JuneLeeRN

I hear you I'm a new grad in LTC (sort of a new grad- graduated I'm dec 2012, it took me a long time to find a job in a drug and alcohol and detox- then I was fired 'for being too slow with admissions& poor time management').I was doing the best i could. I finally I found a job recently in LTC (and I thank my lucky stars everyday, and feel incredibly lucky to be working as an RN- cause the economy sucks). I work on a unit that is mix of LTC/Alzheimer's and sub acute patients and while it has more of predictability/ I find myself feeling the same way. I'm overwhelmed by the workload (20 patients) and by the fact that there is a lack of anyone who desires to mentor newbies. Some nurses who just act like I'm stupid because I don't know everything. I don't why there is such a mentality.... The I can't be bothered or I'm going to act like you are so dumb for asking a question .... The whole nurses eat their young thing is just BS. I've anxiety too, I lose sleep. It is what it is... I went into nursing to help people & because I enjoy life sciences. In retrospect I regret my decisions. If I knew what I know now I'd run the other way. I hate nursing, so much, the medical field and our health care system- which is in business to make $$$ not care for people. My advice is stick it out- get your experience then move on. You might not be so lucky to find work in nursing right away. And it could hurt your job prospects in the future. Try to practice yoga or meditation to get your anxiety under control. If all else fails try some meds (go see a dr and ggoin a low dose of SSRI for anxiety)- you will get the hang of it. You have what it takes. Remember that this is a small period in your life. These nurses that make your life miserable or act like your stupid were in your position. You can do it. Don't give up.

Hey I got a month of orientation in LTC (20:1 pt/rn ration, mix of subacute and ltc floor) but as a new grad it's still tough. I'm learning to be an RN and familiarize myself with LTC- which I've no prior experience with. I found so overwhelmed with medpass and treatments, plus getting to know residents it took me 2 months just to be comfortable and get a routine down. I didn't get oriented on how to do orders (something we dont do as student nurses), communicate with physicians and interdisciplinary staff (pt & to)-of course now that I'm on my own in my thirds month I'm totally overwhelmed- and dread work everyday. I hardly have enough time to do everything I need to do- I stay 2 hrs over everyday to document. Plus it's a challenge balancing my demented pt with the actually sick people. The LPNs that work with me are awesome but just don't have time to teach or mentor and I'm afraid their patience with my questions and slow speed will eventually run thin. To DNS on the Go--nurses like you are why our profession is so devided- in the end it's all a shame because its the patients who suffer

Wow I feel the same :-( it's so frustrating.

Agreed! I'm suprised as well. It took me 6 mo of searching and one month of doing door to door stops at facilities before landing a job in a SNF. Jessmurph- I suggest you stop putting resumes into the black hole that is online job apps. Dress your best, print out resumes- go door to door- have a little 5min blurb about yourself! Meet people face to face, shake hands, send out follow up emails and thank you notes, collect business cards of nurse managers! You will get job this way quicker than applying online.

Cape Cod Mermaid-you are right 3 weeks isn't enough to give it an honest evaluation. And I know medpass is not end all and be all of it- that's why I'm so frustrated because it takes me so long to do it! I feel lucky to have a job and be working as an RN- and to get a chance to make a difference in the residents lives

I'm a new grad. I just started in LTC in Massachusetts - just finished my 3rd week. I would have to agree about critical thinking skills to some extent! My med pass, treatments and documentation- consume all my time- I've no time to think through about what's going on with patients- it's run run run ! A thorough assessment is impossible. Actually looking into 20 patients- to see their diagnosis, labs, notes and figure out how it connects to the current clinical picture... Ya not gonna happen. So yes I am using critical thinking- mostly to cover my ass.

Hello everyone. Thanks in advance for reading and replying. I need advice, & words of wisdom. I graduated with a BSN in dec 2012 and passed my boards in feb 2013. I took some time off and didn't look for a job immediately. I had a baby in June of 2013- and immediately started looking for work. I took a position as a per diem RN at an inpatient detox facility in July 2013- and I was let go prior to completing my 90 day probationary period. I was hoping this job would work as I enjoyed it. It was a big blow to my confidence. I felt like I did my best under the circumstances but still failed. The reason I was told for me being let go was time management- I was taking too long to do admissions. I'm starting in LTC facility in a week- and I'm scared !! It's been over a year since nursing school- so I'm a bit rusty with the skills that I had. I've always been a great student (A's) but I feel like I lack confidence in my clinical abilities. Any words of wisdom on handling a 20 pt load, making a great impression on fellow RNs, MD, LICSW; winning over cna and other staff members would be appreciated. Even if you think it's obvious post anyway. I've been out of the work world for awhile so any advice is appreciated. Thanks.