun 15, 2017

That's how it goes. I was hired on to a LTC the same day I got my registration number. I got 5-7 days of training from different people and then I was on my own. I recently went from casual to full-time, and they had someone give me training to support the transition. Well, I found out that some of my basic training was taught wrong. I couldn't believe it. My assumption is that a lot of nursing jobs are like this in the beginning, so you have to be resourceful, independent, and review policies and procedures whenever you can. It's terrifying as a newbie with a fresh registration, but remember that nursing is a lot of learn-on-the-go. And sometimes you manage your time well, but there's too much work for the shift--I always spend my breaks charting. As for spending time with patients, even in a hospital with a 1:4 or 1:6, you usually won't get that one-on-one time unless you take a pay cut and work in home care... If you can't take the heat, get a few months of experience and try another job. :)

Floor_Nurse · Jun 16, 2017

Congratulations on getting your license. I realize that it be be a bit daunting at first. Be sure to read your MARs carefully. Hopefully they will stop moving you around to all the different units. Eventually you'll get into a routine and remember that a certain patient gets Carbamazepine while another gets Oxcarbazepine. I realize that your lunch needs to be more than a bag of Doritos on the med cart.

I've found some time-saving methods with charting while including the important details. I also buy very comfortable shoes (the floors are cement here). It's a better job than being a CNA. Hang in there!

ms_vee · Jun 17, 2017

I'll probably do that, stick around and see how it goes. I feel like a ball bouncing from one unit to another. I'm struggling on med pass. I'm going 6th day on my own, my stomach still turns everytime i walk in the unit!ugh

Cactus Nurse · Jun 24, 2017

You are new. You're rhythm isn't set. Just think "hey I haven't made a med error. I haven't got a pt complaint. I'm not fired. I'm doing ok!" No one expects a new grad to be awesome as the nurse who's been there 2 years... no way! You're doing the best you can. It comes with practice! Just breathe.

I was like you. Always behind and stressed I was doing bad. But my coworkers would help me and always ask questions and get tips from your colleagues. How do they do med pass and chart? See what works best for you! Good luck

LPNDebbie · Jun 26, 2017

It was the same story for me when I first became an LPN in LTC. Luckily, I had a permanent hall starting out but had to leave due to always being forced to working doubles but my next job had me bouncing around to different halls all the time and I felt like it was my first day each day I walked it. It was very stressful. Made me wonder why I wanted to remain a nurse. Turns out that place wasn't the right fit for me. My latest job also had me as a floater but for some reason, I didn't mind. Not sure if it was because I was getting more comfortable and confident as a nurse, if the facility was more organized, or both. Maybe find another LTC and explain to them that you don't feel comfortable being a float (if your current one won't listen to you). This is your license. You can even do some home health and take some down time to study up on meds and such. Good luck!

Purple036, LVN · Jun 28, 2017

I am a new nurse (6 months) as well and feeling the same way. I wish I had answers but I don't I still feel the same way. I haven't been able to keep any jobs except for a substituting job due to my anxiety. I end up coming up with an excuse "not the field for me" or "I need more experience". Every job has been understanding but I know this is not a good thing to keep on doing. I want to work as a nurse but when I think of working I get nervous. I am here with you and if you have any ways to help or if I learn tips/tricks to ease this I will definitely let you know. I am sorry for the useless comment but I at least wanted you to know I feel the same way and your not alone. We are nurses here to heal and care. I will keep you in my prayers

ms_vee · Jun 29, 2017

I am a new nurse (6 months) as well and feeling the same way. I wish I had answers but I don't I still feel the same way. I haven't been able to keep any jobs except for a substituting job due to my anxiety. I end up coming up with an excuse "not the field for me" or "I need more experience". Every job has been understanding but I know this is not a good thing to keep on doing. I want to work as a nurse but when I think of working I get nervous. I am here with you and if you have any ways to help or if I learn tips/tricks to ease this I will definitely let you know. I am sorry for the useless comment but I at least wanted you to know I feel the same way and your not alone. We are nurses here to heal and care. I will keep you in my prayers

Thank you for taking time to write, I appreciate it. I don't ever want anyone to feel the same way I do towards work coz it's not a good feeling at all. But I somehow feel not alone in this journey when i get to read your replies telling me that you guys have been on this phase and have overcome it. It has only been less than a month for me since I started and I still feel anxious everytime. I thought of quitting, in fact I already have my resignation letter ready. But something inside me, wants to give it another day every after my shift ends. I'm just taking it one day at a time, I don't make long term goals with this work I'm in right now. I'm just happy to finish each shift. At work I always ask whenever I'm not sure with what I'll do and I always thank those people I asked help with. I'll hang around for as long as I can, and learn just as much. I hope we both find our niche in nursing. And maybe a year from now we can talk again here and see how we are doing/coping? I will include you in my prayers too. ðŸ˜Š