the place Im working will only train me for 3 days. (Adult/Dementia pts).

brownbook · Jun 3, 2010

Hi, I completely understand your questions. Every time I start a new job I frantically focus on little details of what turn out to be easy tasks. That does not change the fact that I panic and worry so much the first few weeks/months. Take a deep breath. Don't be afraid to say to co-workers or bosses, "I don't know how to do that (but I'd like to find out how). I don't know what that drug is (give me a minute to look it up), etc." NO ONE is expected to know how to function in a new different unit. It is ok to say "I don't know," adding "but I will find out", if appropriate, is nice.

I do call in new prescription drug orders a lot. I would imagine refills are similar. Just have the patient's name and birth date. The pharmacy order number should be on the pill bottle. With new drug orders, the name of the drug, the dose (20 mg), how often to take (once a day), the total number to be dispensed (30). The number of refills (if any). The doctors first and last name. You might not need it (it would probabaly be on file at the pharmacy) but just in case have handy the doctor's office phone number and his DEA number, and your name and your facility phone number.

josinda421 · Jun 3, 2010

Sounds like your very anxious and nervous.....but calm down. It will be okay. If you think you need additional training...don't be afraid to ask espeacially if you just got out of school. Believe me, it's better to ask as much quesitions as possible than to pretend like you know and make a mistake. If anyone looks down on you for asking additional orientation , than it's not meant to be. They just might be the same people to will come after you when you make a simple mistake.

EmBeMap · Jun 3, 2010

ok first of all take a deep breath you sound frantic. get your pharm book out, look at your insulins, your anti-hypertensives,your benzos, pain meds and definetly your psych drugs especially abilify and donazepril, each population will have that doc's drugs of choice so dont be afraid to whip out drug reference until you get used to your populations drugs. review your dementia patient info such as interventions for sundowning patients. call docs for appointments is easy, its like requesting a consult, know.reason for the order last vitals and labs from chart, who the pcp is and any details like if the pt requires ambulance transport and if so what support level. skills such as wound care, proper restraint use and documentation, and general unit policies on wandering , bed alarms, and special diet conditions are all good things to know..like what should patients with difficulty swallowing or renal impairment not be given. also review what can and cant be delegated to cna. Also remeber to pour yourself extra patience in your coffee every morning dementia patients are special, always in flux, enjoy the good days and wash off repeatedly the bad ones...good luck

mamamerlee, LPN · Jun 3, 2010

It is simply not possible to review all of this!!! Your orientation seems extremely short, you may have to rely on your p&p manuals. Ask questions, learn to trust your instincts.

Good luck and best wishes!

BackfromRetirement · Jun 3, 2010

That is crazy! What kind of institution would turn a new grad loose after 3 days of orientation? I would request a preceptor or an extension of orientation. You did not mention what shift you are working, nor whether you are acute care or LTC. Ask your employer for more help. It is wrong for an institution to throw you to the wolves like that.

blessedmomma247 · Jun 3, 2010

Its not uncommon for new employees to have just 3 days orientation. Both nursing home jobs I worked at in FL were only 3 days and then you were set free. I was fresh out of school as well. (This was just last summer!!) Now in Minnesota, its 6 days and if you are not ready, then you can request more. My advice to you is ask the nurse that you are orientating with questions. Keep a notebook handy to write down important numbers, codes to locked doors ect. Like a the above posters mentioned, study your pharm book. I have mine on a palm pilot and use it all the time. I ask questions if I don't know. There is no such thing a dumb or stupid question. As far as calling pharmacy or the doctors, the facitilty will have a procedure for that as well and they will train you on that. Take a deep breath!! You can do this!!1:nurse:

MrsCrypes · Jun 4, 2010

After reading your original post and the responses, I have to say that I agree with all above posts, but ask yourself, "why such a short orientation? And is there a high turnover rate becuase of this? You may want to reconsider this job or learn as much as you can and move on to a better place with at least 2-3 weeks orientation.

Zookeeper3 · Jun 4, 2010

I'm sorry, I simply can't imagine only three days. I don't care that it's done, it's impossibly unsafe in any situation for a new grad. OP, I am so sorry that you would be forced to consider this.

I wouldn't even know where to begin to help, only to suggest that you double and tripple check everything, take a breath and think through each decision... do nothing in haste.

angeleyes123 · Jun 4, 2010

I would ask for more orientation. I am starting a job in long term care as a new grad and I am getting 11 day orientation. It is better to ask for more time then to be unsure of things and make a error. 3 days is not a long time to get to know a facility. Well good luck with eveything, hope it all works out.