*Scrubs*

Whether they NEED the help or not...do something little to help pitch in. No one likes the nurse who is too 'good' to do CNA work. If you show them respect and establish a firm but understanding type of leadership they will in turn respect you. These things take time though. Hang in there!

I have no LTC experience and have recently begun training for my shift. I am by no means afraid of working hard, but what I have seen so far has me worried. Is it normal for a morning Med pass to take literally all day? The guy training me says there is NO WAY anyone can pass all of the morning meds in a couple of hours. We did not take any breaks, except lunch and we just sat down to write our notes at the end of the shift. We had 23 residents. I am not afraid of hard work. What I am afraid of, is this guy has 2 years under his belt and I have NONE. If he can barely get it done- how in the heck am I supposed to??? Is it him? Or is this how terrible it really is? TIA

having an average in school over 90%. I am curious... I don't want to be one of those book smart people who blow the 'big' test. Do the schools really prepare you for the NCLEX or is that something you need to study for on your own? Oh.... I am studying- but I am wondering how much I should study. I passed the pedictor test too. TIA

I know it depends on the person but who has taken it and feels they wasted time or didn't give themselves enough time? I don't want to wait too long as they say the longer you wait the worse you do so I scheduled it right way while I know of people who have waited a month or more. I do not want to procrastinate- but I don't want to jump the gun either...TIA

Today, we all need to be thinking about job security as well. So yes, it is worth it and plenty of opportunity to continue your education or change positions- LTC, Dr.s office, etc.

The sad part is, this is how life is. When you get out into the work field you are going to have this problem. There is a pecking order (so to speak) no matter where you go. It is up to you to rise above it. Especially if you are a young nurse- supervising older CNA's! Hang in there. Things will get better when you get into the nitty gritty of things. It's all fun and games now while your making beds. They will calm down a bit when it gets more difficult.

I agree! Thanks!!!

Anyone know of good websites to get examples and help? TIA

It takes special people to work in LTC, no doubt about it. What has helped me deal with the depressing parts is dedicate myself to making a small difference in the lives of the residents I meet. It can be a simple as getting them a stash of kleenex or an extra blanket. Giving them a moment, a smile- a kind touch. The best we can do is give them TLC and comfort in their final years. Especially for the residents who cannot speak for themselves. I think if you dedicate yourself while in clincals to not only learn there but to make a difference in each resident you come in contact with, you will feel very satisfied and not so helpless at what you witness. To the world you may just be one person, but to one person you may be the world

My gut tells me to call the state and let them conduct a surprise visit! What I would like to see happen is the place to become somewhat civilized... Sadly, I cannot do anything to ruin my career, so I will probably do nothing. I am just ill over it because I consider myself a stand-up kinda girl and what I've seen is WRONG. I am no Mary Poppins by any means but I am a huge advocate for humans- the whole reason I am becoming a nurse and this goes WAY against my beliefs. I mean, if you did clinicals in peds and saw a CHILD abused....would you say something- or ignore you saw anything? It's the same thing.

I'm sorry...what's the question?

I would not like tan either- not very nurse like....BUT! You totally have the advantage against stains. I hate the fact that my [white] uniform will eventually get dingy and riddled with stains.

I guess my problem is, I am no newbie to LTC and the crap I saw was down-right barbaric. I kept my post brief, but there were many more incidents - including naked residents with doors wide open-that I did not mention, coherent residents called names to their face. Just because the residents were not physically harmed does not mean they were not abused. I saw complete FEAR in many resident's eyes. I know this stuff goes on.... just feel like- if I witness it- and don't do anything, then I am just as guilty.

The other day was our first day of clinicals and we had to basically shadow but not do too much. (I have many years of experience in the setting we were in.) What would you do if the person you were shadowing was COMPLETELY unprofessional? I don't think I saw her wash her hands ONCE! She had a complete lack of give a $#!% attitude and was NOT about to hide it. They were short staffed but give me a break!!!! When we mentioned to our instructor one of the MANY comments she made - our instructor made a shocked look like she could not believe it. This person was taking food off of peoples trays and eating it right in the main diningroom!!! In front of the families and nurse! I was taught better than this and it freaked me out. You would think she would AT LEAST PRETEND TO BE PROFESSIONAL in front of the students!!!! So anyhow.....what would you do? Part of me wants to say something. But the other part of me does not want to rock the boat.

I find that if I associate terms to silly things I remember them. Like... in spanish...BOCA means mouth.....so the BROCA area is for SPEECH. That is really the only way I remember stuff...what worries me is I feel like I am regurgitating everything for the tests and holding on to very little! I hope some of it is sticking for the second semester!