What Routine?

[dass4]

I have been on several of the threads looking for advise. I am a new grad in LTC facility. I see a lot of people put on here about a "routine" will help in the smooth transition of learning how to handle the load of LTC. I can agree to only a certain level...I see the point and do believe it can assist, however, I am soooo overwhelmed with everything else going on that things get put aside & I feel compromise the health of the residents. One of the biggest is "short staffing" & yet they demand "NO OVERTIME"!! More than one staff (including myself) have clocked out & stayed over and hour or more to try and catch up & still not getting everything complete. They say -- Pass it to the next shift!! ---Wow, really how fair is that - They have just as much as you & why put your responsibilities on them. Then the management says "We'll find you, believe us, if things aren't done correctly." --You have to put in a sheet explaining why you were over, if they think its good enough reason they will o.k. it. As a RN I certainly do not feel I am too good or ever too busy to get a call light when my CNA's are busy, however it's like a double edged sword....If I stop to get it, typically it takes me off track (time wise) and then I am trying to play catch-up the whole time -- which never seems to get complete!! The paperwork is UNREALISTIC to handle beyond all the care and med's you must give. (All done by hand-- no computer) Fax this - Chart that - Readjust this & then fax it to the pharmacy & MD & file...My head is spinning. I look at some of these posts and see 25-35 residents on a hall =

[dianne777RN]

Wow, you spoke my words exactly!!! I am also a new RN working LTC and feel your frustration!! Never enough supplies or they are so disorganized you don't know where to look. Feel more of a pill-pusher, don't get any time with the residents to meet their needs, running the whole shift and wondering how some can sit at the nursing station and chat....are they taking shortcuts or is it just that I am slow??? Would like to see what others post here as well.