Should I work in a SNF?

[AudieLPN]

Hi I need some advice. I am a LPN of almost 15 years. The first 5 was hospital and the last 10 have been in home health. I am looking to pick up extra work in a SNF or LTC facility. The advise I need is I have signed on with an agency that does per Diem work at facilities. There is really NO orientation just kinda show up to work the floor. I did let them know that I had no facility experience. ( I can ask questions but I don't want to sound like a complete newbie)

With my years experience as a "Nurse" would I be able to handle this until I get some SNF / LTC experience? Can anyone help and share the duties / routine of a 3-11, 11-7 shift. I am not sure if going the agency route was the best idea for me. But I wanted flexibility. I am looking to work every other weekend maybe doubles and some 11-7 during the week

Thanks!!

[needlesmcgeeRN, ASN, RN]

You would be responsible for...maybe 25+ residents - med passes, documentation, treatments, checking physician's orders, calling physician or NP, possibly lab sheets or collecting specimens for labs, restock med cart, assessing residents, etc....and, if you are anything like me, you're getting your own VS, checking your own BGs before SS insulin, because I trust NO ONE. You may have a resident to takes 10 different meds, in pudding, and who takes 10 minutes to swallow each spoonful. And then a resident or three with a g-tube. And that's a night without any complications! I am sure I am forgetting something. Or many things.

There is not enough money in this world to entice me into working in a SNF. I would rather work at McDonald's.

[cduenes41]

I agree with needlesmcgee. You are, however, wise to go through a registry. They can usually get you more money than being hired on directly by a facility, you can make your own hours, and if you find yourself working in a facility you don't like, you can request a different assignment. I would avoid skilled nursing facilities like the plague, as they ARE indeed the plague of the medical profession.

[amoLucia]

The expectation with agency nurses is that they are capable of "hitting the floor running". I think you're wise in recognizing that you have limited experience at this time altho you do have invaluable experience.

At issue is that you will most likely have limited backup when "things go south". Weekends and 11-7s provide the least amount of staffing, so you might be running the whole show by yourself. Yes, there might be another nurse supervisor (or phone contact) when you need one, but LTC/SNF is freq 'priortorizing' and juggling multiple crises all at once by yourself. Time management in LTC is doing so so much with so little.

As a COB veteran nsg manager (a lot on 11-7), I found this was the the most pressing difficulty for many a nurse. So I always checked out any agency nurses early to get a 'feel' for their skills.

Might you not take a position as regular prn staffer for one permanent facility and get SOME LTC experience, esp on the shifts you desire?? I assure you they will not be bogging you down with any prolonged orientation, but at least, you will see what you're looking at. Persevere for a short time and then move on to your desire for agency staffing.

By the way, this site has multiple posts re responsibilities, tasks, duties, etc for the info you ask. And lots of tips how to make things smooth over.

Goood luck.

[hemonurseholly]

I agree with this reply. You will be extremely overworked and underpaid regardless of your experience. And do you really want to lose your license for that??? Stick with a casual job at a hospital. At least your wage will be high plus 14% given or take in lieu of benefits.