me2shugar

If you are at a LTC I make a copy of the patients and mark who has meds when. That way when I flip through the MAR I can quickly glance to see if any changes have been made, instead of going through each order everytime..I just do a quick glance. On my "cheat sheet" I marked who is gtube and gtube feed; also who is crushed or whole. EVery 2-3 minutes counts save them where I can. Its taken me about 3weeks to just start getting comfortable telling the residents I have to go when I bring the meds in. I usually say Hello , I am here to give you your meds, and may I check your (what ever issue is on alert), do a quick assesment. Tell them thank you and the tech(name) is on the hall please use the call light if you need anything. Thank goodness they know what the techs job is and If I answer the call light they usually say "OH,, I wanted my tech" ..that is such a blessing! They know that if they are having pain issues or need DR stuff they need to call on me. Our techs are WONDERFUL..they are my eyes and ears, I always let them know where I am and they let me know what they are doing. It makes passing the meds easier. I have 34-38 residents. When I first started 3 weeks ago I needed help at the end of shift to get med pass and charting done on my hall. The other nurses were very supportive and helpful. Now I have sort of got a routine and need help less and less. Yesterday was the first time I was actually done 10 before shift end and did my whole shift without help! You can do it just give it some time and you will get a routine. I have to walk and move like wildfire..but always with a smile.IT helps. goodluck.

Thanks for the comments. I understood that sternal rub was not cpr that is part of what was confusing to me. I am finding that the LTC facility has an under the table type work ethic because there are so many paitents to one nurse. I didnt quite understand her "wink" at this though , if the heart is still beating should I compress to keep something engaged??? blood circulating?? wasnt sure what was being communicated; I didnt want to challange her right off since I had never heard of limited DNR. Thought I would ask here to get other ops

This is my 1st month in LTC. Today I saw a resident form marked for a limited DNR. I cant wrap my mind around what I am suppose to be doing for a limited DNR while waiting for an ambulance in an emergency. My orienter said I shouldnt resusitate but can do wink wink "sternal rub". I am not understanding the concept of limited DNR. Does anyone have any experience with Limited DNR cases, what did you do? thanks

I was hired by a ltc along with a few other people. Its my first job out of school. While orienting I found all the others that were hired have 5-12 yrs experience already. I have none. When the nurses whom I am shadowing ask me how many years nursing I have they seem shocked when I tell them this is my first job. I know everyone has to start somewhere and I thought it was going to be a ltc but what is the deal with all the shocked looks when I tell them its my first job?? Kind of makes me think I shouldn't be there. They are nice.. and willing to mentor, after the first week they wanted to put me on my own floor..I told them I needed more time for learning the paperwork, I am capable doing all the treatment cares and med pass and skilled charting, even made the assesment for er admit my 3rd day when I was second guessing myself because I was new-they were supportive about my decision and the person got the treatment they needed. So, Im not complaining its been great... just wondering if maybe some facilities dont hire right out of school and thats why Im getting all the shocked looks, or maybe they are just being nice and hiding the OMG I can't believe they put her with me look and the shock look is that surfacing.

Thanks for the reply. The support sounds great. I looked into it and I only have 6 classes to complete before I sit for the board....if I go through Excle. program. Definitely on my priority list ! thank you

Thank you for all the advice. I am sure there are ways to get around things and I am just not that familiar with it all yet. I am in TN, sorry didn't mention that. I am going to be calling the BON to make sure I am in scope of practice or what I need to keep it covered. I found out today that the person leaving is the ADON...so I will be talking to the DON a little more about what is expected. I dont mind being trained for ADON, just need to understand where I need to keep myself covered.

If anyone could help please. I am a new lpn, have a two year degree with 30 hours pre nursing courses, going into rn program. I have not worked under my lpn license ..but was just offered a prn with a LTC facility. They offered to train me for a temp assignmet/person going on med leave, It would be doing PAE/PAASAR for new admitts The DON that hired me has only been don for 6 months Question: I am not RN...can they train me for the position...or am opening my self for some sort of liability The position also will be in charge of infection control tracking...which I have no idea what this is Should I trust this position is ok for my first job ? Just shaky about what I should be doing under LPN license at LTC.. thank you Ps they said the pae/paasar (which I have never done ) is electronic..does this matter?

I dont mean to hijack the thread but, how do you like the Excl. program> is there alot of support for the courses? I just graduated LPN and am looking for the RN programs and none are near me.

I believe there is a hospital in Gallatin TN about 20 min from nashville. About two years ago I checked and they still had an in hospital RN program.