Unhappy with new job--Need some advice please!!

[Red-Headed LPN]

I've been reading allnurses.com for awhile now, but this is my first post. I'm a new grad LPN and I just passed my NCLEX @ the beginning of August. I just started a new job as an LPN @ an ALF on Monday. I've only been there for 3 days and I'm already not happy working there. They have med techs that pass meds and they had me follow one yesterday so that I could get to know the hallways. I saw them doing some very unsafe things that I, as a nurse was shocked at (I don't want to turn this into a debate about med techs). I am hired as a nurse, but I am doing things that the aides are doing (i.e. cares after meds, making beds, cleaning dishes off tables after meals, showers, etc...). I have no problem doing these things b/c I was an aide in an ALF while I was in nursing school, but I was not told that this was going to be in my job description when I was hired. I was told I would be doing more of the nurse stuff since they on have maybe 1-2 nurses (@ most) per day. I am already stressed out about this. Last night was horrible I just kept crying because I just don't know what to do about the situation. This morning I started crying when they wanted me to pass meds by myself. I just don't feel comfortable passing meds to residents that I have never met or only met once. I've put in some applications for some doctor's offices (which is what I would really like to do), but I don't know how long I can do this. I've talked to some people that have told me to go with my "gut instinct" and quit, but I hate to quit after only working 3 days and with out another job lined up. I'm just not sure what to do any advice/suggestions would be welcome. Thanks in advance!!!

[twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN]

Me personally, I would not quit without having another job lined up unless I had no other choice, like my liscence would be in jeapordy if I were to stay any longer. But thats just me.

Could you ask for extra orientation?

[NurseShelly]

Hey Red Head, I'm sorry that you're going through this. It's an awful feeling to go to a job that you don't like so much that it makes you cry. I had an awful job once before too, so I can relate to what you're going through. I agree with Twin Mom+1 however. Unless you can afford it, I wouldn't quit without having another job lined up either. That being said, I don't think you'll have a hard time getting another job. That's the great thing about our field, we're in demand. Good luck and do your best to stay positive.

[GingerSue]

sincerely do hope that things work out fine for you

starting a new job can be stressful

This is what I found about starting to work with a unit full of

patients who I didn't know - it only takes a few days and

then you get to know them

Unless you are worried about your license, then I probably wouldn't leave unless had something else lined up

Just curious though - what are they doing that is unsafe?

And if you know that you want to work in a doctor's office, then start looking for those

[CHATSDALE]

get an aide to go with you on med pass the first couple days, i know a lot alf and ltc facilities can't keep id bracelets on the residents but it doesn't take you all that long to learn their faces and their meds

if you can find an office job that would be fine but sometimes the need and the want don't occur at the same time

[kstec, LPN]

When I started a my first LTC job, I was ready to quit in about five minutes. I stuck it out and gave it a chance and actually grew to enjoy it. When your fully staffed it's not to bad. We had no med techs and did our own med pass. I passed meds to appx. 25-30 residents. I did treatments, accuchecks, assessments, charting, and new admissions. It got hairy at times, but all in all after I developed a routine and got to know the residents it became easier. I would say try and stick it out a little longer just to give it a chance. Since you are the nurse and if you see the med techs doing something unsafe you have the right to say something. If they get mad, oh well, if it saves someones life, it's worth it. You go to work to do a job, not make friends. Also I would start applying at clinics asap, because if where you are is like here, it's hard to get in without experience. Good luck in whatever you choose.

[Dolce, RN]

Oh I could so relate to your post. It sounds very much like my first job. I came home crying and was so stressed out. Looking back on the situation in hindsight I realize that it wasn't the job duties or tasks that was as stressful as the huge and incredible learning curve that takes place in your first year as a nurse. It is possible that another nursing job would seem less horrible to you, but chances are that it will have its own stressors. If I were you I wouldn't quit just yet. Here are some tips to help you get through the first year....

1. Find an experienced nurse that you trust who can be a resource for you.

2. Take each day one at a time. Write down notes for yourself everyday for the diseases, meds, labs, procedures, etc that you want to look up when you get home. You will learn a lot the first year so be prepared to continue to study!

3. Maintain a positive attitude. No one expects you to be perfect and you should expect that of yourself either.

Remember, it will get easier.:icon_hug:

[KrisRNwannabe]

Have you applied at any hospitals? I am a LPN and love my hospital job. we had to do LTC in school and that was enough for me. I did not go to school and work my butt off to pass pills to 35 people all day. plus, I don't plan on being a LPN much longer ( working on my RN) so the experience in the hospital is much better. If you are planning on being a RN (and I hope you are), I suggest trying to get into a hospital for the experience.

Just my 2 cents!

Kris

[Red-Headed LPN]

Thanks everybody for the advice :). I just feel that LTC is not for me. I didn't enjoy my clinical rotations there when I was in school. And Assisted Living really doesn't use your nursing skills @ all. I have applied to a couple of doctors offices, but it is hard to get into one without experience. I've been talking to the HR guy for the offices and he is trying to work with me to get into one of them. We're having a phone meeting today to discuss what possiblities their are. I would love to get into the OB/GYN office that has an opening b/c that would be a foot in the door for me b/c I would love to become a CNM. As for applying to work in a hospital, right now the 2 local hospitals around here are not hiring any LPNs @ the moment. They're pushing for all RNs and are evening having the LPNs that currently work there go back for there RN. I have to work this weekend so we'll see how it goes and how my phone meeting goes with the HR guy. THanks again everybody!!