kesRN

So, I just started working in a LTC & Rehab facility 6 months ago as a new RN and I just need some reassurance-because lately I dread going into work! There is a good mix of RN's and LPN's at this particular facility but for some reason the attitude I'm seeing is "RN's vs LPN's". I have literally heard a couple of the LPN's say they are "second class citizens" at the facility. I have never honestly thought of the two licenses as being that different (although i do know there are a few responsibility wise) especially in my facility where we work as a team (or we are supposed to). I don't really see any instances where they are treated differently in a bad way either, they have a union and the RN's don't, so they get more overtime, holiday pay and bonuses. The environment is so hostile that even patients can sense it (apparently they have made comments about it). I love 90% of the patients, and I feel that in terms of care, assessment and having instincts when something is off with one of my patients I am doing well, but I have to know-is this what nursing is?? People trying to throw each other under the bus, talking about everyone behind their backs and just generally being mean?? I am so desperate to get out of this place and my stomach is in knots every time I have to work. If this is what it's going to be like no matter what facility I go to it makes me want to reconsider my career choice! Help!

I totally agree, I am a new grad, working 4 months, and I would have absolutely loved to have a preceptor with your caring attitude for my orientation (if that's what you would call it-I got barely 4 weeks and I was only "closely supervised" for half of it). The nursing world would be so much better for new grads like us if our teachers were all like you! :)

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate the feedback!

Hey all- I'm a new grad, just got licensed in MA this past July and started working in LTC at the end of August. My real goal is to work in L&D/Post-partum, do any of you experienced nurses have any advice on what steps I should take to get there? I know this dept is not an easy one to get into, it doesn't seem like positions open up very often, and I definitely plan on getting some good experience before trying to move into a specialty! Just wanted to get opinions from people with more experience! Thanks! :)

I am a new grad, only been working for about 3 months in a long term and rehab facility. I work overnights, so what I do to get myself organized for report is I write it out for the next shift and that helps a TON (if you have time obviously). Another thing that helps is just to go through every patient towards the end of your shift and make sure you list their diagnoses, anything you monitored or changed like dressings, monitoring CSM/PP, any new orders, etc. on your report sheet. This helps me to get organized and gather my thoughts about my patients so to speak before I give report and it definitely goes way more smoothly!! Hope this helps :) Working at my job I barely got 4 weeks of "orientation" which really consisted of me working on a cart by myself with someone at the desk to ask questions if I had them. This was after probably 3 days of shadowing someone so I had to get organized VERY quickly! Good luck :)