New nurse.. Just want to quit everything..

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello,

I've been a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) for 2.5 years and I'm currently working for Dementia Assisted Living (My first job as a nurse). I have 2 medtechs on each shift and I work 10-12 hours x 5 (or 6) days a week and getting a set salary (no overtime). I'm the only nurse in the facility and my ratio is currently 1:120 (yes... 120 dementia residents) who deals with family and doctors.

I'm so overwhelmed and just want to quit everything.. I'm trying my best to be on top of patient care/medication room management/part-administrator work dealing with licensing and RCFE. Also I'm on-call 24/7 during PM/NOC shift. I usually work between 7:30AM - 6:00PM then sometimes I may have to come back because there are many things that medtechs or caregiver cannot handle.

It seems like I lost my social life (not that I ever had one..) and been working and working... I feel like I'm overwhelmed but doesn't want to let my director down.

Because this is my first job as nurse, I don't know if I'm overwhelmed or just getting being a crybaby. After each shift, I've been crying hiding in the bathroom but don't want to give up at the same time..

I got accepted to LVN to BSN program and I should be happy but I feel like I'm stress about everything right now.. DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO...

I need an advice from wonderful nurses out there.. Is this normal feeling for nurses to go through..?

Specializes in Ambulatory Case Management, Clinic, Psychiatry.

Start applying to new jobs and quit as soon as you accept an offer.

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Yes, this work situation is not the norm. Speak up for what's right and if you aren't binded by a contract get out of there!!! I'm sure there are other long-term care facilities or SNF's near you. Also, if you have an interest in dialysis they do hire LPN's. I work for one of the "big two." right now. Both companies will train you. If you have any questions don't hesitate to message me. In the end you have to do what's best for you!!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Just to comment, OP works Assisted Living. Not LTC. Regs in AL are much more loose and liberal than LTC.

I've heard similar horror stories, but I think this one ranks right up there in the top 10.

Yes, OP. Get out now.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Hello,

I've been a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) for 2.5 years and I'm currently working for Dementia Assisted Living (My first job as a nurse). I have 2 medtechs on each shift and I work 10-12 hours x 5 (or 6) days a week and getting a set salary (no overtime). I'm the only nurse in the facility and my ratio is currently 1:120 (yes... 120 dementia residents) who deals with family and doctors.

At 2.5 years in, I wouldn't exactly call you new :)

But if what you say about your working conditions is true, I think it's time you start looking for your second job as a nurse.

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I'm sure the owners just love you. You are saving them so much money, by working you harder than a Hebrew slave, and paying you peanuts.

It's greedy facilities/owners like that, that I hate the most.

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120:1 is absolutely insane, not only for you but for the patients. GET OUT!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
At 2.5 years in, I wouldn't exactly call you new :)

But if what you say about your working conditions is true, I think it's time you start looking for your second job as a nurse.

I was thinking the same, then realized I was assuming that the OP was hired into this HORRIBLE position right away.

In any case, that sounds like the 7th level of hell. :(

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

They are really taking advantage of you. I would definitely give notice and find something else if you have some savings to tide you over. If not then i would find another job 1st. Even if you have to call in sick to get time to job search/ Also, you need to tell them that you cannot continue to do call 24/7 in the interim. I normally advise against burning bridges, but in this case be professional and firm and if they do not like it do not worry about it.

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Specializes in EMS, LTC, Sub-acute Rehab.

OP take care of yourself first or else you'll have nothing to give to others.

If you never have enough time, equipment, or people to get the job done it's a toxic environment that's out of your control and will most likely never change.

Unless you get comp time, free personal days, or are allowed to leave work early from time to time, salary is the new slavery and should be avoided.

Update your resume. Check out your options e.g. home health nursing, urgent care, school nurse. Write a good resignation letter. If all else fails, consider a bridge program to RN.

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This is what I would do:

1. Make a resume detailing all the work you do, and responsibilities you have etc. Make it look good, no spelling errors.

2. Reach out to local hospitals with your resume. I'd frankly send the resume to the CNO of every local hospital.

3. Be sure to point out that you have been accepted into a BSN program

Doing these things will make the time you have at work a bit easier as you know that you're working on getting out of that bad situation.

Don't give up on nursing, rather, change your situation. Be very careful about covering your butt in all your charting and documentation as it sounds like you're in a high risk environment. Make sure you are not working outside your scope of practice.

Hang in there. Change your situation. Be aggressive in getting your name and resume to people who can get you hired. Lots of places want and need people like you, and will provide a better and more supportive environment for your professional growth and mental well-being.

Good luck

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Sweetie, those are absolutely ridiculous odds. Quit. Now. Run. Report unsafe practice and don't look too hard for a quick or adequate response. Look for another job in which a new grad is not expected working without support for a large facility with residents who are dementia, a.k.a. fall risks among other things. Thus situation is simply outragroup and unless there's something else you haven't disclosed, there's no way on earth I would ever acquiesce to this dangerous environment.

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

I'd be a crybaby too if I was doing the work of 5 people. This is not a job. It's indentured servitude. The only way they could make it worse would be to require you to live on site and be paid only room and board. Don't think they haven't thought of it. Happiness is that dump in the rear view mirror.

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