No orientation, shadowing or training

[missminnie]

Help what do I do ? I was a medical tech in a hospital for 5 years in the ICU, Cathlab and CCU. I decided to go to LPN school I got my license. I became pregnant immediatly and had to be on bedrest for 8 months so I could no work. When my son turned 1 year old I got a job one day a week in home care. The job ended a year ago and I cannot find another job as my resume is sporifice. Getting to my main issue, I finally got a job through an agency in a nursing home. I was HONEST with them that I had NO nursing home experience and asked if their would be some kind of orientation. The first shift I got there they just handed me the keys for the cart. The nurse before me had left and didnt even stay to count the narcotics. Needless to say I was short a oxycodone my first night. I called the agency and asked if I could shadow a nurse or be oriented they said " no it looks unprofessional" A big deal was made I was moritied. I explained I was new to this and wish I would have had guidance. My third shift they floated me and again no narc count with the prior nurse. I was having anxiety attacks. For the three day I worked there I did not get a break. By 1:00 I was exhauseted hungry and stressed. I had alzeimers patients comming up to my cart while pouring meds. At this point I gave a patient the wrong meds, I was about to faint. I ran down to the nursing office. The Nurse checked with the doctor and said it would be ok. Now I go to the agency today and they say the med error was humiliating to the agency . I said I was totally honest during the interview about having no experience and was lead to believe I would have some one to shadow. I cant find a job as an LPN and cannot find a place to orient or train me. I really feel like not being a nurse Im devasted !

[missminnie]

The thing I that gets me is how they lie. Why not be upfront with the nurse and say there is no shadowing or orientation. I was honest with them and told them upfront I had no LTC experience. Very unprofessional.

[missminnie]

Got your message but cannot reply. This sounds like a great idea. Will look into where we could send it

[olioxenfree]

Very sad! Ask for your oreintation/shadowing in writing. Send a professional email to all the supervisors stating that you feel that you can do this job but you, like any other new health care worker, need a little guidance before getting thrown into action to ensure patient safety and quality care. Going forward, ask to shadow an employee before you take/apply for a job. That way you can see what you are in for.