New LTC nurse

[tricialynn78]

Hi everyone. I just recently graduated from a Vocational Nursing program (recently meaning december 12th). I had a job interview at a Long Term Care facility (for the 3-11pm shift) on the 13th and they said pending reference checks, criminal background check, drug screen and my permit to show up online I would be hired. I will be starting on the 2nd of January. I will have 14 days of orientation and the DON said that if I feel I need more to give her a few days notice so she can schedule it, and if im feeling ready to be let on my own early (which I doubt will happen) to let her know as well. The ratios that I know of are 1 CNA per 10-13 patients, there is a med aide who works 7-7 there is also a LVN who works 12-8pm who is responsible for all admissions during the shift. Once I am done with orientation, it will be 2 LVN's during the shift and there are a total of 40-50 patients on the floor. I will be getting paid 16$ an hour plus 50 cent night diff until I take the boards and once I do that, I will get the raise to 17 an hour. Every third week you get a three day weekend (F,S,S) which I thought was cool. You never work more than 4 days in a row, which I also thought was nice. Since I am full time, I get benefits, but at this time I am unsure of what they consist of. Anyway sorry about the rambling but I wanted to put it all out there.

Please let me know how these ratios measure to what you have experienced!

At this LTC they do IV therapy, so I will be IV certified which I think is great!

Most of my classmates have asked me WHY :angryfire i have chosen to work in LTC, well not that I think I need to defend myself by any means. BUT I really feel that in a nursing home is where I can make the most difference. I worked as a CNA for 4 years and really enjoyed every minute of it, NO its not fun to clean someones butt when they have a BM, but knowing that I am appreciated and that I get to know these people and their families thats what makes it worth it. I am the only one that graduated in my class of 19 (night class) who has found a job. Which is why I dont know what makes them think they even have a right to question me or what decisions I make for MY life!!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

3-11 is more laid back than dayshift so hang in there..

3-11pm shift, in my personal experience, tends to be more laid-back in traditional LTCFs that offer no rehab units or skilled nursing services.

However, 3-11pm is generally the busiest shift on skilled nursing home units for an array of reasons. First of all, most of the newly admited residents arrive during these hours since that's the time frame when the hospitals typically discharge patients. Secondly, most of the family members visit during these hours, and some of these people bombard the nursing staff with repetitive questions and complaints. Lastly, this shift tends to have less staff overall, which means that nursing staff must put out the fires that are normally handled by social work, the business office, dietary, administration, and so forth.

The 3-11pm shift can be intensely challenging if it is on a skilled or rehab floor.

[1BlessedRN]

Depends on where you are....I work at a skilled facility and 7-3 is our busiest time vs 3-11...actually the 7-3 stay over and finish admissions for 3-11 shift...

[Simplepleasures]

Most of our admissions came in on the 3-11 shift, no ward clerk to help, usually no med tech either.

[Lexxie, LPN]

However, 3-11pm is generally the busiest shift on skilled nursing home units for an array of reasons. First of all, most of the newly admited residents arrive during these hours since that's the time frame when the hospitals typically discharge patients. Secondly, most of the family members visit during these hours, and some of these people bombard the nursing staff with repetitive questions and complaints. Lastly, this shift tends to have less staff overall, which means that nursing staff must put out the fires that are normally handled by social work, the business office, dietary, administration, and so forth.

The 3-11pm shift can be intensely challenging if it is on a skilled or rehab floor.

Not to mention the sundowners...

[NursKris82]

UPDATE::: The work is not hard, there is just SO much of it and I am not sure if I am in for this type of work. I am going to give it at least a month and I will see where it takes me. There just doesnt seem to be enough time in the shift to go say hi to everyone and do a quick assessment, plus do treatments, feedings, peg meds, etc.

I understand how you feel. One of the posters said it will just take time and I agree. As an aide for 3 of my 6 years at the facility I am currently at and I really miss my residents! As an aide you get to spend more time with them and get to know them more personally. You can't do that as much as a nurse, especially when you first start. Give yourself time to get used to your new career.