Really depressed about new LTC job

[Jess84]

Sorry this is so long!

I just started my first job as an LPN in an LTC and I already hate it. I really don't know what to do. I feel like I don't know anything, I don't have enough time to do anything and I am always worried that I am making mistakes. Last night was my first night alone after 5 days of training. I have been trained in both out independent living area and in our locked memory care unit and I started off in the locked unit last night. I felt like I was racing to get my med pass done and was almost in tears at the end of my shift. I don't even know why I hate it, I like the residents and the people I work with well enough, I just really don't feel like a "nurse." I only have 28 residents in my unit to do med pass on (we do not do treatments) but I still feel overwhelmed. Most of the residents have meds scheduled every hour from 4-10 and I have to do 3 med passes to give them at the appropriate times. I think the other nurses that work in the unit just do 2 passes, and give all 7-10p meds at 7p. I just don't feel comfortable doing that, especially since a large % of my med pass is narcs/anti psychotic/cardiac meds. It seems as if I am only there to shove pills down peoples' throats and I'm not really using my nursing skills or learning any new skills. I feel like the nurses/aides I work with are out to get me and I'm always nervous I am going to do something wrong. Any the paperwork? I don't even want to get started on that because I feel like I am clueless about that too. I know that LTC can be very stressful, and I should give it time, but I really don't feel like it will get better. Does anyone have similar experiences? I am also worried about being "thrown to the wolves" as a new nurse. My facility has over 200 residents, ranging from completely independent to those I worked with in the locked unit, and the night shift only has one nurse from 11P-7A. I am worried about being scheduled that shift and being the only nurse there in case of emergency. I just don't feel that is very safe. My facility also utilizes "med techs" to save $ and we as the nurse are supposed to sign the MAR for any eye drops/topicals/patches that the med techs do (I guess they legally cannot do anything except PO meds) I also don't feel comfortable with that. It's not that I don't trust the techs, I just don't feel like I should sign for ANY one else but me. Am I being nitpicky? Is the way I'm feeling normal? I am starting to question even deciding to become a nurse in the first place. Any words of wisdom are greatly welcomed.

[belle005]

Thanks! At least I know I'm not the only one who feels really overwhelmed and uncomfortable with my job. I read other posts too that it takes approx. 6-9 months to even start feeling comfortable, competent, or have a routine down. That made me feel better too. I wasn't sure if I should be getting more comfortable by now (after a little over two months), because I don't feel like it's really gotten any better yet. Glad to hear what I'm feeling is basically normal. I'm going to try to make it to at least the 6-month mark. If I could make it a year, that would be wonderful, but baby steps for now.

[breannajo]

I feel like I can somewhat relate, I am an LPN, recently quit my job at LTAC and started in skilled rehab.....twenty residents, no computers...I have never worked in a nursing home, trained in a LTAC hosptial setting where I stayed for 8 years...I am so depressed, I feel like I don't know anything, I have only been on the floor today will be three days, will I ever catch on....because I am not a new nurse, they only gave my four days orientation, your kidding.....I feel terrible....

[lpnwkids]

I am by no means a new nurse, 13 yrs experience. But, when you start a new job, (as I just have) especially in LTC, it can take a while to get it all down. I'm slower than the rest, but I still don't know all the residents and their little quirks yet. I love my job. At the end of the day, ask yourself if you have done a good job, taken good care of your patients. If the answer is yes, then Bravo! If you think it's no, review the day, see where you can improve, then make a plan on how to do it. I carry a clipboard with me, on the sheet under my patients list, I have a blank white sheet of paper, I draw a line down the middle, and across the middle. one is for FSBS, one is for Narcs, one is for "Don't forget" (things I must do before I leave, but would forget if not written down) the other is for *Remember to chart on) Hope this helps. I'm still trying to get it all down too. Just remember, these folks need nurses who care. I think you do. Don't give up.

[mRpeNa]

I am by no means a new nurse, 13 yrs experience. But, when you start a new job, (as I just have) especially in LTC, it can take a while to get it all down. I'm slower than the rest, but I still don't know all the residents and their little quirks yet. I love my job. At the end of the day, ask yourself if you have done a good job, taken good care of your patients. If the answer is yes, then Bravo! If you think it's no, review the day, see where you can improve, then make a plan on how to do it. I carry a clipboard with me, on the sheet under my patients list, I have a blank white sheet of paper, I draw a line down the middle, and across the middle. one is for FSBS, one is for Narcs, one is for "Don't forget" (things I must do before I leave, but would forget if not written down) the other is for *Remember to chart on) Hope this helps. I'm still trying to get it all down too. Just remember, these folks need nurses who care. I think you do. Don't give up.

thank you! I will try this tomorrow