No experience LPN working agency

[nursingsfuture]

I was just employed by a nursing agency and I have 0 experience as a nurse. I've been licensed for a few months but no job. The agency called me to pick up a shift at a nursing home for some good $$. Should I take it and gain the experience while also putting my license on the line? Or pass it up and wait on a job that will orient me? All advice is greatly appreciated :)

[abbyann]

Is one shift going to put your license in jeopardy?

[mama_d, BSN, RN]

When I worked agency, there were no orientations...you were expected to be able to go in and run with it. My agency only hired experienced nurses though, and you had to take tests to be able to work in specialty areas.

I'd probably call and ask your agency what's available that does offer orientation shifts and see what they say.

Personally, I avoided shifts in LTC as an agency nurse. I don't know if it was just that I had bad luck or what, but every shift I did in one was a disaster. So I pretty much stuck to peds, ortho rehab, and med-surg.

[BEEME]

Hey its good to wait and get a job that will orient you cos you are a new grad.

[SE_BSN_RN, BSN]

I started doing agency work when I had 3 years LTC experience. Ask your agency if they provide orientation to the facility, because you need to know their paperwork and computer system if they do comp charting. Usually you can go an hour early and go over all of that. And there should be a charge nurse for you to go to with questions. One or two shifts in the facility and you can pick up a routine fairly quickly.

Don't worry about your license....you are working for the facility because they need you there and you accepted the assignment. You won't lose your license if you give meds late, that's to be expected because you are walking into an unfamiliar job site. Ask if you have questions and ask the residents their names and ask aides to identify people for you. Start your med pass at the beginning of your hour window. Do your assessments first.