marieLVN

I totally hear where you all are coming from, as a new LVN grad I worked in LTC/rehab, 99 bed facility. Started out in the LTC section, then when another new RN grad came in, I was involuntarily volunteered for the rehab/medicare section which was near impossible to do on your own. As well, their was no unit sectretary to answer phones, etc. so mornings were extremeley hectic, with family calling right at med pass and such. Extremely demanding work, usually lunch break was cut short to finish charting on the 10-12 medicare residents. Also had actively dying pt. with picc lines, PC pumps and such. I stayed for about 8 months and said thats enough of that!

I have been an LVN for 2 years now and started working for CDC in Jan. 07. I really enjoy it, but did not expect to like it this much in the beginning. Like most people, the thought of prison nursing scared me. I work in a Level 1-4 prison , with most prisoners in my clinical/medical area being level 1 or 2, less dangerous types. This is something to consider when working in a prison. Yes I have heard some horror stories from my co-workers of other prisons, Inmates calling them every name in the book, throwing urine or feces at them, masturbating in front of them, deliberately jabbing one nurse with a used insulin needle, etc. I have never experienced anything this extreme, but I try to treat the Inmates with respect, only give them what they have coming to them, remain professional at all times, and most of them will treat you with the same respect. Sure they lose their tempers, but so do the medical staff at times. I work with a diverse array of people, the medical area is similar to a small clinic/hospital, and most times the work is less stressfull than hospital or snf environment. Good luck!

I also had hyperthyroidism while in nursing school, and experienced hand tremors, sweating, muscle weakness, rapid heart rate, etc. what I had was graves disease and was treated with Methimizole, which lowered my thyroid levels and helped decrease some of these symptoms. Ativan sometimes helped when I felt especially nervous and shaky. I eventually had radioactive iodine treatment and don't experience these problems anymore. good luck!

I hear what your saying about the smells, my first job out of nursing school was in LTC and that place always had an odor, I even brought my own personal bottle of air freshener so that I could spray the hallway etc, when odors got too bad! I also worked a short while in HomeHealth/private care which I thouroughly enjoyed, was for the most part easy(in comparison to LTC) read many books. He had a trach and G tube, so there was suctioning and such but when all was said and done, I then had extra time to read or watch t.v. or just talk with my pt. I really did get satisfaction that I was actually doing something worthwhile for somebody. I now work in a prison, and I found that it has so far been the easiest nursing work, mostly giving meds, taking vitals in the clinics and helping the R.N.s with orders, dressing changes, nothing too disgusting so far. It is just that you are dealing with a whole different clientele, as these are criminals and their job is try to get what they want, be it drugs or whatever, so you have a different mindset with this type of nursing. And some of the nurses are pretty hardended, and can be somewhat abrasive and harsh. The money is okay, I make 3800 a month to start, with a 5% increase in 6 mos. good benes and can work lots of overtime if I want to. I'm not running my rear off constantly like in LTC, but it isn't as fulfilling as private duty. So you just have to weigh your priorities. There are a lot of opportunities for nurses/LVNs out there, try different things as I did and you will find what you like. good luck.

My first job out of Nursing school was at a Ltc facility, and it was pretty scary at first, but after a couple of weeks it gets better. It is not hard but you will find that you will be pretty busy for the most part of the day, giving meds, CBGs,dressing changes and other treatments. charting is usually toward the end of the day, usually only for those that have a change of condition, are on daily charting for Medicare or had a fall etc. You will find that you will need a note pad at first to keep track of things and that you will need to know who can swallow pills whole or needs them crushed, and the CNA's are very helpful with this. You also need to follow up on labs and take Drs orders as they come in and do their rounds. It does seem overwhelming at first, but after a while it will be pretty routine, and you will find a routine that helps to make the day flow easier. Try to assist the CNAs if you have a moment and they will be there for you. There is nothing worse than having a resident continuously on the call bell and nobody is there to answer it and you have 10 other things to do! Most facilities have some med books and such on hand, you can also bring some of your own for quik referenc, but mark them with your name and put them away in a good spot so that you know they will be there when you need them! Your assessment for most residents will be a quick look at them when you give meds to see that there is no change in con. and that they are still breathing/talking/eating/pooping/peeing, etc. not a full body assessment like they teach you in nursing school. Only if there is a change in con., then do vitals and assessment so that you can give this info to the DR. and remember to keep an eye on those that have a tendency to become confused and may be at risk for fall. Nothing worse than to be all ready for med pass and find out resident just fell and head is bleeding or worse, but it usually doesn't happen to often if CNA's are alert and communicate any unusual occurances to you, bring resident near you so you can watch him/her. Hope this helps, you will be fine. give yourself some time to absorb everything, it is'nt all learned in a day.

My first job 1 year ago as an LVN was in a nursing home/rehab, and made 22.00/hr. I have since worked in home health making 19.00/hr, 12 hr shifts, so I get time and a half. I just got hired at a correctional facility, will probably start at about $25- $26/hr plus state ben. I also live in CA, and have heard of LVN's making $30/hr, possibly more.

In order to retain my sanity I definately screen my phone calls against my facility. Yes, It does bug my DON that she cant get hold of me at her will, but I must keep a distance so that I can still have a life outside of work. I get tired of call after call asking if I can work a double, work a Sat. for somebody or come in on my precious day off. I' m not inflexible, but If I don't fight them off with my screening process, I will soon exhaust my list of reasons I can't come in!

I found that work sing in LTC, everyone wants weekends and holidays off, understandably, but reality is that its probably not always gonna happen. We are always short-staffed and sometimes are needed to work doubles on the weekend. I also like to work weekends though, as it frees up time during the week to catch up on shopping and such, without dealing with the crowds and the atmosphere is a little more relaxed at work without the DON and Admin. walking around.

As a nursing student pursuing my LVN, I also worked as a direct care staff, who passed meds, charted, assisted with colostomy and urostomys, helped with ADL's and such. Most of the people had been on their medications for quite a while, were medically stable, and we had and RN/NP who would periodically drop in or would be available on call if we had any concerns or questions. In the beginning it was a little stressfull, but as I got used to the people and knew which ones would always take their meds, and which ones I might have trouble with(the occassional tantrum) then I became more confident. Now I work in a convalescent/rehab facility passing meds to 20+ residents and I wonder what I was so worried about then. Funny how life changes, and we are somehow able to adjust.

I am also a new LVN grad and my first job as a nurse is working in a LTC facility,my orientation was a joke, on the second day I was expected to pass meds to 20 residents, do treatments charting, etc. much of it by myself, with little support or training. I am now considered over my orientation, (yeah, right) should be able to handle my job with little or no supervision, and also handle respite and hospice patients, some on CADD pumps. How overwhelming is that? How many times I just wanted to quit. Your situation sounds similar to another new LVN that was just hired at our facility, 3-11 shift med pass to 40 something residents, one other nurse on the other end, 40 something residents on her side. It seems so rediculous, and makes me wonder how these facilities get away with this. And if something isn't done right, or you have to stay overtime, look out! It has gotten better for me, but this is not where I plan to stay. Goood luck!