Should new grad LPN work 11p-7a alone

Kizomo · Nov 21, 1999

Irish... congratulations on finding your first nursing job... you are wise to query this situation. I don't believe that as a new grad, working alone is in the best interests of your residents, or yourself. Nightshifts can be relatively easy, but when an emergency does crop up, as so often it does with the elderly, it is hard to know the best course of action to take without some prior experience. I would suggest 6-12 months of working days or evenings with other experienced nurses will give you the experience you need to work nights. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask the board or myself.

Regards -

Tracy!

Blue11RN · Nov 21, 1999

Congrads on passing your boards!! But, I wouldn't suggest you taking a position where you are the only nurse during the shift. That is expecting alot out of you and I feel puts in you danger. You need time to learn the ropes and learn from other nurses. But, do what you feel is safe for you and your patients. Good luck

mn nurse · Nov 22, 1999

Congratulations on your new career! I'd be concerned about a new grad (ANY new grad) working alone for two reasons. The first is that you just haven't had time to develop the assessment skills you need. Much of being able to know how serious a situation is, let alone knowing what to do about it, just comes from experience. Second, you will be responsible for supervising unlicensed personnel. I have worked with some excellent CNAs who required very little direction. I've also had some who'll give you a real run for your money! That takes a fair amount of assertiveness and confidence to deal with - again, harder (usually) for an inexperienced nurse.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck, and welcome to Nursing!

[This message has been edited by mn nurse (edited November 21, 1999).]

reeree · Jan 31, 2000

I hope that since November your sure if a New Grad. should be on 11-7. The program that I attended only gave the knowledge to assess a patient. They did not teach you the in and outs of all the other responsibilities. Knowing the census level. What to do if 2 of your aides are NCNS. Knowing ahead that your chain of command expect you to find your own replacements for your shift. Where I work they are good tocome in and help. Unfortunately not every place is like that. I know this from experience which you haven't had much of. Take time to learn the ropes. Once you have you will know if you should be there.

MitziK · Feb 5, 2000

Congrats! I would not recommend that position. The best situation would be to work with experienced nurses. What are you going to do if you have 2 codes at once?

I graduated LVN last August and work med-surg and some er. However I have the benefit of having lots of experienced nurses to work with. Personally, I want as much hospital experience as possible because you get a variety of pts to take care of. I'm not dishing nursing home employment at all I just think new LVN grads should work in a hospital setting first. Good Luck.

nursedawn67, LPN · Feb 13, 2000

irish777, I recently have started my first nursing job, I work 12 hours shifts 7p-7a, and I couldn't imagine being left alone with all of those residents. Where I work there is typically 3 nurses on, 2 LPN's and a RN. And we are there not only to work but to support eachother. I know for myself that I am not ready to be on my own, as far as running the whole place. I do fine passing meds and making judgement calls, but that support is needed from "experienced" nurses. My opinion is that a new nurse needs that time with other nurses to become comfortable with her new role, and to learn more techniques and to gain experiance. I hope things work out well for you.

JoyceAnne · Feb 13, 2000

Check your state laws. Many long term facilities do have LPNs working alone. That ratio seems very high. Remember the supervisor, the R.N., is responsible under her license for any problems. Me personally,

I would not do it.

Check with others, your teachers etc... for their professional opinions.

Good Luck,

JoyceAnne

RNsRock · Mar 12, 2000

Welcome to the wild and crazy, but never boring field of nursing. I agree that you need more experience before taking on a challenge like that on your own. I work with the elderly and it can be very challenging. You worked hard for your license. It would be a shame to risk losing it due to one healthcare agency's unsafe practices!! Look around more. One thing is for sure, we are always in demand! A better offer is sure to come along :-)

NMB22 · Mar 15, 2000

I am an LPN at a small nursing home in Rhode Island. I personally wouldn't want to be the only nurse there on nights. Especially being fresh out of school. This is my first job as an LPN, and I've been there for almost 2 years. I like having an RN on the shift with me, it allows me to do my job and have someone there that I can turn to when a problem arises. Our facility doesn't allow LPN's to be there without an RN on the shift. They used to let LPN's work the night shift with some aides, but then changed it because of a need for a higher licensed nurse to be present.

button · Jul 1, 2000

Good for you, I am an LPN in a nursing home and I have been doing the night shift for almost three years, I aam quite comfortable as to knowing my residents but as many before me stated there is the one time that you will need the experience of an RN, I wouldn't work even now without an RN in the building.

Congradulations on becoming one of us and good luck it will all come together with excperience.

take care

Fluorina LPN

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Fluorina LPN

Bon37 · Jul 29, 2000

Ditto, Ditto and Ditto again. I'm an LPN who did start by myself on the night shift in a nursing home 18 years ago and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. The learning is only beginning and it never stops!