Nurse "tools" for LTC

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I start my first LTC job as an LPN in one week (I have been working in a doctors office setting for 3 years).

What kind of "tools" do I need to have to be a great LTC nurse? What do you carry with you on your job?

Also, are there any cheat sheets, brain books, etc that you can share with me? I'm working on a little booklet to carry with me starting out so that I can remember things that I've become unfamiliar with since I've been working in an office. Some of the things I've got in there already are a BS/insulin scale, some med information, etc. if you have anything you use that you found helpful please let me know.

Thanks in advance!

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What do you mean when you say you have "BS/insulin scale" in a book? Please note that insulin sliding scales vary per patient; there is no universal scale to refer to or to be memorized.

As far as tools, one thing I've learned is essential are bandage scissors! Always have them on you! Especially in LTC where you will be doing plenty of wound care/dressing changes yourself. Apart from that, the need to carry things like a stethoscope or a pen light will vary by facility. Many nurses in LTC carry around automatic wrist BP cuffs to save some time...

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What do you mean when you say you have "BS/insulin scale" in a book? Please note that insulin sliding scales vary per patient; there is no universal scale to refer to or to be memorized.

Just to clarify,I do know that sliding scales vary by patient as well as the type of insulin being given...I guess "scale" was the wrong term to use. What I have is more of a chart type thing where I can write in when my BS are due, what the results off accu-check were, and amount of insulin given...that way I can insure all of my BS are covered and have the info at my fingertips for charting.

Thanks for the other advise! I appreciate it!!

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Stethoscope, alcohol wipes, bandage scissors (I prefer the bigger trauma sheers), multiple pen lights (at least two, I have had one die when I needed to use it immediately after a fall & that was a nightmare trying to find another one), I get the small sharpies & highlighters that I hang on my badge directly, at least 4 pens, a fanny pack type deal & a good attitude.

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Just to clarify,I do know that sliding scales vary by patient as well as the type of insulin being given...I guess "scale" was the wrong term to use. What I have is more of a chart type thing where I can write in when my BS are due, what the results off accu-check were, and amount of insulin given...that way I can insure all of my BS are covered and have the info at my fingertips for charting.

Thanks for the other advise! I appreciate it!!

Oh I see what you mean. Hmm, it's a good idea, and sounds like something that I would do a year back. Once you get your feet wet, however, you'll realize that a napkin, foam tray, loose leaf paper, or your hand will do just fine for jotting down things like that!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Hemostat also.

And I know this sounds crazy, but your own copy of the telephone list with in-house extensions, dr numbers (maybe faxes incl), local hospitals, DIALYSIS centers, xray & lab, dept head numbers (I don't care about other employee numbers). They'll tell you there's copies around so you don't need your own, but... from my own experience, when you need something in a hurry ....

Good luck.

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Specializes in retired LTC.
Hemostat also.

And I know this sounds crazy, but your own copy of the telephone list with in-house extensions, dr numbers (maybe faxes incl), local hospitals, DIALYSIS centers, xray & lab, dept head numbers (I don't care about other employee numbers). They'll tell you there's copies around so you don't need your own, but... from my own experience, when you need something in a hurry ....

Good luck.

I forgot - ambulance numbers and local police & fire (not the 911 number).
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