Physical Assessments

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Specializes in LTC and Critical/Acute Care/Homehealth.

I am a fairly new nurse who will be starting a LTC facility with 49 patients. On most nights I will be by my self. I am wondering if there is a fairly fast, SAFE way to do physical assessments on that many people. Is there a web site that teaches this or does anyone have any ideas. I guess realistically, I could do 6 assessment every hour but I still have other treatments.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Hi and welcome to the world of LTC. Unless you have all SKILLED residents, you don't really need to do a head to toe assessment every shift. That would be impossible. Assess the new residents and any sick ones. You'll get a feel for who needs to be more closely watched...in fact, you'll get to know some of your residents so well, you'll be able to spot any changes without a whole assessment.

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Specializes in LTC and Critical/Acute Care/Homehealth.

Thank-you for the input.

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