AimeeJo RN

Don't be so tough on yourself. I feel your pain, that really sucks. I still have nightmares about waking up late and missing the NCLEX or failing. And I passed it almost 2 years ago. It is just stressfull.

I have to say congratulations for thinking things through before making such an important decision. I would say that LTC is a good way to start to get familiar with Geriatrics which is a large part of the population in Med/Surg. It helps to learn time management and basic old people meds and conditions. However, you could start in Med/Surg many new grads do well there. I would not compare it to school/clinicals, it is much different when you are on the job. I learned so much during Orientation. I felt that orientation on the job is where I learned all the things I wish I had learned in school.

I have seen this happen before. It is very hard to believe, though it happens. Before you know it she will be back to working with medications. Has anyone mentioned the fact that the patients may have been recieving no pain relief when given what the nurses believed to be Morphine for all those years. Diversion is bad enough but when it comes at the suffering of those who trust us, IT IS NOT A VICTIMLESS CRIME. That breaks my heart.

Don't get me wrong, I take the same great care of all of my patients regardless of their diagnosis and social habits, and I know this thread was meant to be humorous. That being said I have to say that the most disgusting thing encountered at work is the damage done by drugs and alcohol. When the same patients are admitted several times for various illnesses and injuries related to intoxication and years of self-neglect. Infections from IVDA, hepatic encephalopathy. And the unfortunate families that hold vigil at their bedside time after time.

I agree with the previous posts that recommend years of experience first. It is great to work with travelers because of their experience. We have had several travelers at my hospital and many of them were male. They are a great asset to the team.

prosthetic eyes, removing or inserting them gives me the willys. and colostomies

Don't feel so bad. It is not your fault if you are busy with other tasks. You cannot be there every time a resident is cleaned up or toileted, what are you supposed to do apply the creams in the dining room or hallway or wherever they may be 90% of the time. Long term care nurses have responsibililties and tasks piling up constantly you can't do everything just because you are supposed to.

Thanks for the info. I have a suggestion as well. At my last job we had a patient who ended up with peritonitis and sepsis, when his suprapubic catheter was changed 4 times in less than 2 days, the nurses were having trouble with the catheter and each shift decided to replace the catheter. Finally after the fourth change when the nurse noticed the catheter flushes weren't coming out into the drainage bag the MD was notified. Somewhere along the way the catheter was in the wrong place.

Baldwin for chemistry, he is awesome. Ferguson for A&P. Elauria for Micro.

I have heard some nurses especially new ones have a difficult time getting hired. It seems like Franciscan hospitals hire quite a few new nurses. Residencies are a great way to get started if you can find one. PM me if you want details.

I almost took a job with an agency. They wanted extensive personal health information. Even with pediatric patients who will not be a challenge to transfer or lift, they want to make absolutely sure you can do the job and no issues will get in the way. The process was way more involved than I had imagined.

Washington state. LTC, New grad, 22.87 hr plus 1.50 eve/night differential, and 3/hr weekend shift diff. Looking into hospital residency starts 25.50/hr with 3/hr shift diff. No guarantees about the weather, though I am not complaining.

I had a patient a couple days ago tell me all about how alfalfa tea would keep you from getting grey hair. She says I am 65 and have no grey hair. Nevermind the fact that I am looking at a completely grey haired 85 year old. I just smiled and told her how nice she looks.

I work in long term care. This evening I found one of my residents almost unresponsive. He was blue, O2 sat of 59, pulse of about 130. Needless to say he had a pulse, turned out to be new onset afib, and he was breathing. Anyway, I called for help from some of the staff members, sent one aide to call 911, and while I am setting up the O2 tank I turn around and one of the aides is doing chest compressions. I stopped her immediately because he did not need CPR, she just panicked. I told the supervisor, tomorrow we will be having an inservice about CPR. UGGGHHH. I sure hope this resident doesn't remember this part later, that would be terrifying, especially since he has ALS and will probably actually need CPR in the not too distant future.

I don't have advice, just hugs and prayers. I am sorry to hear about your dad.