Second Day On The Floor ~Nursing Home~

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Specializes in ..

Hi this is my first post and I am looking for some advice or maybe just to vent, I have been out of the long term care area for awhile, and I started a new job in a nursing home, and last night was my second night off of orientation last night was a nightmare! Two admissions, one fall, one chest pain and as we all know meds, tx's paper work, I felt so overwhelmed that on the way home I cried, it feels like I just don't have what it takes, and never enough time to get it all done, my co workers are very helpful, and without them I would have ran for the door last night, it just seems like the overall attitude has changed so much in long term care and those that work it, some of my co workers say I care to much and it's just a job, and what you can do you do, and so on and so forth, even today I still feel down and very overwhelmed. Thanks for listening.:)

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I start my first job Monday in a nursing home and I am very nervous. My orientation time is way longer than I anticipated so that is a plus.. Sorry you had such a bad night.. I've been told that those nights come and you just have to always be prepared for the worst..

Good Luck and Happy Nursing:nurse:

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Specializes in LT, skilled, IV, pediatrics.

Hang in there! I've been on my first nursing job for about 8 months in a long term care facility. At first, I didn't think I could do it either, I felt very overwhelmed with all the paperwork, TX, Med passes, etc. etc.

But, after about 3-4 weeks, I noticed that I was doing the med pass more smoothly, the TXs were going quicker, paperwork went easier, etc. Now, I feel more confident in my abilities and have grown skills as I learn each of my residents likes, dislikes, and their behaviors.

It does get better, believe me, it does. Stick with it, it's so worth it when a resident looks at you, smiles, and tells you how much they appreciate what you do for them. THAT is what it's all about...The people you care for.

Good luck!

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Specializes in ..

Thanks so much for the support, it means allot. I am just going to take it a day at a time. and yes the residents smiles makes it all worth it.:)

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, LTC.

Hi Pink,

It DOES get better. You will find after a few months that you feel more competent. Once you know the basics, where everything is, how to lead the aides, how to do the med pass etc, that those nights where everything falls apart will still be there and you will still get frazzled, but you will feel better about it. You will KNOW what to do and how to do it. You will delegate and you will just know the steps to take. LTC is very hard, but as the other posters said, truly altruistic work. Good luck.

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Keep your head up it will get much easier as you get more acquainted with your unit.As your time management skills improve you will be able to figure out a system that makes your work day easier for you.Never stop putting the caring into your nursing duties. Good luck and I guess welcome back to LTC.

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I feel the same way. I just passed boards in July and sarted LTC a few weeks ago. Last night was my 2nd night on the floor by myself and it was a disaster! I have 49 patients BY MYSELF!!!!!!!!!!! How in the hell am I supposed to take care of that many people in one night and still get out at 7am. I just don't know if I can handle this. :(

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Hang in there.....after about a week u should be good.That's how I felt when I first started now am a pro...charge nurse and all :yeah:.

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Specializes in VA, Ortho, Med/Surg.

Aww, why wait to get to the car to cry? I just bawl my eyes out while I finish up my pills lol.

I tried nursing homes 3 times and quit first day at all 3 I think. I don't know why I get the urge to try another one. I had same thing happen to me as you did. I was still passing my 5 o'clock meds at 9 pm so told the manager to bring someone else in cause I quit when I'm done here lol. I had three admits??? Are you KIDDING me? I didn't even get TRAINING on how to DO an admit. Gawsh, what is wrong with these facilities man?? Is it just FL or everywhere?

I tried a umm ALF once and three people fell and cracked their heads and bled on my shift and I didn't even know how to use the PHONE. Quit again. I can't work like that. TRAINING IS SO IMPORTANT

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Specializes in VA, Ortho, Med/Surg.

Wanted to add. The only good thing about nursing home work is that the shift goes by faster than a speeding bullet man!!! Love that aspect. Loved the pay too. Orientation pay that is hehe. Never got far enough for a real check.

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