New Nurse being thrown to the wolves IN LTC HELP!

CHATSDALE · Apr 1, 2005

maybe this is not the setting for you to began your career..start looking for something that is challenging but not overwhelming

Born2BAnurse · Apr 1, 2005

THat is a great suggestion. One other question.. I shouldnt be doing IV's if im not IV certified Right? There are 2 resident with IV's on this side but Im not IV certified..

maybe this is not the setting for you to began your career..start looking for something that is challenging but not overwhelming

medicrnohio, RN · Apr 1, 2005

No you probably shouldn't be doing IV's unless you are IV certified. All depends on your states rules regarding IV's. You really need to get and read a copy of your states nurse practice act so you know what you can and can not do.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Apr 1, 2005

Are you an LPN or RN? RNs don't need IV cert in PA.

Sounds like a heavy LTC to start with...

Mandylpn · Apr 1, 2005

Hi, I am a new nurse too (LPN), graduated in Dec. I can relate to your post. I took a job in LTC also. I have 20 residents under my care. You did not say how many residents are on each 'side' you are working? We have two wings with 20 residents each. They try to keep 3 nurses on a shift but if one calls in sick, they do not replace her. So that leaves 2 nurses for 40 residents. We do not have a HUC or a unit clerk. I was asked to work on my own because one nurse called in, said I could handle it, and it was a reaaalllllllllllllly long night. I personally would take the home care job, I do not see LTC getting any better, I think they are all about the same for staffing, that is what I have heard. Good luck, let us know how you are doing. :sleep:

Born2BAnurse · Apr 1, 2005

I have about 20 residents on each side even the heavy side.. The only reason that I was going to stay there was because home care want you to have at least 9 months of ltc or hospital experience. But this one agenct is willing to take me without the 9 months eperience

Gerinurse05 · Apr 1, 2005

Hello Im a new Nurse I just got my license on Feb 14, 2005. Im working in a ltc. They put me on a skilled unit. There are 2 sides On side is fairly light with 2 trach residents and 2 tube feeders. The other side is 6 trach patients, sacral wounds stage 4, 2 IV abt, and 6 tube feeders. I have not work this side by myself because I dont feel ready but they want to orient me to this side. The light side I have done by myself with no problem. My question is how do I deal with the extra load. Why would they put I new graduate there. I think because noone else wants to do it... I work 11pm to 7am and a lot of times the relief calls out!! IM stressed already and I havent been there for a month yet!! Please help me.. I have the opportunity to do homecare even though I dont have a years experience in nursing should I take it or stay and the LTC facility...

I understand your situation. I have been a nurse in LTC for 12 yrs. It is a tough job. I too have mostly worked the skilled. If you feel that you can't handle it take the home health until you feel you are able to deal with the care load. I have 56-58 pt. on my hall....9 g tubes & 1 trach. But I work 2-10 & have a tx nurse & a g tube nurse (most of the time) but I have alot of very sick pt. & more demanding family members to deal with.

tattoonurse · Apr 1, 2005

Hello Im a new Nurse I just got my license on Feb 14, 2005. Im working in a ltc. They put me on a skilled unit. There are 2 sides On side is fairly light with 2 trach residents and 2 tube feeders. The other side is 6 trach patients, sacral wounds stage 4, 2 IV abt, and 6 tube feeders. I have not work this side by myself because I dont feel ready but they want to orient me to this side. The light side I have done by myself with no problem. My question is how do I deal with the extra load. Why would they put I new graduate there. I think because noone else wants to do it... I work 11pm to 7am and a lot of times the relief calls out!! IM stressed already and I havent been there for a month yet!! Please help me.. I have the opportunity to do homecare even though I dont have a years experience in nursing should I take it or stay and the LTC facility...

I had the same situation three years ago when i was a graduate nurse. You have to take things as they come. There are always going to be situations you don't think you're prepared for, but you have to be anyway. It's not always easy, but we are nurses, people think we move mountains when it comes to care, and sometimes we have to. You can change jobs if you like, but what are you going to do if you run into something in home health, you're basically on your own in LTC you have other people to at least bounce ideas off of.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Apr 1, 2005

I understand your situation. I have been a nurse in LTC for 12 yrs. It is a tough job. I too have mostly worked the skilled. If you feel that you can't handle it take the home health until you feel you are able to deal with the care load. I have 56-58 pt. on my hall....9 g tubes & 1 trach. But I work 2-10 & have a tx nurse & a g tube nurse (most of the time) but I have alot of very sick pt. & more demanding family members to deal with.

What is a g tube nurse? Is that all she does?

On 11-7 I have 48 residents...5 or 6 tubes and at least 12 diabetics. This is with 2 Cnas.

On 3-11 I have 4 tubes, 7 diabetics, 3-4 cnas. 26 residents (LPN has 22) Meds, tx, orders, etc...charge.

LTC is never easy...you learn every day.

mattsmom81 · Apr 1, 2005

Do you really believe home health will be easier as a new grad? Who told you this? I don't think you need to do home health yet...you likely have not yet developed independent judgment skills required of the home health nurse IMHO.

My advice is talk to your DON and tell her honestly you do not feel ready for the heavy hall. Do this diplomatically and ask for her support, as you are still feeling overwhelmed in your role as a new RN. Be aware however this will not work forever..you will eventually be expected to handle the 'hard hall'...we all did.

Good luck...and don't just suffer in silence...ask for more orientation time if you need it...they do not likely want to lose you. :)

jenago · Apr 1, 2005

I agree with talking to the director of nursing. Talk to ther first before quiting. Explain your concerns and hopefully she will be able to improve the situation. If not then I would suggest not staying in that type of situation because the residents safety is at risk as well as you losing your license if anything goes wrong.