crd521

I too am a male nurse, and I work in a LTC setting, where the female population is from an entirely different era (showing an ankle was considered risque). When confronted with the need to cath a lady, I explain the need for the procedure, what the procedure entails, and then I ask if they are comfortable with me doing it. I also make sure they are aware that a female staff member will be with us the entire time. I get a few refusals, but unlike those of you in the hospital setting, I have had time to build a trusting bond with most of the residents, so it isnt often I am refused. In the event I am, I gladly take on a task that my female nurse co-worker needs doing so its a fair trade off normally :)

I worked as a DON for a little more than a year and I agree with the previous post 100% because management is not for everyone. I hated many aspects of the job but did love a few aspects. I did not have the advantage of working in a small facility. I got out the first chance I got to make an excuse to. I will not willingly enter into a management role again in any LTC.

If we ever hit our max capacity then yes, that is whats staring me in the face

Thanks everyone who has replied thus far, seems the answer sadly is things are about the same all over. I was a bit tired when posting and didnt even notice my ratios were backwards *ack*

As nurses who are compassionate, we should try to be more civil to one another in general, however, sometimes you must be blunt in order to truly help the person with the issue.

It's only fair that I should go first, so here goes: 1. 100 bed max capacity, currently at 60% capacity 2. We have 2 floor nurses on all shifts so our max ratio is 50:1 3. We are allowed 4 CNA's so a current ratio of 15:1/max ratio is 25:1 4.No, not really, I feel like I haven't got enough hours in the shift to properly care for them all and their needs. 5. Yes but only since March 6. Yes, even if the shortage is caused by the management..ugh! 7. 12 years: 3 years as an LPN and 9 as an RN. 8. Not entirely but I am satisfied that we (staff) really are doing everything possible. 9. Yes we have rehab to home and typical geriatrics, with an occasional resident who needs a locked unit (which we dont have). 10. $20/hr and yes i feel well underpaid for the liability and the workload. 11. As stated earlier, I have only ever been a nurse in Illinois.

I have worked my entire career in the LTC setting in the state of Illinois. I would like some input from my fellow LTC nurses from around the US to help me decide if I should move to a different state or if things are the same everywhere. I appreciate your time and thank you all in advance: 1. What size is your LTC facility? I.E. Maximum capacity for residents. 2. What is the nursing to patient ratio? 3. What is the CNA to patient ratio? 4. Do you feel you are able to provide quality nursing care to your residents? 5. Is your facility doing computer charting? 6. Are you subject to mandated overtime? 7. How long have you been nursing in the LTC setting? 8. Do you feel that you are able to keep your various residents safe? 9. Does your LTC home have a mixture of residents? I.E. Rehab to home, typical geriatric, psych, homeless otherwise? 10. What is your hourly wage (ballpark) and do you feel you are underpaid for the work you are doing? 11. What state are you practicing in?