Ambier

Good luck...and remember, just breathe. If you get lost or behind take it one step at a time. you can do it!!!

If you get your CNA, you get the exposure to Nursing. I, as an LPN, have a lot of aides that watch procedures. they are in Nursing school and like the added exposure. Such as we have a patient dying..she has a necrotic foot and a severe tunneling decub ulcer. How often do you get to see those things? Good luck.

Okay, here goes. First off I would like to tell you that the times that are assigned to the meds are not usually set by the doctor, they are set by your facility. Starting 30 minutes or so early is a common practice that every nurse in my facility does, especially after supper when everyone wants to go to bed at 7. I work 40:1, give or take a few. The most important thing to remember is NOT to leave meds at the bedside. Just tell the resident that you can't leave it...most will understand. And if they don't, TOUGH! You're doing your job right. The one thing that keeps me going after two years in LTC is seeing the smiling faces of my resident's every day. I have found that if I keep a positive attitude and can make one resident smile my day was good...plus I'm a little bit of a smart orifice with them. They love that. Good luck.

The one piece of advice I wish someone would have given me when I was a new nurse was don't be afraid to ask for help. Also at night, depending upon what acuity you have, there may be a few resident's that suffer from Sundowner's. I have yet to work in a nursing home without at least one resident like this. They are up most of the night and sometimes need 1-on-1 care...but generally nights are a good place to start for a new LPN. Good luck!! P.S. Make sure that you respect your aides but let them know who's boss. A lot of aides may walk all over you if you let them.

I remember my first few days of LPN classes. I was almost in the same boat as you, except that I had just finished with my CNA class the week before. I agree with the previous suggestion of asking some of the younger girls :angryfire for help. That's what our class did, we teamed up. As the year goes on, you'll find yourself being put on a more even playing field. It does get better, I promise. Just think of it this way, once you've passed a skill you'll never have to be tested on it again!! :balloons: Our teacher told us that having to retest was NOT a big thing. Most people will have to retest on one thing or another. Just wait until the younger girls have to try and do a catheter or an NG Tube. Good luck with the school year!!! Amber :chuckle