Recent LVN grad, 1st time working in an assisted living TIPS PLS

[angie1368]

Yesterday was actually my 1st time working on the floor as a nurse in an Assisted Living Facility. I was in charged of 2 floors which consists of approximately 80+ residents. I was seriously about to loose my mind. I didn't take a break because my med pass were not done plus there was an emergency, in which I had to notify the MD, family, and the nursing director. I guess my concerns are:

1. How can I speed up my med passes to 80+ residents?

2. Is having 80+ resident normal in an assisted living?

3. This is my 1st official job as a nurse, is it normal to feel uneasy after working for only a day on the floor?

Thanks!

[litlgrn]

I am new to being a charge nurse in a LTC facility. I work 3-11. My unit has 30 patients and I'm responsible for their meds and treatments as well. It was 6 weeks of orientation and I am through that gauntlet and on my own now. It is a hard job to learn and complete everyday. There were times when I was a less experienced nurse when I was unable to handle this workload. So, in my career past I did jobs that were much less stressful. Now I really like working in LTC and hope to stay for at least 5 years or longer. It is hard , but very rewarding too. Being in a job that supports you and your lifestyle should come first. Hopefully with time....we can make professional decisions that suite our needs as nurses. The world needs us. We need to plug-in where are gifts are too. God Bless you on your journey.

[racs09_RN]

where are you guys? im looking for places that would give at least a week of orientation instead of 2 days only

[angie1368]

@litlgrn it is tough. I'm trying to hang on to gain experience but it's a challenge.

Thank you.

[litlgrn]

I was given 6 weeks of orientation where I work. They signed me off when all my skills were in place and I learned the facilities procedures. I think I'm fortunate I got the support I needed. It is a hard job!

[mylene777]

i worked in assisted living facility for almost 3 months but i cannot say i am happy with work, the work i guess is not bad but of course less pay compare to nursing home. I am new LVN and i have started 2 places in LTC but end up giving up because the work is just too much. now that i am in assisted living facility, Im still not satisfied. what other option do i have?

[RPNtoRN]

I am in the same boat. 60 residents for the evening med passes (dinner time and hs). I had 3 evening orientation shifts, 2 day shifts, and 2 night shifts, as well as working 2 nights alone before my first evening alone. It was so much worse than I anticipated. I definitely felt that my license is on the line and that I was doing really poorly as a nurse. I am absolutely dreading my next shift (I've only worked 1 evening alone so far).

I was so excited when I received my job offer, but now I'm questioning my decision to be a nurse. This is not what I thought I was signing up for.