surfnbeagle

Anyone familiar with providing TPN in the home setting? I would be interested in hearing experiences with this. Thank you.

My first weekend and I survived! Actually, it went well. I am trying to be proactive, did a lot of rounds, answered lights, and tried to role model professional behavior. Some of the nurses have told me they are being told by management they will be let go. I don't believe in ruling by fear, I agree educate and motivate. People coming in late, etc...frequent communication with the scheduler at this point. And management knows who is late by the time clock printout they receive on Monday. What I have been told by management is that there is poor follow-up on the nurse's part, and also unprofessional conduct at the desk. Thats where the role modeling comes in.

I believe that in any nursing setting, you learn as much as you want to learn. Take it a step beyond work, and google information regarding the any of the multiple diseases/ syndromes you encounter in ltc. Or for that matter, that you encounter in any setting. Yes, ltc is quite downplayed by many others, and that's been around for ages. And I wish that would die down. Many people say it based on assumptions, and not on their own experience. Good luck!

Life is too short, stay where you are happy. You don't lose skills in ltc, there are quite a lot of skills to acquire! They may be different, but every specialty area has its own unique set of skills. Live life to be happy, not for your resume. Good luck!

I would also like to mention, that they sound extremely disorganized. Their is no logic here, if they feel you should be suspended for performance reasons, then why let you work all week! I can just picture them running around like chickens without their heads...blowing something way out of proportion and trying to find a scapegoat. This is so typical unfortunately. Be kind to yourself at this time. I am so tired of seeing this happen so often to good nurses!!!

Yes, definitely...do not sign anything without careful consideration. There are nurse lawyers out there. If they cannot answer your questions, you have the option to resign and that is your decision. However, before you make an important decision you obviously don't have the information. And that's what you need. Contact them, they may even tell you they don't know yet how long. But at least its a start in empowering yourself.

I am sorry to hear this happened. Administrators will often suspend someone while an investigation is going on, even though a nurse did everything she could have done in a particular situation. Though you are feeling very anxious, you need to protect yourself. This is a very punitive profession, and being proactive is a good thing. Write down all the details while they are fresh in your mind. Do you have malpractice insurance? Whatever the outcome, you will survive this and your career will go on. Let us know how you do.

I think all of the posters have given you some great advice! It sounds to me that your expectations for yourself are high, as seen by wanting to learn. We have all been there at some time or another. Be easy on yourself, you are just starting! I have seen so many nurses try to transition from other specialty areas with unrealistic expectations. If you would like, you can private message me if I can help you in anyway. Good luck!

I suppose it depends on where you live, I am in Fl and some of them do advertise on Craig's list. The best approach is to follow up in person, or just apply in person. I have seen resumes stuck in a drawer, and vacant positions. Face to face contact can never be replaced. Good luck!

I have worked in ltc and in a hospital. Unfortunately, I think too many people jump to conclusions without information. I have seen lousy nurses and excellent nurses in both settings. Sometimes this downgrading of ltc is plain snobbishness. When I was a new grad in the mid 90's there weren't any hospital jobs around. I started out in sub-acute, in a ltc. Somewhere in my career, I did hospital nursing. I really prefer ltc. You do learn something new everyday, critical thinking skills are absolutely necessary, and you do meet some very wonderful people. That being said, a new grad in ltc can succeed, if you need more orientation, please ask. I did. And its worked out just fine.

What interests you more? We have to look at the future, but go with what might is more interesting to you! There are so many other places to work than in a hospital, do what you want because life is too short!

Thank you for replying. I always have supported my CNA's, I was an aide once myself and know how tough a job it is. My CNA's have been my eyes and ears, they are very much appreciated. I was mainly referring to motivating nurses to act professional and do what they are supposed to do for their patients.

Does anyone have any pearls of wisdom for motivating staff? I am considering working at a ltc facility that has a lot of room for improvement. During my interview with the DON, she was telling me they are looking to "raise the bar" at this facility. I like a challenge, and thats why I am interested. Any ideas out there? This is going to be a weekend supervisor position.

Regarding the code status of a patient, ask someone to get the chart and bring it to you then you can actually see for yourself if there is a DNR in the chart. Things change, a new admission might not have a DNR, etc.. Labeling charts is important, but never assume. Even hospice patients can be full codes.

Good luck!!! You will do fine!!