new nurse in LTC

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2009

Your facility is seriously understaffed, and it isn't a wonder given how they treat people.

RNHuskyFan · Sep 21, 2009

I am a DON in a LTC, and speaking for myself, unless the nurse requested or signed up for those hours it is certainly not the expectation, much less mandatory. Where these mandated hours??? In fact I can only think of a few nurses at my facility who could handle it and still be safe. Even for them, I do not belief it is safe. However, I do know that Baylor programs are offered throughout healthcare settings and are very popular. Usually they are 12 hour shifts on the weekends, not 16 hour shifts. The Baylor schedule works great for many Moms when the kds are small. Extended shifts should be the nurses choice!!!!

SunnyAndrsn · Sep 21, 2009

While starting at an LTC is very challenging, especially as a brand new nurse, this expectation is abusive! Find a new one, a better one. There are good facilities out there.

Set your boundries and stick to them! While I may complain a lot about my work, I have never been expected to work the schedule you are describing. I have been asked to work doubles, and have occasionally done that, and have usually been offered an incentive to do so. The kind of turn around you are being expected to do isn't safe--and should be a huge warning.

Hello everyone,
I am a new LPN in LTC. It is not what I want to do long term. I just got done working 2nd shift and Noc shift and was expected to come back for 2nd shift but couldn't do it. I didn't get any sleep and would have been a zombie at work if I went so I called in. Has anyone else had this experience, its like we are used and abused. Anyone elses advice is welcomed, and suggestions. How to make it through til I can move on. ALso they knew when I was hired that I am in school for RN but can't seem to schedule me off on my one day a week class, whats up with that. It's not that difficult. Anyway, THANKS in advance!!!!!!!!

onesunniegal · Sep 21, 2009

Speak with the person doing the actual schedule. Are they aware of your situation?

LTC can be rough, but first just make sure everyone is on the same page. If they are

still not willing to work with you, look elsewhere.... just my 2 cents.

-s

Midwest4me · Sep 21, 2009

Why were you expected to come back for 2nd shift after working 2nd shift and noc? Is 2nd shift your normal shift and you offered to do the noc shift too?

Vito Andolini · Sep 21, 2009

Did you make it clear before hire that you needed a certain day off? If not, try to arrange that now, but doing it before hire and getting it in writing would have been the right way to do this. Communication is key. What will you do if they can't or won't accommodate you on this?

As for working a double, unless you are ordered and forced to do it and it was an emergency that would have constituted abandonment had you not done it, this was your choice. Simply do not make this choice again. Where I work, we are often expected to do doubles but we usually are not forced to come back in just 8 hours. If they say we can't be granted off, most of us have to just call off - it's too hard to do a double then come back just 8 hours later.

Lupan · Sep 21, 2009

Time to look elsewhere! Meet with your DON and try to work something out but I have been there and it will be expected again if you don't standup for yourself. :twocents:

horsehobby · Sep 21, 2009

Thanks for all of the replies. I wanted to add that I was hired part time which would be about 3 days a week or 24 hours a week usually and then you can pick up hours if you want. I have been continously scheduled for 72 hours in a 2 week period. I am taking the hours for now because I need the money. A lot if this is my fault for not asking questions and then again when I did ask questions I didn't get much for answers; like about benefits, wage, union fees, etc. IT was a red flag but I did it anyway, I wanted a job so I get what I get. As far as this past weekend when I worked 2nd and NOC, yes I am a 2nd shifter, the NOC shift nurse called in, nobody else was available supposedly so I did it. I was sheduled for the next day 2nd shift, however if I were the supervisor I would have arranged for someone else to take my shift the next day so I didn't have to worry about how to make it in the next day only to call in because I couldn't sleep. I believe there are too many administrators and one doesn't know what the other is doing and there isn't really a DON right now, the top administrator is acting as DON right now because everyone is shifting positions. I wil be looking for a different place to work, I want a place that treats people nicley, where ever that may be. I am not the only one either that is not sure about the management, and management is thinking of laying off some RN's and have more LPN's which is questionable.

THanks everyone, just thought I would add some more:)

nursenow · Sep 21, 2009

There is definately alot of opprotunity to work over time in LTC/SNF At least that has been my experience. If I dont want to work I just say "no thanks" and they call someone else. I have never stressed when they want me to work after telling them I cant. I am just thankful I have the chance to work considering how the job market is these days.