new PA LPN

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I am a new LPN in a long term setting, I have thirty five residents to myself.....most baratric and alot of med surg residents. Lately I have been asked to call the Dr frequently...I am SO nervous, nervous i will play the situation down or up. And unsure of certain phrases and I panic under pressure. I was 3rd in my LPN program but have major anxiety. I am looking for a blog to read helpful hints. I know you learn from experience, but I have never enjoyed not being right, and like self educating.

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care-Family Medicine.

Welcome to nursing. Unfortunately the patient load you described is not uncommon, especially in nursing homes or SNF. Search the all nurses boards and you will find a lot of tips about everything from dealing with doctors and families to time management. Hang in there, we were all new once.

When calling Drs have all pertinent info ready: most recent vitals, med list, relevant labs, and your assessment of the pt. Once you get a little more experience you may even just come right out and ask for what you want. Ex: Susie has diminished lung sounds bilaterally, no fever, spo2 95% after neb tx, can I have an order for chest x Ray please?

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i think i have my time management and family members under control. its just im horrible with enunciating....i guess itll come with time...im looking up things to help me with describing wounds at the moment...some days i feel so unprepared.

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Specializes in Home Health, Hospice, LTC.
Continuing Education Credits for Healthcare Professionals - Home has quite a few courses that can improve your wound care knowledge, and they are free.
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Specializes in Nursing Home.

As stated 35 residents is the norm for us LTC Nurses. There may be times when it is necessary to call the doc. Just have all V/S, meds pertaining to the problem, the chart in in front of you. It won't be as bad as you think it will if you get input from your fellow nurses on what certain doctors like. Also check your facility policies not every problem may require a phone call to the PCP. A simple fax my suffice for non emergent issues just look closely at your facilities policies. However in problem Nurses note it is never okay to chart "MD made aware via Fax line" unless on the tail end you have a new order.

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