cathy54

I like your method of the dot. I had never thought of it. I was a float nurse at my last job and in any given week, I had to pass meds to at least 27 to 30 residents per day. That is a lot of meds to take in consideration. The dot would have come in handy. Thanks.

I really can't add anything to this. You will, in time come up with your own way to do things.

This was normal for me. I worked 3-11. I passed out medications, did treatments, ran up and down the halls to answer phones for doctor's calls and calls from family members wanting to know how MOM ate at breakfast. Ran to rooms to check on residents that just didn't feel well or just wanted some one on one time. This was for 30 residents. When I first started, I was in shock for the first week. I cried a lot. I was told by management that it could be done. THAT being said, management freaked if they thought that THEY might have to do the floor themselves. Yes, I took short cuts, but that being said, I chose my short cuts. Pills in cups? You betcha. Text book nursing is fine, but then reality sets in and.......

Thank-you so much!!!!!!!!!! I will look for the pamphlets at my next rotation.

The leaflets are a good idea. I guess that I am not thinking clearly. I have already informed the company that I will need more time. They are very helpful. However, I will see if they also have the information.

I have just started a new job in HH. I am orientating for Pediatrics having just left LTC. My problem is that there are quite a few things that I am running into that LTC never had, such as insulin pumps (we gave injections), vents(never used) and gastronomy buttons(tubes always). I could use a few good internet sites that would help me learn using, changing, cleaning etc.

I am also starting in HH on Monday. I am going into Pediatrics. Big change from geriatrics. Nervous? You betcha!!!!! LTC just was not an option any more.

I have an interview this morning with a HH agency. I am trying to go from LTC to HH. Your questions and answers are extremely helpful for me at this time. Thanks

Thank-you so much. I have looked at the site. There is a lot of really good courses.

Thanks. Where did you find the home health CEU's?

This is what I mean by common sense. I totally agree that State should have to come in and work with the residents for at least a month, before passing out guidelines

There is one question I would like answered. How is a floor mat a restraint. Unless, I read it wrong, I cannot figure it out. The BS and stupidity of management is what finally has made me want to go to Home Health. I love working geriatrics, but when common sense flies out the window, it is time to go.

How long on average does it take to hire with Home Health Agencies? I live in the Central Texas area, and have put in numerous applications, with no success. I really want to do Home Health, and am willing to wait as long as possible. Should I wait and put in another application in a month or so? Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thank-you Commuter. I would also like to add the facility social worker to the list of agrivations. Never comes out of his office. Makes decisions, not based on residents needs(that have been charted on continuously), but on money. I also love the residents and those I worked with. It is the management, who stay in their offices and never make actual contact with the residents. Then when you bring a problem to them, they deny that it happened. You will notice that the word "worked" is in bold. That is because I finally figured out that I was not making a difference. I am going to Home Health. I will miss LTC, I just cannot fight management/social worker anymore. It breaks my heart to see nothing changing for my residents.

I really would like to do HH. I have just left a Nursing Home. Lord willing I will NOT work at another one. I need a change in direction. I believe that HH is it. Thanks for letting me know what to expect.

Thank You for the encouragement. I don't know what kind of situation I will be comfortable with. I will put more applications in on Monday. Should I be studying anything special in the mean time?

I want to change from LTC to Home Health. I am tired of the nonsense. I have put in several applications with no success as of yet. I am not giving up, as there are many places that I have not put in my application yet. Has anyone had difficulty making the switch? Is there extreme difficulty making the switch? I really need to know.

Turn off ALL noise, glass of Merlot and pet the pussycat.

I think the word we are looking for is MODERATION. I try to be happy and up beat at work for the residents (I am in LTC), and I want the people I work with to be, at least, pleased that I am at work. But, I try to use some common sense. Perkiness drives me up the wall, and you just can't laugh at everything. Also, not every situation needs a special saying.

To Jesskanurse: May we please have some background. It would be very helpful to know where you are coming from. Also, in dealing with alzheimer's patients/residents, I always have to keep in mind that there IS the book way and then there is reality. I have seen nurses really upset an already upset p/r by telling them the truth to the point of medication. Not a good thing.

Exactly right.

You will be fine. I, also start a new job this afternoon. Charge nurse at a LTC facility. At the last NH I worked at, it was an easy going experience. Everyone just pitched in. It was in a small town. This I know will be different. I will have 30 residents, I have to do the first med pass, which I haven't done for a while d/t the other place had med aides for all halls. I have much to learn, but I have been told that soon I will have a routine of sorts. We will be okay

This is why I am looking for something else. I like LTC, but I just cannot cope with the stupid regulations that don't really mean anything.

Thanks. It really sounds like what I want. I have worked LTC and some acute care. I have a lot to learn and am willing to do so. This sounds like what I want.

I totally agree with Gauge14IV. What a wonderful way to put things in perspective. I am also looking for a new position. I always get nervous when I first start. I will keep this in mind. I do not feel like you should feel insulted. I believe that when they find out your experience level, you both will feel comfortable. Sunnyjohn, I am helping to send BUNNY on his/her way.