Please advise a fellow RN for new job at SNIFF

[AngRN6726]

I have been hired for a skilled nursing facility 11-7p RN supervisor position. The DON said that the RN's usually have about 25 patients each to give meds to and all meds are usually around 6 am. Also there is another RN that does all the IV's for the whole house. I estimate that their is probably about 60 to 100 patients total. Can any fellow RN's give a new grad tips on how to get my routine down?

I appreciate your time!

and thank you in advance for your advise! :)

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Take your time and make sure you get enough orientation. Will you be free floating or a 'working' supervisor with your own patient load? Keep a list of questions in case you have to wait till the day shift comes in to ask. Have fun....SNFs are great places to work.

[AngRN6726]

Thanks so much Cape, your advise helps. I'm used to a patient load of 6 to 8 as an LVN so I know at first it will take some time getting used to 25 patients. I wasn't very clear how it worked whether I was going to be floating doing IV's or have my own patient load but I will ask at the facility orientation.

Thanks again for the help, appreciate it! I will definitely use your advise.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Keep us all posted on how you're doing.

[leslie :-D]

what does sniff stand for?

you may get more responses if you post your question in the ltc forum.

just remember, you can start your med pass at 5am.

good luck to you.

leslie

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I'm thinking they meant SNF, although I've seen hospitalists spell it the same way.

[AngRN6726]

Thanks Cape! I will keep you posted how everything is going.

Leslie yeah sorry didn't realize I spelled it wrong, should be SNF and dont know how to change it but thanks for the advise!

[EverNurseRN]

i'm not an rn (i've graduated with my asn and am taking boards soon) but i am an lpn and a charge nurse in a snf/ltc working 7p to 7a. i have 26-33 patients each night..i also assist other nurses/cnas with problems/questions/issues/procedures as they arise..a nurse on the floor to just do ivs sounds fantabulous! anyways, as far as getting a routine down, that comes with time..the more shifts you get under your belt, the more efficient you will become..and when you get to that point you will hopefully love your job! i know i do! i've been at the same facility for almost 4 years, and i can honestly say i don't dread or mind going to work on the weekends! don't be afraid to ask other nurses for help when you need it, and respect your cnas, they will make you or break you, but make sure they don't run over you..the best way to do this is to help them when you can, show them that you aren't above gettin down and dirty..and help answer call lights if you have time! this will help to gain their respect :) good luck to you!!

[AngRN6726]

WOW, thanks so much EverNurse! Your advise helps tremendously, I really appreciate it. It is really good to hear from a fellow nurse that loves her job at a LTC. My first job as an RN and doing every weekend nights.The advise with the CNA's is so true. I did subacute for 12 years , 2 years as a CNA and worked alongside CNA's ever since. I love getting my hands dirty and doing total bedside care, and your right, just doing that I gained respect from many CNA's and in turn we worked great as a team! So I will definitely do that in my new job.

Thanks again

And Good Luck to you too! I am sure you will do great with NCLEX!! :)

[EverNurseRN]

Sounds like you will do great :)) and thank you for the well wishes on my boards!!! I am off to ring in the new year with my 'other family' at work :) Happy New Year!!

[AngRN6726]

Well I hope you have a great one!!

Happy New Year to you too!!