New lvn and very little orientation?

[Rachana Ra]

I’m a new lvn who just moved from NJ to Dallas, Texas after graduating and passing boards. Most of my peers back NJ have received 4 weeks + of training time and they feel they have a lot of ongoing support. Here in Dallas, most LTC facilities only want to give me max 3 days and then throw me out there. There is so much I don’t know how to do as you know how clinicals only teach us so much. Plus we were on lock down towards the end of our program. I’ve had bad experiences at two LTCs I worked for, as one just left me alone on the unit on my very first day, and the other one had so many issues that I can’t even list them here. I ran away from both in hopes of protecting my license, livelihood, and sanity. I worked at a corrections facility for a little bit but I was going to be left alone on that job as well, and I was pretty much operating as an ER nurse with no clue as to what I was doing, along with preparing meds for 75+ patients, and being called out to random emergencies. I’ll be going to an interview this week for a position at a rehab facility that treats people with alcohol and drug addictions. Are there any other lvns in Texas facing this issue of little to no training offered at most jobs? Even doctor’s offices want everyone to come in fully competent and trained. I don’t know what to do. 

[JKL33]

This is a theory, it could be completely incorrect:

Nursing employers are having a decent amount of staff attrition right now; reportedly quite a bit more than usual--which already wasn't good in some places. Nurses are fed up.

You could try negotiating for training just like you would for pay. Tell them what you need and expect. Don't give them much leeway. You can always quit if they can't keep their word. You do have to look out for yourself.

[Rachana Ra]

Thank you for your response. Yes, I think that staff attrition is quite high and especially in the nursing homes here. I did try to negotiate more orientation or training rather, but they all seem to go by the 3 day period which seems so scary. I was also hoping to get into LTC as opposed to Rehab so that I would be able to get to know my patients better. Being completely alone on a unit as a new nurse is also throwing me for a loop. The entire system just feels completely broken 

 

[reneejones92058, LVN]

Were you able to negotiate for more orientation? 
I am a new LVN in San Diego County and it seems most places are doing 2-3 days of training for new grads.?

[Rachana Ra]

I wasn’t able to negotiate more time within the nursing homes (LTC and rehab).  I would try applying within mental health facilities (if that’s area of interest to you), group homes, and substance abuse related facilities. Corrections is another possibility as long as they don’t place you alone (because every emergency will be your responsibility as a new nurse). If you can get into a really good facility even per diem or part time where they’re willing to invest some time into you, then just take it.