RP: LPN's in LTC.. I have questions for you!!

[changeofpaceRN]

I guess the jist of this post is... I don't know "how" to be a nurse. Don't know what to expect. I just passed my NCLEX and almost had a panic attack thinking of my future job (hopefully in LTC). I don't know what to do!!!!!!!!!!! Literally!

So I'm wondering what your typical day is like from the time your shift starts to the time it ends. Do you walk into each room and assess the patient or do you start giving meds (if it's the right time) and then keep a mental note that everything looks fine?

Do you carry around med books? A Notepad? What have you found to be helpful in the beginning?

I don't even know how to CHART or what to chart! I'm not blaming my school or anything but I don't feel prepared and I don't know what I should be looking for when I go into a room. I don't know what to assess. As you can tell, I've never worked in a medical setting before.

I'm so used to my old office job I had for many years.. 1st thing I did was turn on my computer, check to voicemails/e-mails and write down anyone I had to call back. From there I logged into my company's account and started on the last account I had- it was all in order. Seemed so easy and self-explanatory. Now, I'm scared out of my mind!

How am I suppose to be a nurse? Any websites, books or ideas for people like me? Did you get most of your training at your job? I feel like my school focused more on academics than on clinical time and now I really wish I picked a school with more clinical time!

I know I'll be a great nurse once I learn the way to do things- I enjoy this field and loved clinicals.. I hate feeling clueless and like a deer in headlights!