ricksy

I am a 52 yr old RN...in my second career. I could have written most of this post. I have been in LTC for 5 months....To answer your question, yes...you WILL get this. Sometimes I have 30 residents to attend to and we have NO desk nurse. I was scared that I would never get it down......I have done it so many times now that I can almost tell you the meds they are on by heart. As in any job, it takes time! Good Luck!

I say to each his own , but it is okay for a facility to have policy regarding the coverings of tattoos. If you pay the paycheck, you have the right. I just find it ironic that people spend billions of dollars on acne and scars every year, yet want tattoos......go figure. I for one dislike them, but my own son has one and I just look past it....I like the look of the skin God gave us. But, if you like 'em , have at it!

New nurse here. I get the rotation of holidays and all that.....I want to know if my facility is rare by NOT paying you for the holiday you had off. I have Labor Day off, but was just asked today if I want paid "from my personal time off" for the year. Normal, or not?

Five months as new nurse at LTC. At my facility, it seems that all that matters is 'what state will say'.......I am getting tired of it. Example: have a resident who has some dementia along with other issues who is completely dependent on staff. He most often sits in his wheel chair out side the nurse's station and watches the action. Once or twice a day he will go a 15-20 minute tirade ..'help me.' Being his nurse, I offer him water, crackers/snack...a push up the hall for change of scenery...sometimes he is just tired and needs to lie down. I have only seen the other employees such as the activities director, social worker, office staff, and even DON try to sooth or call him about twice in five month. Once when state was in and then it was 'bring him to the back lobby now!" and two when state was in for a recheck and it was 'bring him to the back lobby now!" I am dissolutioned to the point of tears. I feel your pain! Someone give me hope!

Thanks guys. The MD did order some tests, and on my day off, she was found to have HBG of 6! She ended up getting 6units. I am not sure how she was "walking and talking" but she was, with no other complaints or symptoms. !!!!!

I sat for 4 hours in an ER with my returning vet son, age 25, who drank a "tall boy" MONSTER drink. Heart rate at 135. I would never tell any one to drink anything of the sort.

I went back to school at age 50. The first year, my son was in Afghanistan, was in a suicide bombing, and lost 10 friends. Somehow I passed my classes...although, I don't really know how....anyhow, I am a registered nurse now.....one of the best things I have ever done. I only wish I knew how to cure his PTSD...

I am a new nurse. I work LTC. Have a resident who had been complaining of "upset stomach" for 2-3 weeks now. No emesis and afebrile. Eats about 25% of meal.. Zofran often with little effect. Another nurse that rotates with me on the same shift questioned why I asked the doctor for either lab work or medication check to find the source. The other nurse also said "for God sake's she drinks coffee and eats those snacks that are in her room, I think she is crazy." This upsets me. Thoughts from all of you??????? Meanwhile, drawing some labs today.

Too many laws and Cover YOUR A$$.

Simple...facilities need to quit being cheap...MORE FEET AND EYES ON THE FLOOR.

Yes to details. Yes to meeting other staff. No, don't mind getting hired on spot!!!!I am 5 months into first job at LTC and hired one week after NCLEX. I took a tour that day, met a few staff, and peed...right there in that cup. I was asked questions regarding "what would you do if..." (lots of them)...I expected that. What I hated the most was the DON telling me her life story...and about her grandkids...for 30 minutes. I love people, and outgoing...but that was very ridiculous....

I work in a very small LTC facility, am a new nurse, and would like to know what are the "special welcoming" things you do to make a resident and/or his family feel safe and like they actually made the right choice by choosing your facility. Lately, I have had a few late afternoon/early evening admits that happened when pretty much social services and others are gone. I was sooooo busy with passing meds and getting assessment done that I felt like I was ignoring their emotional needs. There are generally only 2 nurses and 3 aides on our PM sift, and it is difficult when new admit comes. Last time, I felt so horrible for the family and the resident who was afraid ...and angry to say the least. I don't mean things like teddy bears and things, I mean emotionally --what do you do/say to put at ease? I feel like my facility gets a big fat F for this.......what say all of you?

I just encountered the 1.5 Coumadin order yesterday..wondered the same thing!

The feelings you have inside are because you are a human being, with feeling. Even though a nurse is a patient advocate, it is difficult in (our) heads to rationalize what needs to be done. As a nursing student, you probably began your journey wanting to be a great caregiver and advocate. I guess we all figure out at one point or another that someone's wishes don't always coincide with ours, and there are always contradictions in our heads. I attribute your feelings to my solider son who signed a paper that said he was "to protect and honor," yet when deployment time came, he had serious doubts about weather he was doing just that. Meanwhile, I would definitely want you taking care of my loved ones...you have guts and feelings. God Bless.

THANK YOU!