RN License in Jeopardy?

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I am a new grad beginning a job at a LTC/rehab facility next week. I have read a lot of helpful information on these forums, (and some scary stuff, too!) and I have a question. How do I protect my license when there appears to be so many opportunities in LTC to lose it? (Under-staffed, nurse:patient ratio, lack of RN support, unable to reach Drs, etc.) I've worked so hard for this license and worry about what could go wrong. Any advice? Reassurance?

Pay attention to the rules and regulations of your facility. Make sure you know the laws in your state for your licensure. Relax. Be thorough.

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Specializes in Rehab/LTC.

Thank you to all for your excellent advice. I feel much more confident about the job and look forward to next week. I no longer feel as unprepared, thanks to your comments and common sense advice. :)

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Keep on jump driver and lock up so u will always have it for your records as well

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
I am a new grad beginning a job at a LTC/rehab facility next week. I have read a lot of helpful information on these forums, (and some scary stuff, too!) and I have a question. How do I protect my license when there appears to be so many opportunities in LTC to lose it? (Under-staffed, nurse:patient ratio, lack of RN support, unable to reach Drs, etc.) I've worked so hard for this license and worry about what could go wrong. Any advice? Reassurance?

...that is why many of us choose not work in places that are understaffed.

I know that not everyone has these options, but if you can find a better one, take it.

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Specializes in LTC.
It just takes a lot of practice :) Every shift that you work you will get faster and more confident in your abilities. I remember when I was in my first job i would leave work everyday so thirsty I would go across the street, get a huge water and drink it in about 5 min, because I didn't even take time to get a drink during my shift LOL. Eventually you will develop a routine and be able to get everything done. Not saying you won't have shifts where it is impossible to get everything done during your shift cuz you definitely will.

My daughter just graduated from nursing school and is working in LTC ( about a month now) and I get so many phone calls I feel like I'm going through being a new nurse all over again :eek: It will get better. I always tell my new nurses that it will take about 6 months before you are not petrified before every shift and another 6 months before you are looking forward to going to work to see your residents...but you will get there :)

Definitely the first 6 months to a year. It was almost a year for me before I started to realize, "Ok I can do this. It is possible to have a 25 resident assignment with 2 medpasses, treatments, admissions, orders, labs, staff issues, family complaints, its by no means fun or easy.. but one can do it. "

My secret is to smile, and often. When the residents see you smiling it makes them happy. When they see you angry and frustrated..they get angry and frustrated.

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Specializes in LTC,med-surg,detox,cardiology,wound/ost.

I started my career in LTC many moons ago and I never once was involved in a legal issues. I agree that good documentation is the key. If you are doing what you are supposed to do and documenting it, you should have no problems. Also, always make your immediate supervisor and/or DON aware of any issues. Nobody wants to hear about something when it is too late to do anything about it. Acute care is another story altogether :)

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