kab459

Google TEACCH for another autism resource.

Love my Danskos. Or sneakers with orthotic inserts (SuperFeet or other over-the-counter). Also, compression socks will make your legs feel great at the end of the day.

I work in a 67-bed facility with one other night nurse (usually an RN), have up to 35 residents (mostly LTC, a few subacute) with 2 CNAs if I'm lucky. Sometimes we have 3 CNAs for the whole 67-bed facility, which is difficult. I'm busy every night but I love it. The other night nurse has most of the subacutes, complete w/ nightly Medicare charting & psych issues - a not-so-appealing job!

An old post, I know, but here's my 2 cents: I like the night shift because... It gave me time to learn about my patients - their diagnoses, meds, treatments, family expectations, etc. - at my pace without constant interruptions from impatient doctors, a demanding DON, therapists, etc. As a new but older nurse, I was a little timid. Nights gave me time to learn, relearn, and practice assessment and skills without constant scrutiny. That said, I am very responsible and autonomous and work well independently. I also enjoy the luxury of not having to rush off at 7 AM and can stay to ask questions and learn from the next shift, most of whom are happy to share their knowledge and experience. After 2 years, I'm feeling pretty confident and am ready to move on to something new – either other posts or shifts. I have my "nights task list" and scheduled charting, but first I round carefully, check those heel booties, bed alarms, call bells, Fentanyl patches, temps of patients on abts, vitals of Medicare pts. I also put socks on the patients I know have cold feet, and offer a kiss or hug to the awake dementia patients who just need some reassurance that someone cares. I make sure no one needs PRN pain meds and apply (or delegate) the butt creams that I know will make a difference in skin integrity. Then I do my trach & g-tube care for one patient. If I have a new patient, I make sure I allocate plenty of time for assessment, monitoring, and hand-holding to increase patient satisfaction and to reduce the likelihood of a fall. Nights are very hands-on and you do learn a lot about your patients. Sometimes I'm the clean-up crew” after an exceptionally hectic day – I make sure the carts, nurses' station, and CNA supply closets are clean and well stocked for tomorrow because I know most of my co-workers appreciate that, and I appreciate their willingness to share the responsibility and success of the unit with me. It's tough creating a sleep schedule that works but meditation, melatonin, a good mask, enough exercise and fluids to prevent leg cramps, room-darkening shades - they all help. Good luck!

Thanks for this reference. I'm a nursing home LPN and a hospice volunteer. Seems like a natural progression of my interests. Did not know about this certification - really appreciate your sharing!

There are loads of LPNs with bachelor's degrees. My degree is in Spanish. I taught Spanish in public schools, grades K-12, for 13 years. The background in teaching, education, and language communications has huge application in nursing, although it doesn't register with human resources!

Hi Maggie - So many great answers and good advice here. I was 57 when I finished my full-time LPN course - a grueling year of 14-hour days (full-time nursing classes & clinicals after teaching Spanish in the mornings, my career for the prior 13 years). Let your age be your motivator to take good care of yourself. You do need to be in good physical condition to do this work, so make sure you exercise and stay strong. Deal with any chronic problems you have; I have plantar fasciitis and occasional back problems, but I make time to take care of myself. All that exercise is great for your brain too! I worked with developmentally disabled adults for a year and have worked nights in LTC for the past year, and also volunteer with my local hospice. I am planning to move soon and hope to work in home health care and hospice. I am so happy I opened this door in my life. Whatever else comes, I think I will always be able to find a job and be a useful and productive person. Good luck!

I'm 4 years late to get in on this thread - I was too busy finishing my teaching career and getting ready to start LPN school (at 57). I always wanted to be a nurse. Went the route of becoming a CNA first, was amazed by the responsibility and professionalism of the LPNs I worked with in LTC, and was lucky enough to find a practical nursing program with timing to coordinate with my last year at my part-time teaching job. It was a year of 14-hour days, but I loved the education. Nothing easy about an LPN program. After passing the N-CLEX, I was oriented to my current LTC facility but only offered per diem work. That helped supplement the poor salary I was offered working as the "health aide" at a job-training and employment center for developmentally-disabled clients. I loved the people there, though the opportunities to develop my nursing skills were limited. Took a couple of weekend jobs with urgent care clinic (6 months) and a group home for developmentally-disabled clients (6 months) - both of which expanded my knowledge. Finally offered full-time nights at the LTC facility a year ago. I love it (and the nighttime differential $$), but of course would learn a lot more on days. I just turned 60 and still hope to complete an ADN program and see that RN after my name. Loving my new career inspires me to exercise, eat well, and take good care of myself so I can continue to enjoy what I do - caring for others. It's both a job and an adventure!