new RN in LTC

[donnachristine88]

Hi, im a new RN in working in a LTC. I was oriented the past 2 weeks. But eveything i do i seemed to forget. I get easily intimidated by all the nurses because they remember everything they did that day. Ill be on on my own on saturday and is really nervous. Im always afraid when a family member asks me questions because i dont really know anything about them and afraid that they'll feel i'm incompetent. I get anxious where im giving meds and a call light goes off. In my mind i should be answering the call lights, but if i do that how will i ever finish my med pass for 25 patients? Is it only me that's feeling this way? Also i know we're supposed to know wound care since we went to school, but how do i differentiate between the different wound related issues and how do i know what treatments i should do or ask the doctor for? Also for assessing a pt for a fall. I know we have to the PERRLA, LOC, and check for injuries. How do we assess for injuries? My parents think i have too much expectations for myself thats why i always have this anxiety. The other thing is that i dont feel comfortable giving meds because i dont exactly know whats wrong with the patients unlike in school where we read each pts history before giving meds to the patient. Helpppp

[newrnltc]

Hopefully on the MAR there is a list of pt dx and allergies. Also on the orders it should say what the med is for.. i.e. metoprolol 50mg bid for HTN... easy example but you get the idea. In that way you can have a general idea. Residents in LTC usually have a bunch of Dx.. HTN, DM, renal... and you can gather those from the meds they are on. Then once you start charting you can see what is the focus for each res, read up on one or two when you have time. If it truly is a long term floor they will be there for awhile and you will have a chance to get to know them well. It takes extra work on your part but perhaps u can make a master list at home. I have one with general info for the res I usually pass meds on. Of course that goes out the window when I'm floated, then I start over again. Follow the parameters i.e. "hold if__", do the Rights of Medication, check for new orders before you start and you should be pretty safe. For family members of residents you do not know well... I stall by saying well.. previous shift endorsed xyz...Mr/Mrs so and so is currently out of bed, eating breakfast in the day room, I will be giving the meds at __ time. Dr will be here __. If there's any pressing concerns you have please let me know so that I can follow up with MD and make sure your mum/dad is well taken care of! *big smile* something like that and they are generally pleased. Smile, be confident and polite.. by the way you have written your post you seem like a prudent nurse so I hope they will get that vibe from you! If not, fake it til you make it and always be safe even if it takes longer! Good luck!