deedee1245

Cough meds, most are 2.5 to 5ml's at a time, q4-6 hrs, PRN

I just started a new job, one week ago. I had 4 days orientation, 2 on 1 hall, 1 each on 2 other halls. Did not do any narc counts. Had a hall on my 5th day by myself, when counting off on liquid meds, 1 was short about 3-4mls. Called ADON, she fixed the problem. Again today I was on a different hall, same scenerio, is there any way to actually count liquids properly? I have never had liquids without droppers before. Any help would be appreciated.

You should not be fired if you are allowed to press charges along with the state. But what do I know, my husband wa sick, and I asked for FMLA, but didn't get it. The facility was too short of nurses. So, I put him in the facility for 20 days, WORST MISTAKE of my life. So I'm now on my last 2 days at this place. Going to another facility where everyone is very understanding.

The facility I work in has a 2 signature policy for narcs. Two nurses check the order, count the pills in the card, and both sign for the meds. It takes a little time, but you have covered yourself. Pharmacy delivery service also stays until we are finished checking in all meds ordered, whether narcs or not. It also covers them, their jobs, and the pharmacy.

Could someone give me a few pointers on other jobs. I'm in Tn and most of the Physician's offices hire MA's. There isn't a prison close either. I'm at my wit's end. Last night I was told I had to take a day shift position, this is absolutely terrible, my husband is disabled and has multiple MD appts monthly, what am I to do?

Thanks to all who have replied. The general consensus seems to be move on. I was a hairdresser for 30 years prior to becoming a nurse and never in those years did I have the problems with backstabbing I have encountered in the 15 months I have been a nurse. Everyone says it's because nursing is a female oriented career, well so is hairdressing. Is there anything in the medical field that pays as well as LTC?

So is quitting my only option?

Are all LTC facilities like the one I work in? I have a pressing problem at my workplace. A couple of weeks ago, all nurses on one rotation were moved around. It did not bother me, I explained when I was hired that I was eager to do any area. Well, now I have been told it is my fault, that I didn't stay on my assigned hall. Untrue, the only time I leave my hall is to get pharmacy orders when these come in, and if I'm called to help on another hall. This has really angered me, this is like I'm abandoning my post, and that is serious. Nurses can and have lost their licenses for abandoning patients. There have also been accusations of my being burnt out. It is my opinion a nurse needs to be on the job longer than 7 months for burn out to occur. Am I wrong? There seems to be so much backstabbing in this particular facility I'm afraid to say anything to anyone, even in report for oncoming staff and also from the offgoing staff. Any suggestions?

Wish I could let off a little steam to 2 nurses who try to out "super nurse" each other and drag me into their little power struggles. When there is a question about something the opposite ratation has done and I have no answer, there is always a smug comment or two which sets my anger flaring. I hold my tongue and leave with a roaring headach. Should I give them a little of their own medicine? Probably, but being older and also a less experienced nurse, most of the time I let them look like the baffons they really are.

I stayed @ my first job 8 mos and 3 weeks. I left for personal reasons I will never work in LTC in a facility in my home county or town again. I found another job within 1 week of leaving, getting better pay, and don't have any regrets about leaving. The new facility I'm training at has problems, but my worst day there is better than my best day at the former place. Get out of there, report the conditions to the proper agencies, and feel GOOD about yourself for helping the residents. If you don't speak for the ones that can't speak for themselves, WHO will?

My problem is no one wants to help. They think @ my age,50, I should know what to do. When I do know, I get pushed away. We had a code a few weeks ago and the other two on duty with me literally pushed me aside, then told I didn't know what to do. I'm having a really hard time going to work each night now. I just stay one my hall and do my work, I have even stopped asking anyone if they need any help. Maybe that's the wrong way to be but it's the only way I can handle the situation right now. Any one have any ideas?

I work in LTC in a small town. Capacity at the facility is 132. We run three shifts, and no shift gets along with the others. I thought the 11-7 shift was working well together until this week. Most of the nurses are very friendly to each other while face-to-face, then things get nasty when one is off for a regular night. How can I stay focused and professional when so many try to undermine the work that each of the nurses do?

My problem with being a new nurse @ fifty is I'm already beginning to feel burned out, after only 5 months on the job. Can anyone give me any advice on how to get a handle on this?

I started my career in LTC 5 months ago. I didn't get enough orientation due to a shortage of available nurses @ the facility. Six days and I was put on the floor alone, I am still having some problems, so PLEASE ask for more orientation if you think you need it. I'm fifty years old and most of the nurses thought I had been in nursing a long time, so ASK.