New to LTC and to Nursing!

Published

Specializes in LTC.

I finally got a job! Its been 3 months of filling out many applications a day. I was hired at a small Nun run LTC facility about 30 minutes from my house. It is 26 skilled nursing beds, I will be working nights. They staff it with one RN, and 2 CNAs on overnights. Does this sound ok for a new grad?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

It's kind of scary as you will have NO ONE to lean on when questions/problems arise. You may be better off where there is more than just you as the only nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Do you have someone to call if there are issues? I would say that is pretty much the ratio in most places - especially if the residents are pretty stable.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

The ratio isn't that unusual. But I'd be worried about not having another nurse (rn or lpn) in the building to ask if you have a concern. It seems like the majority of our residents who are sent out to the hospital are sent on the night shift. I'm a new nurse in a similar situation but am on the day shift and am not shy about asking questions or asking the more experience nurses to please go behind me and listen to a pts lungs or just give a quick glance at an order if I'm not 100% sure. It helps me sleep when I get home to know there was a second set of eyes on the situation.

OTOH you might have more time to think and react on the night shift, I don't know. If you have someone willing to take your calls when you're nervous or are getting a decent orientation it may be okay. Good luck either way, I know jobs are hard to find out there these days and I've been grateful for my job even if it is crazy and hard.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, New to Tele/ Cardiac!.

That is the same ratio at my facility as well. I graduated in May and got my first job at a SNF/ LTC facility in Sept and have been there since. It is scary at first having that many patients and so little help, but you can do it!!! My only concern is that you will be working nights.. How is your facility set up? Is there a unit next to yours that will have another night nurse on so you can at least page her if you have questions? I lucked out in that I am on a 20-bed unit that is off set from a larger 26 bed unit so I ask the more experienced nurse on that unit tons of questions every night and she is very helpful. Make nice with all the more experienced staff!!!! And your 2 CNA's (if experienced on that unit and trustworthy) can be a HUGE help!!! They are your eyes and ears if they know the residents well enough and you cant be there at the moment. Best of luck. Let me know how it turns out :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That an excellent ratio for nights.

If you have a contact number for the DON and permission to use it if you have an emergency you should be fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

thanks for all the support. The DON is the Mother Superior and the convent is on the top floor of the facility. I forgot to ask if there is an LPN on NOCs. When I went in for my Mantoux today I told the Sister (an RN) that I was excited and nervous, she told me not to worry that they don't let you alone until your ready.

I hope it works out. I felt really comfortable during my interview and it seems they really care about each other.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
thanks for all the support. The DON is the Mother Superior and the convent is on the top floor of the facility. I forgot to ask if there is an LPN on NOCs. When I went in for my Mantoux today I told the Sister (an RN) that I was excited and nervous, she told me not to worry that they don't let you alone until your ready.

I hope it works out. I felt really comfortable during my interview and it seems they really care about each other.

For 26 residents you will be the only nurse at night.

Relax. It's more than doable. We have one nurse, 2 aides for 44 beds.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Update:

Today was my 1st day of orientation, all the Human Resources paperwork and that sort of stuff. Friday will be my 1st shift of orientation on the floor. Luckily they are starting me off on the evening shift on the assisted living floor. I feel better about being eased into and I am sure once I get going I will feel better about my skill level.

Any tips on what I should bring with me?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A watch with a sweeping second hand. Clamps in case you have a foley. Your decent steth and don't let it walk off. Pens.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Thank you! I have 3 stethoscopes, I just need to figure out which one I can hear best with, they all hurt my ears and have since I got them. I will probably leave one in my car all the time too just in case I forget/lose one somewhere.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You're welcome. :)

Oh, a Sharpie.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion