Overworked at SNF! Should I stay or leave?

Nurses New Nurse

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I am an RN with less than 6 months of experience. After months of applying to many hospital jobs, I ended up getting a job at this SNF facility. I know I should be happy because I have a job during this bad economy. Plus I have a family to support. However, the job workload is just too much for me to handle. I don't even take breaks or lunch because of too much things to do. Also, I don't even get off on time because I am slow in passing meds (I double check with MAR). The other day, I ended up overstaying for 2 hours because of med pass. Then you have these demanding patients whom if you're behind with their medication & PRN pain meds, you will hear yelling and cursing across the room. Honestly, I feel like quitting already. I have only worked there less than a week ago and I am on my own already. They only gave me 2 days of orientation. Basically, I am doing an LVN job as a charge nurse with 3 CNAs. I remember one of the CNA wishes me, "goodluck" because I am on my own already. I bet he felt sorry for me. Has anyone worked in a SNF facility and felt the same way??? How did it worked out for you??? If you were in my shoes, would you stay or leave??? Please I need advice ASAP!

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Specializes in Home Care.

Did you agree to 2 days of orientation when you got hired? I certainly wouldn't have accepted that. If I was in your shoes I'd be looking for a new job rather than risking my license.

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How many residents?

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@ SuesquatchRN, there's 98 residents in our facility. 2 nursing stations. My husband wanted me to stay, but I honestly wanted to give it up and look for something else. What should I do? In these bad economy, its really HARD to find a job.

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49 residents with 3 CNAs each? What shift?

It sounds bad, to be honest, but I don't know your financial situation.

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I just started at a LTC/Rehab facility. There's three floors. On my floor there are 35 residents, a nurse, a medtech/LPN and four CNA's. We also have volunteers come to pass water/make beds etc. It is very busy but it's doable. I am getting eight days of training. I just had my first day yesterday. I don't know really what to tell you. Maybe you could look for other nursing positions while staying there? If I were in your shoes I would stay and look for another job. However, I have had experience working as a CNA in LTC and I am also good at handling high stress. One thing is I would do is still take breaks - even if it seems like there is no time. I feel like I function better if I take my lunch/breaks. Also remind youself you will get faster at passing meds. You can learn to be efficient (not by cutting corners). You know yourself best and what you need, if it feels like it's too much, then quit.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

You are putting yourself in a position that you definitely dont want nor need. You are risking your license at this point. My suggestion: GET ANOTHER JOB!!

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Today, we had 47 patients. I felt so exhausted and drained. I didn't get to take breaks nor lunch and left the facility late. But I still have to put in my time card that I took them and left on time. Should I just let it go??? Med pass for 47 patients is too much for me (Plus checking some patient's BP's before giving their blood pressure meds, accucheck, insulin shots, GT feeding change, charting, physician's follow up, etc, etc.) I dont know if I can stay too long. Also, it irritates me to see my co-workers (non nursing) just sitting around laughing while I am standing on my feet working for the past 8 hours. It pisses me off really. Arrgghhh

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I'm so sorry for this. Why do you have to put on your time card that you left on time? This is illegal. It is also illegal to be told you have to put your lunch down even if you didn't take it.

I'm wondering if you should quit and report this facility to the state you're in.

I did my first med pass a couple days ago and it was stressful with 35 patients. I can't imagine 47. I was originally given two weeks of training and when I mentioned I didn't think it was enough they gave me four weeks of training and told me they can give me more training days if I don't feel comfortable by then. I stayed late yesterday and I punched out and I know I will get paid for the overtime. (we use a time clock, we don't write down our hours)

It sounds like you aren't getting the support you need. Did you try talking to the DON? You are still a new grad. How can they expect you to have only two days of training?

I'm thinking about you. I hope things work out.

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I've been there, done that and would rather be unemployeed for all the good it did. Nursing homes typically load you up as much as they can because even if something terrible happens then it's all your fault. Don't do it. There are too many other jobs out there that a nurse can do than to be faced with such horrible situations as that. Even a part time job with an agency is better than no job because you've been reported to the board of nursing for not being able to do what's expected of you. I will never work in a LTC facility again in this lifetime.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

You need to sit down and really think about this! Is it legal that you are changing your time on your time card? NO...and what is the rationale for you changing your time?..You are totally cheating yourself out of the time, you are suppose to get paid for!! You are placing your license at risk at this point!! Leave that place!!

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I did what I thought was right. I resigned. It felt as the weight on my shoulder was gone. I can finally smile again. Thank you to all who replied and gave advice. It was definitely an experience I dont want to encounter again. This is for sure, I won't work in a SNF/nursing homes again.

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