smarti15

I graduated in May as an RN and started working in a LTC facility. I only had 5 days of training. I didn't have any experience in nursing at all. Now, only three months later, my CNA's love me, my residents love me, and I have grown more than I thought a person could grow in three months. I grew because I was unafraid of performing new skills and making judgement calls (always on the side of caution, of course). My residents love me because I give them as much time as I can (sometimes not much at all and never as much as I wish I could) and I always smile at them. I gained the respect of my CNAs (many are waaaay more experienced than me) by listening to them when they give their recommendations, tell me about people I should assess, or just vent about the previous shift (all with a kind heart) and I act upon the issues they bring to my attention. I manage those that need managing, learn from those that have knowledge to give, and most of all....I think to myself that I could be out there flipping burgers for minimum wage. Always keep in mind that this is what you went to school, all those arduous months or years, to do. Have confidence but be willing to ask for help when you need it. Good luck!!!!

I work LTC and things tend to walk off. I carry a HUGE bag and have my name on everything. I have my littman and a cheap steth (to loan out), a manual BP cuff, wrist BP cuff, hemostats, two scissors, pen light, thermometer, pulse-ox, notebook, probably a gazillion pens (love the ones from my bank), bottle of water, bottle of gatorade, wallet, feminine products, and a big bag of candy for all of my co-workers...whew!

I have only done clinicals in the ER and that was enough for a laugh or two: rectal pain: patient states I had sex "back there" Abdominal pain: patient states that if we can't get through the scar tissue in his veins to start his IV, he can...and btw when can I get a breakfast tray? Some people.....

So, I have heard that a few states might start considering allowing medication aides to check blood sugar and then administer sliding scale insulin. The idea is that some facilities already allow the aides to check BGL and then report the results to the nurse. The nurses then administer the insulin based on what the medication aide told them. I am sure you all know how confusing it can get with so many accu checks. I was wondering if anyone else had heard anything about this, if any states actually implement this, and what everyone thinks about it. I myself am a do it yourself-er. I want to do my own accu checks and administer my own insulin.

Thanks everyone for these great ideas! When I go in on Wed I will talk to my mgr and see what has worked in the past

Thanks CNA2day! It's nice to get some feedback from a CNA. I do NOT want to be a bully, as I stated in my OP. And I agree about not giving candy to someone doing what they should already be doing. :)

I (very) recently started at a LTC facility. I am an LPN and will soon be an RN. This is my first job as a nurse, and I have very little experience in any sort of leadership/management position. Needless to say, this all very new for me and I am out of my realm. I know that as I become more experienced many things will become a lot easier. I am wondering if any seasoned nurses out there have any creative ideas about how to check your patients and make sure that the CNAs are turning patients q2h? I have noticed that the CNAs get very busy, and I know they are not getting to some of the patients often enough. I don't want to be the bossy newbie, but I also can't just let my patients lay in bed without being turned often enough. I have noticed that some of the patients have red bottoms, and I want to get a handle on this ASAP. I have heard of nurses initialing chux, giving candy as rewards, and other such things when CNAs get their patients turned on time. Any ideas you have would be very helpful. Thanks, The Newbie

love it!!!

The best thing you can do is learn everything you can in this closely monitored environment. Clinicals gives you the opportunity to get a feel for giving the care that you read about in your textbooks. When a clinical rotation gets a little crazy, just remember that your instructor is trying to give each student some hands on instruction. Your turn is there to glean the knowledge, you just might have to wait out the crazies for a bit

Seriously!? I agree...this looks all to familiar. Someone needs to close this thread. To the OP.....it's called reading, try it!

It isn't just the media spreading this garbage. Three of my instructors have told me that I don't need to worry because we are in a nursing shortage! I have applied to all of the positions that I am qualified for and I have been looking for almost a year. I was shocked that my instructors are still of the mindset that there is a current nursing shortage....some people!

LPN almost a GN: Hate: Not having a job Love: Not having a job

Where I am it's all about the experience and who you know. Hence the reason I've been looking for a job for almost a year. I live in a small city, and I am pretty sure I haven't kissed the right butts! Ha ha! It really depends on where you are as to whether experience is necessary.

It has nothing to do with age. I think it has everything to do with not wanting to be lazy. I always take the time to make sure my posts are at the very least comprehensible. I think texting has ruined us

I personally live with my mom. I think it depends on your relationship with your mom. My mom and I are best friends, and we get along really well. Nursing school has some crazy hours, and I can always depend on my mom to make sure that my kids get to school, she cooks for us, and helps with the housework. In fact, the only thing I worry about is school. I say that if you and your mom get along well enough, then stay with your mom. If your fiance can't support you and your kids, then he can help you out in other ways. He can help with yard work, dinner, studying, and moral support. I'm sure he will understand that this might be the best for you to get through school as fast as possible.