New nurse--new at long-term care.

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So I was fortunate enough to get my first nursing job via my externship at school. I graduated, got my license, and a month later I have a part time job set up at a rehab and long term care center. Two weeks later I am fortunate to have been given a perm full time hall on the long term side! Feeling like the luckiest girl in the world!

I realize now, and have been told by several seasoned nurses that I have taken over the most challenging med cart in the facility/ever. Most residents have five to fifteen meds per pass. There are 3 residents with G-tubes/colostomies/Foley caths. Total of 30 residents. Each shift is 8 hrs so there is a lot going on in that time.

Just wondering what other newbies are thinking, feeling and going through. Would be so interested to hear your stories!

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Congratulations! Once you settle in to the position, it'll become easier. 30 residents is on the better end of things even though you do have some complexity with some resident's. Some of us have up to 40 residents with the same complexities. I hope they don't make you do ADLS with your workload!

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Oh my gosh 40 residents! I cannot even begin to comprehend! No ma'am I am not soley responsible for their adls, but I have a very hard time not answering all of the call lights. I know I am supposed to be focused on the treatments and med pass, but I can't help but run to any lights my pts have, especially the bathroom lights!

Any advice on time management and CNA supervision is greatly appreciated!

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Congratulations! That's exciting. The first few months is hard, but it all gets easier when you get in the swing of things.

As far as time management, the best advice I can give you is to prioritize and do the best you can...there will always be something thrown at you to throw you off.

And as far as managing your aids, I've noticed with mine that they truly appreciate when you help them out, so that's probably scored you points already. I always try to say please and thank you when I give them things to do. You'll get more bees with honey than vinegar. But there is a line and they need to know when it comes down to it that you are their supervisor and you can't let them get away with too much. I have only had a problem with two aids from when I worked 3-11 but that was because they didn't want to do their job and I found them numerous times watching tv in a residents room and I was a jerk because I made them come out and help me answer lights.

If you have a good standing with your aids, you'll be able to be friendly with them and keep them on track without a lot of problems. There's always an issue with at least one though, so expect that.

Good luck with everything! :)

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Specializes in psych,mental health.

First off congrats on the job I screamed when I got mine! ! I float and do ltc and also sub acute I love the sub acute side because I'm learning! But I have 22 patients and I wanna cry!! 5 g-tubes, 8 wounds, 10 diabetics that are on finger sticks before every meal, everybody on blood pressure meds and poly pharmacy! I'm a new grad (sept 2013) started oct2013 and I'm still somewhat overwhelmed! Some days more then others. . Make sure to make nice with your CNAs, they have your back like nobody else will. I've been told over and over "if you can do this, you can do anything". And I feel like superwoman! !

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I am new tot his as well and I am freaking out lol. I hardly have time to do anythign else besides my assessments and pass my meds. Any advice would be great.

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Specializes in geriatric/long term care.

When it comes to working with your CNAS, I've found it helpful if you treat them as peers and with respect. Also I think it's important for a nurse to thank their co workers at the end of the shift. A good CNA is like a good sergeant in the army if you have one treasure that person because they can be rare.

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