Thinking of quitting after orientation

if this is rehab or skilled nursing and there is no lpn then that is way beyond the norm for staffing. For LTC with stable patients its still a lot but potentially do-able on nights depending on patient acuity, number of meds etc.

I would look into your state's regulations for the type of LTC license your facility holds. mine has minimum FTE staffing for each discipline and the facilities are required to post their daily staffing in a public area. A ratio like that on a regular basis would cause a facility to potentially lose licensure in my state and I would be concerned about working in a clearly illegal setting.

I'm not quick to say quit, but I can't see this being good. I've been in LTC for ever but I would never be able to work with that ratio. I have 50 where I am now. Most are skilled and about 10 or so are LTC with not that many needs. We staff with 2-3 on...never less that 2 on the 11-7.

If they said there would be two on 11-7 and they are now staffing with one, I can't see this being good. I don't think explaining this in an interview would be bad.

That sounds horrible. Who would you turn to if you have a question at night or get overwhelmed? You need a more supportive environment for your first job.

I've been working in a SNF for 20+ years and I would never work an overnight as the only licensed staff in the building. I don't care how low census dips, still not doing it. 1:60 is a ridiculous ratio even for an experienced LTC nurse, for a new nurse it's insane. As soon as you find something else, don't even feel a little bit guilty about leaving.

This is a difficult position to be in, especially for a new grad. Start by talking with your supervisor and share what you have posted here. Most managers/DONs would rather work with you than lose you. If she/he is able to add a LPN to your night shifts or switch you to a shift with more support and a better RN to ratio, then consider staying. If the answer is there is nothing to be done, start looking for a position that will help you learn and grow as a new grad. Let us know what happened!

I have worked as an RN Supervisor (every other weekend) at a LTC facility. Luckily the LVNs did all med passes. I was relegated to wound care. My advice to you is these older, fragile folks are a very difficult place to start your career. As the RN in the building you are expected to be the expert and the one in charge - an almost impossible call for a new nurse. But my response is probably too late for you by now. What did you end up doing?