chunnice

All new nurses go through the same thing! I did too! It takes awhile to build up your communication skills...When your on the floor taking care of Patients its busy! One day I was getting an order from a doctor.. I gave him a wonderful summary of everything that was going on with my patient and after my wonderous spiel..he said.....".Laura thats not my patient." I looked at the chart and he was right! Yikes..I felt like an idiot! But, you move on...It taught me to slow down and gather my thoughts before I answer a call or place a call. I carry my scut sheet with me and highlight my DR calls. Never be afraid to ask an MD to repeat an order..its your License! I had an MD give me an order for Coumadin when a patient had a PT over 7! I argued with her...She yelled at me..said I was stupid...I went to my supervisor and told her I was not going to write that order. She insisted the DR had not understood me..(Even though the Dr told me she had the lab I had faxed in front of her and read it back to me.) My supervisor called back and the Dr yelled at her too and insisted the coumadin order stand.. We had to call the medical Director and she overode the order and gave the order for Vit K and Bleeding precautions. Later I found out the Medical Director had spoken to the Dr and the Dr admitted she had made a mistake...But, I never got an apology.. Remember Dr's are not perfect either..they make mistakes too..but, they are lucky because they have us as their back up...The Nurse is responsible for every medication and treatment she /he gives..Period. I am now a Nurse Manger in a LTC facility. I have our new nurses focus on meds and treatments first and gradually work up to the desk and paperwork. I think you should look into a LTC or Dr's office ..But don't give up! Caring Nurses are needed! Laura

The size I have used.. needle 22g 1 to 1 and 1/2 depending on the size of patient. I think I would get that order clarified before I gave it. Laura

It's given Im. You could check with Pharmacy or your nursing supervisor..and of course the MD. Laura

Oh Cara, Just reading your post brings shiver's to my spine! I have an instant flash back to ten years ago when I was 31 and in my LPN program and had two boys 4 and 2. I was forever feeling inept. I remember the younger students in the begining labs were getting everything so fast and I seemed to struggle. I had been a home health aid before but that was so different from those that worked in nursing facility. I was also tired trying to juggle family and School. I just want to say though that your life experience will pay off later. Those same younger students had trouble later on. So hang in there. I do think if you can ask if it is possible to stay after perhaps with someone else that would like to practice. This helped me. All I can say is stay tough and focused. I compare the LPN Program to boot camp. I felt like the instructors were more interested in trying to make me cry than anything else. What I know now is that they were just preparing us for a very tough career. The stess in school is nothing like the stress that nurses face everyday...What I have found is that they prepared me so well. If you can survive this program you can survive anything and that feeling is worth it's weight in gold! Hook up with some students that you can relate with. That helps so much. We would meet every friday at the pub down from school and cry into our glass of beer..each convinced we were never going to make it! You know what? We all made it! The support we gave each other was what helped. Continue to post here too! Go ahead and vent! Remember that saying.."That which does not destroy me, makes me stronger! I have just started for my RN...Here I go again! This time instead of chasing toddler's ,I'm chasing teenagers. I am also doing this through distance learning and working too. But, you know what? I survived LPN Training! I can do anything! Hugs and support Laura :wink2:

Hi, I'm a Nurse Manager in a long term care facility. I think dressing as you would for any other interview should be fine. Looking neat and professional. As far as the interview itself. It depends on the job. I think for new grads. what I like to see some idea of what your looking for. Why do you want to work here? Training someone is a big investment for me and the facility. Many times I have invested lots of time with someone and then they move off somewhere else not long after. Thinking why you want the type of nursing position your applying for helps. If they think you have a good idea of what you want to be doing it should go fine. Last but not least...Find out how they train new grads..Are they sensitive to the fact that you will need some TLC...Too many new grads are thrown to the wolves and it can be devastating. Finding a place that supports your learning process is the key to having a great first job experience. Hope this helps. Laura

Oh Good For You! Keep me posted! Laura

Hi, I have recently been promoted to the Nurse Manager in my facility. I was a charge Nurse for six years here. My biggest problem is making the transition from fellow nurse to Supervisor. My DON is very supportive and that helps. I'm so happy I found this forum. Laura

Thats what I don't like about the OMT's. If I'm not mistaken they are under the Nurses License. I don't like the idea of someone giving meds for me... Laura

Well, When I worked as the Admissions person for my facility I did all the touring, Admitted the person completely..assessments, meds..everything..but.. we are a small facility. Most Admissions persons are not Nurses..so they are limited to the marketing end of it. Now I am the Nurse Manager and I admit them. I have even given some tours when the Marketing person is not there...talk about Deja Vu..lol! Laura

