New Nurse

[89**11]

I recently graduated in June of this year, the hardest year of my life I must say. However, all those days waking up at 4:00 a.m. to make sure I eat breakfast and get to clinical on time seem to be just a mere dream or a figment of my imagination. Yet, I will never forget how hard I worked to have those three letters after my name LPN. I took the nclex and passed, but I felt that at the time I failed since my computer shut off at a gut wrenching 85. I thank god for this discussion board to have people who knows how I may feel. I have officially been an LPN for a month as of yesterday and have been offered a job. I really love this SNF it is beautiful and one of the best here in Florida. I am nervous though is that normal? This is my first job as a nurse and with no experience I am thankful all my other classmates had difficulty finding jobs that were willing to hire new grads and that had a decent pay. The only problem is it is PRN, but I feel like I would rather be employed instead of unemployed. The holidays are near and I know I am going to make a killing on hours. The pay is pretty good compared to my classmates as well especially to start off at 17.50 is that pretty good? Now here's the question how do I prepare for this the 40 plus med passes, the routine of things and how do I go about getting malpractice insurance to protect myself and the license I worked so desperately for as well as should I keep my classes to a two course minimum. I am going back to school to finish up the rest of my prerequisites for my RN or should I just slow down before I get burnt out before I even began. I thank you all in advance for the comments and advice I really enjoy this site and thank you all.

[maryLVN]

Hi Newbie,

Welcome to nursing and congratulations! Making it through school was only the begining. Now the fun/work starts. Not knowing what you did prior to school I can only assume it was not in the medical field. This best advise I can give you is go the extra mile every time you are given the chance. If they need someone to assess a wound then you need to volunteer and learn everything you can about healing and wound products. Offer to inservice the CNA's and other nurses. Become friends with the wound care consultants. Everyone should become your friend. You will read blogs with real stories about LPN's not finding jobs. Don't become another story. You have to get out there and show them how valuable you are "even though you are just an LPN." You will hear it more times then you will care to remember, "oh we have an LPN tonight." Instead of "we have 3 nurses tonight." I know you are going for your RN, great. In the mean time you need to focus on today, not only for your future, but for your patients today. Everything you learn now will only help you in the future. There are MANY RNs that could not put a foley or NG tube in to save their license. Become an EXPERT at everything. I have been an LPN for 20 years and have voluntered my way into many opportunities to learn. I started on a NeuroSurg floor, worked MedSurg, OB, Post Partum, Nursery, Tele, Ortho, Pysch, Recovery, Clinics - Adult, Peds, High Risk OB, Pulmonary, Medical Sales - Supplies, Hill-Rom Clinical Nurse and on to Territory Sales Manager, Director of Assisted Living, Resident Services Director now for one of the largest RCFE's (residental care facilities for the eldery) on the west coast. I will tell you my salary exceeds most RN's. Volunteer, learn, read - exceed now in your current position and the sky is the limit. Go for it!

Mary

[maryLVN]

Hi again,

About passing meds. Make friends with the CNAs and they will help you with all patients/residents that require juice or food with their meds. Review the shower schedules so you dont waste time and can pass the meds quickly. Find out who needs BS checks and receives insulin. Dont waste steps. Make sure you have everything on your cart. If you have a plan you can get passing meds down to a science.

Malpractice insurance is a good idea and is fairly inexpensive considering the liability. Since you are PRN I would keep track of any problems that come up no matter how trivial. I also worked as an agency nurse for 16 years an I was diligent when it came to keeping track of any issues. Things like really high blood sugars and the MD declines to send out the patient. Any major falls, skin tears, wounds, and any time a family expresses concerns to you that no one is listening to them about their loved one. Don't become obessed about it, but keep a diary. Because of HIPPA you must be careful to not violate privacy laws. It will only take one take for you if you ever are called on the carpet or court when something goes wrong. Don't expect your employer to save you. I am not implying anything other than it is important to follow regulations to the LETTER. If you ALWAYS follow regulations then you can say with conviction anywhere and anytime to ANYONE you did exactly what you were supposed to do. Dont get me wrong, this doesnt mean that you don't use common sense when is opposes a regulation and the resident will suffer for it. I how you understand what I am saying. Have a set protocol for yourself and do not deviate. I have never blogged before and I don't know why I am spilling so much except to say I wish someone explained to me what I have passed on to you. Good luck.