New to LTC. but don't feel that I fit in

[iwanna]

I have 5+ years of behavioral health nursing. I have not worked for four years due to disability. I am just returning to nursing after completing a 10 week refresher course.

I did work in a nursing home briefly back in 1997. I didn't last long at all. I was just overwhelmed and really had no orientation. I had no clue how to give meds to 50 residents. I worked only for 6 weeks PT. And, I got a job working in drug rehab for two years. I lost that job, due to them closing the facility. Then following that I worked in psych facility. Then have been on disability for past 5 years for chronic physical illness. I am now in remission.

My new job at nursing home has a very low turnover rate. I found that to be very encouraging. All of these people have been there for years. As far as the actual job goes, I do like it. I love working with older people. But, I must admit that I am overwhelmed at how many there are. This was my second week, and DON has me doing meds on my own next week. Although, I am going to ask for more orientation. She had me follow a nurse passing meds. The first night it was very boring,and I felt that I was more in the way. The second day, I followed the same nurse, and I helped her with finger sticks and a few oral meds. She did not want me helping her with the hs med pass because it was too much. I got the feeling that she did not want me to slow her down. Yesterday, was my third day following her. I sensed that she was not happy that I was there again. I heard her making a comment, "Oh I did not want to come in today. I am tired of the same old faces". I took it personally. I asked if there was anything that I could do for her, and she said no. Not knowing what to do then, I was only thinking of a place to go to hide my tears. I asked the charge nurse, if I could follow her. I was told by the DON to follow the same nurse, but I know that I slow her down. I am sensing that she does not me slowing her down. At first, the charge nurse said that I could follow her. Then, she told me that she talked to other nurse, and she agreed to let me do half of the meds. I know that she wasn't thrilled about it. And, I felt really bad because she was "stuck" with me. I really sense that this nice girl that I liked in the beginning really dislikes me at this point. In fact, I know that I offended her last night, when I pointed out an AB that wasn't signed for. I asked her if she gave it. I wasn't implying that she made a med error. I was only try to verify that there was a misunderstanding and that I was to give it. She was very offended, and asked why I would ask such a question. "Of course I gave it."

As I stated previously, mostly all of the employees have worked there for years. This place is not "new nurse friendly". I sense that most of the med nurses do not want to be bothered. Although, I am not technically a new nurse. I feel that I am because I have only worked in behavioral health. I informed the DON that I would need to refresh the technical skills, as I have not used them since nursing school back in 1996. I am just not feeling much support at this time.

Perhaps, they should have an incentive for training new nurses. I would even be willing to pay for training, but not with an attiutde. I am 52, and new to LTC. Maybe, I should give up.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

It is nice to see a low turnover, but they really need to be a bit nicer. Yeah...it slows you down when you are training, but it just needs to be done. It is a fact that that nurse will need to get over and deal with. Any way you can just be upfront and tell her, "I realize I will slow you down, but I need to do this to learn" If it gets really backed up, then she can jump in to help you out. If this doesn't work, speak with the DON to see what she suggests. A week of training is pretty good for LTC, sometimes they just throw you out there.

A lot has changed in the last 10 or so yrs, so give it time.

[groovylittlerockstar]

:heartbeatDon't feel bad. LTC was my first job as a RN and my training experience sounds identical to yours. The nurse "training" me was harried and did not want to let me give any meds. In fact, she pushed me out of the way at one point saying, "we don't have time for this, they need to get to supper!" I received only 3 days orientation, worked 2 more days and then after only 5 days of work was put on as Charge nurse of 5 hallways (4 other nurses, and 10 nursing assistants). You will get the hang of it. It didn't take me long to get a routine down to get things done in time. You just have to take one thing at a time. It's hard work, but rewarding.:redbeathe

[Pooksmom1996]

Maybe another facility would be a better fit if this job does not work out for you.

This is my experience as a returning nurse who has been looking into employment in LTC in my area:

I am completing a nursing refresher course too, and had an interview yesterday with the DON at a LTC facility. They have hired nurses in the past from the refresher course, and these folks have been very happy.

She told me that they would give returning nurses several weeks of orientation, just like the new grads. They keep new nurses on orientation until they feel comfortable with handling the workload. This facility, and several others in my area have a reputation among nurses as being very supportive, friendly workplaces.

If you live in an area that has several nursing homes, you may want to ask around and get feedback about other facilities. The workload and nursing culture can be very different in different homes.

How many residents are you responsible for? That can vary widely-in my area, on day and evening shift, it varies from 18 to 30.

Hugs,

Pooksmom (an old psych nurse too!)