As a Charge Nurse in Long Term Care for Ten years let me just say that CNA's have the hardest job. Please know that you are appreciated. At my facility the CNA's have ten Residents each. But, We also have one of the CNA's come in at 6am to get our fall risks up..so this takes some of the burden off the Cna's coming in at seven...also nights gets up a couple as well. I think the biggest need to make any floor work is communication. I always made it a point to talk to my CNA's..I want feedback from them..what works what doesn't. We are all part of a team..but, like with anything there are good and bad in all fields. I have worked every shift..so I know the ins and outs of of all of them. Each shift has its challenges. Many of the CNA's I work with work 7-3 at another place and then come and work 3-ll with us...this is the norm. They need to do this to survive. Of course the solution is to offer higher pay but I'm not sure it would mean you would get quality CNA's...it takes a special person to do this job but it would certainly help them make ends meet. The reality with Nursing facilities is funding...State and Federal government cuts is really taking a toll...Nursing homes are not getting reimbursed for their care. I know we have tried adding an extra CNA to come in from 7am to 1pm to help with the am care and the feeding at the meals. But, What kept happening is the other CNA's would call out..so then we ended up being short most of the time and Resident care suffered instead of improved. Another thing that happened..on the days everyone did show up less got done..showers and shaves were being missed. There is no easy answer but communication is key. Many times my CNA's would not tell me that an assignment was not working out or it was too heavy until there is this big blow out. I always remind them..you are doing the care not me..if its too heavy lets see what we can do...Sometimes its as simple as switching some showers onto evenings or switching residents to different assignments to try and balance the load. As far as lack of supplies...Nobody tells me they need them..we have a supply list that the CNA's can check off what they need..its like pulling teeth to get it...(sorry thats my pet peeve) Please don't get discouraged...I know its hard. We are all expected to do more with less..its not easy..but we need good CNA's. Laura /Nurse Manager,LPN

Sounds like you got a bad Rep. I was told I had 3 days to cancel. When I asked about what happens if life gets too busy she gave me I thought a pretty good answer..its at your own pace..go as fast or as slow as you want..the courses never expire..the only ones that have a time limit are the nursing ones..as it should be..those are good for five years. I know I read my contract and everything I signed carefully and it matched what the rep said. She also steered me to Excelsior...but from what I'm hearing from everybody is that you could enroll with excelsior on your own...in fact the Rep made it clear that they were not really connected with them...She said College Network is just a publishing company. You have to enroll in Excelsior on your own. I'm sorry you had a bad experience. Laura

I think they can't use your Nursing and Med Surg..from LVN because of the actual amount of time spent on these. Its all about college credit with an RN. The RN has a vast amount of theory and in depth knowledge of those courses..LVN/LPN just skimmed the service. I am currently with College Network too. I have been hearing different things about them but for me this is the only way to go. I'm taking Microbiology at the moment. Good luck in your studies! Laura

If your employer will pay for most of it go. I have been an LPN for ten years. I love my job. But, I have worked at this 55 bed facility for over 6 years. I have a wonderful DON and she rewards hard work. I have recently been promoted to Nursing Supervisor. So whats the problem? The problem is I would never be able to find these opportunities outside this place. Its very difficult as an LPN to get opportunities..I'm proof they exist but they are few. My DON changed my title..from Supervisor to Nurse Manager so she won't get crap from the State that I'm not an RN.(The previous Supervisor was also an LPN and it was something that was mentioned on Survey) My DON was an LPN first and has been very supportive to all the LPN's here. We have our MDS Coordinator retiring in the fall and my DON would like me to take over. She says I have excellant assessment skills and would have no problem signing my MDS'. Again..A wonderful complement. But, I have finaly realized that it is time to get my RN. I want to be able to sign my own paperwork. I want the opportunities I know that I'm more than qualified for but can't get them because I have one too many letters behind my title. Too many years of hearing you can't get promoted to that job cause your not an RN has made my decision. I'm lucky I work in a facility that works around the fact I'm an LPN..but, I'm also a realist..no job lasts forever. When My DON retires..my future depends on the opinion of the new DON. So...go for it..I wish I had been able to go ten years ago. I felt just like you then ...I never want to go through that hell again..LPN school was like bootcamp..I thought they were all mean and petty instructors..whose only goal was to see how many they could get to cry and quit on a daily basis...I realize they did me the biggest favor ever...they prepared me so well for real nursing. The stress that is felt by Nurses on a daily basis is 1000 times higher than what I went through in school. We have a high responsibility as Nurses. Peoples lives. I thank my instructors everyday..and have in person too..when I see them...They make you the best without you even knowing it until later... You made it through LPN School...you can and should get your RN..Don't wait Ten years.. Laura LPN, RN student

Education is never wasted. Take the class and don't lose sight of your goals! Laura

Congrats! All the best as you start your Nursing adventure! Laura