nightwatcher

Hi, i'm asking for your input and advice, i just found out i'm getting a cath, have apparent slight blockage of the LAD. i would appreciate your advice, experience and any info please. i'm a little scared. i'm an LPN, so not a whole lot of experience here with this.

Glorified aides? oh please, to this i take offense. the responsibilities we LPN's have in the LTC far outweigh the CNA's responsibilities. I work in LTC and have for 6 years now. Our CNA's are very important in our workplace and are greatly appreciated. I was a CNA for 4 years before going to scgool. There is a very big difference. In my LTC, we are responsible for meds, treatments, admits, assessments, NG & G tubes, IV's, Full codes, taking DR's orders, checking in and giving narcotics, therapy consults, the list goes on. We have the lives of peple in our hands. We have ages 17 thru 102, its not just elderly. Not to mention being educated on the meds we give, what they do, reactions to watch for and knowing what is compatable and whats not. I would really hate to see a CNA give meds thru a NG or G-tube, treat anaphlactic shock from antibiotic, or verify lung sounds indicating fluid overload, asp. pneumonia, etc, etc. the list goes on & on. Im pround to be an LPN and proud of my education and my skills. Do you want a CNA to change a dressing on a wound vacuum pump on your loved one? Please, glorified CNA??? Lets be realistic here.

I am a float nurse, i have 20-24 residents with 2 CNA's. i work in western PA and make 16.00/he, have a 4% atendance incentive. been there 3 years. :)

eflynn, i too have similar problems at times. i just get into my work, do the best job i can and yes, keep on smiling. also i would bluntly address her attitude in front of the DON, like say "im sorry you feel this way that you felt you had to yell at me for asking a question but for my patients best interest i need report" then wait for her reply. its kind of like a spoiled kid, they have bad habits because no one confronts them. they get away with it constantly, so why not do it? see what i mean? good luck and keep you head up!! that will irritate her the most!!!

Another idea i have seen for appeteite and a host of other problems is Marinol, a synthetic marajuana. really helps pain, anorexia and nausea. its worth getting it for many people in this situation.

Also, if you are in PA, what do you mean "iv push meds" you as an LPN are not allowed to give IV push meds.

I do know exactly how you feel, as Im sure all LTC nurses do. I have worked in LTC for 5 years now, and I am a float nurse! It sure gets hairy! BUT what i have found really helps is this: first prioritize! I make sure that when i do my first med pass, i do my needed assessments with it, this saves backtracking. Always take your breaks and lunch! I dont care if your not done by time to punch out!! Anything after my 8 hours is overtime, and i have been asked by the Super, "why arent you done" and I welcome the opportunity to show them what is on my "plate" so-to-speak. Also, dont be afraid to ask for help. If you dont take your breaks, you will get burnout fast! Take 10 minutes off the unit, take a deep breath and mentally or write down what your next task needs to be. You will make it just fine. I really do know how you feel!

I say go for it. From experience! I was 39 when i started and 40 when i graduated. My husband is disabled and we had essentially NO income for the whole year. (still had 2 kids at home) It was rough going, ate alot of noodles! but if it is something you really want,, dont wait! I speak from experience. I say doit noww, you will be very glad you did. And, you will do great!! :balloons: