New lvn in acute/rehabilitation Snf

Tips on finishing med pass on time while also having discharges? Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Hi everyone I'm a new lvn! Just graduated and passed my NCLEX, I just started working in an acute/rehabilitation Snf 7am-3:30pm, we have about 15-17 patients to pass meds to but we also get a lot of discharges since it's an acute facility. I did orientation for 2 weeks and I learned a lot but I still don't understand how they pass out meds with the interruption of discharges, and still have time to do skilled charting on all the patients. 
If anyone has any tips on this that would be greatly appreciated! Tomorrow is my first day on my own ? 

Specializes in SNF/LTC.

You have to find a routine, and that just takes time. I use to look for advise on the same type of thing (trying to figure out how some nurses seem to get everything done with no stress or issue at all). You will have to learn to speak up for yourself, tell whoever is planning the discharges, to not plan them during your busy med pass times (breakfast/supper). I am trying to figure out how the administration can schedule 2 admissions around the same time,  for me to complete, with no help,  while I also have charge nurse duties, including med pass, skilled assessments/charting, skin assessments, and anything else that happens unplanned. I let them know that I cannot complete 2 admissions without help and be the charge nurse. Their reply is: "we can't turn away an admission ". I understand that, but you also cannot expect me to safely and effectively do my job and 2 admissions.  

I am wondering what rights and responsibilities do I have in this situation?

 

First of all congratulations on becoming an lpn. I always make my medication visits short and sweet, u also can assess alot about a patient while giving them medications.  Prioritize! Prioritize! Prioritize! Emergencys come first, change of conditions, discharges, and admits second. Med pass can wait. Hope this helps. 

Thankyou guys soo much for all the advice u appreciate it! 
I'm 2 months in and I'm still trying to get the hang of it, some days are better than others but it's not completely terrible! 
thanks again! ☺️

+ Add a Comment