1st lvn job at snf

Published

What is your typical day at skilled nursing facility...?

What have you learned? Mistakes?

Tips/tricks?

I'm nervous as hell... yes I was a cna, but still. Between the paperwork, doctors, pharmacy...... It's all just a whirl in my mind as I'm trying to imagine what it'd be like.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing, Pediatrics.

My biggest mistake was working at a SNF.

My best advice is to prioritize your day as best you can, always expect the unexpected, and don't sweat it if you can't complete everything in one shift.

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Specializes in LTC.

Takes a special person to work LTC. Doesn't matter what shift you are working, you will be busy. LTC nurses usually have a large patient load. Expect to be short staff. No matter which place you work; expect those two things. Here is what I would suggest.

Get a good routine and stick to it. This will take a while and may need adjusting. For example; when I work my NOC shifts, after report, I do my "chores". I check the fridge temp, calibrate the glucometers. It took me several weeks to get my routine down. But I stick to it like clock work.

Another tip is to have a cheat sheet. This sheet has all the vitals and what assessments are needed. Who is on the BM list, what blood sugars are needed ect. This sheet is my life line. I have everything in one spot. You can google nurse cheat sheets or create your own. One of my worst things is time management. Creating my cheat sheet and sticking my to routine has been a huge life saver. Don't forget to give yourself some room for emergencies. Yes..some one will fall or get sick fast. It will happen.

You will need a stock of black, blue and red pens, yellow/orange highlighters and a red and black sharpie. Yes, with most LTCs using EMARs , you may not need those as much, but I still find them handy. Good scissors and stethoscope.

Have gum, chapstick and a hand lotion. I also keep an extra pair of scrubs in my car.

Also, pack lots of snacks you get eat on the go. A good water bottle .

Make sure you have comfortable shoes. They maybe ugly..but at the end of a 12hr shift, you do not want your feet to be screaming at you. Good shoes and support socks are a must!!.

I hope this helps. Good luck at your new job!!

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Thank you! I figure this will be my place to polish my skills, knowledge & time management.

I will be working 16 hr, double shifts. Will be making my own cheat sheet! Thanks#

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