typical day i n LTC

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Hello all, I've worked in Med Surg since i graduated and i was thinking about applying at a LTC facility for some extra hours.

What is a typical shift like for an RN in LTC? The facililty I am applying to says they have med-aides on days, the staffing is usually 2 RN's and one med-aide for 60 residents.

I have worked as a CNA in LTC, but i was never sure what the RN's did all day, and my school did not have a LTC rotation. I dont want to get too involved with applying and interviewing until i have a better idea of what the workload is like, any advice would be very helpful to me! What is a typical 7-3 shift like?

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Duties can vary depending on the particular LTC.

Some are better staffed than others.

Some have better supplies than others.

Some are owned by people who actually care what supplies/staff

you have for the patients.

Some are just cut-throat bottom line profit machines with no concern

for if staff stays or quits or how patients treated.

Be very careful in your decision.

RN is responsible for all staff and their actions or omissions.

This is legally/morally overwhelming at some facilities.

Others are just fine.

It would be a good idea to talk to people who actually work there in

the role you are seeking. Also, research the owners.

You can also look at Nursing Home Compare on the Medicare/Medicaid

website and see deficiencies/ratings. This will give you a good idea

of any problem areas.

There is also an OSHA watch/target list that will open your eyes.

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Specializes in Peds, ER, Geriatrics, Rehab.

Depending on the facility and acuity..There is never a "typical day"..there is however the same old atypical day:D As an RN (ADON, soon to be DON)this is how my day does:

To work between 7 and 730am

Check lab box

Check units for staffing, make quick rounds

Address any night shift concerns:rotfl:

Draw any labs left to obtain,

Follow up on labs from day before,

Check report for past 24hrs,

Check Pain log for reports of any uncontrolled pain,

8am-Call MD with any concerns or need for orders after review

Check telephone orders and review charts for documentation or notification,

Finish unfinished notifications:clown:

Review new admission charts

Update cardex with any new information

9am- morning meeting and department head meeting

10am- follow up from morning meeting

Still waiting on MD call back.....

Handle family concerns,

Prepare any discharges

Do meds and organize charts for any admissions (1 to 5 in a day)

Work on any reports due (QA)

Back up assessments for staff nurses,

IV meds/central line meds

Still waiting on MD to call.....

And whatever else pops up or out or falls off or breaks...

4:30pm...MD calls back..lol...not really, usually I have already spoken with them 2 or 3 times by now..

5pm...pray nothing happens...sneak toward the door

Stopped by multiple family members...

RUUUUUNNNN!!!

This is my atypical day:roll .

The staff nurses days vary as well...usually, report, meds, treatments, meds, documentation, report....along with all the other interuptions that go with these duties..not necessarily in that order.

It's not easy ...but I wouldnt trade it for anything..except maybe CHOCOLATE!

I agree that whatever facility it is do some research on it first...it makes a difference.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I am an LVN at a nursing home and the RNs work the carts just as we do. They pass medications to 18 elderly residents, perform simple treatments, and chart. The strange thing about my workplace is the fact that an LVN, the ADON, delegates to the floor RNs. Everyone works under their own license.

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LTC? long term care. i'm sorry but i'm new here...lol

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I have been in LTC as both an LPN AND an RN. No real 'typical' day, really. Just got promoted to QA nurse, and here is how my day can go:

Check delivered labs

Mark off said lab results

Wait to call MD's/fax results

Treatments as I can get to them

Stock my cart

Call Pharmacy regarding various things....

My list can go on even better if I was working the Floor.

Suebird :p

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Working in long term care is sometimes difficult because you work on your own. There are no doctors there and your assessment skills may be the difference between life and death for an elderly person. I think it is very rewarding to put a smile on the face of someone who only gets visitors on holidays.

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