Will it get better??

Published

Hi all! I graduated from LPN school in May, and passed boards two weeks after graduation. I had a job at a LTC facility, and from the day I passed boards, I have been working. We have approximately 30 residents, and many right now are acute. PICC, IVs, Wounds, GJ Tubes, PEGs, NGs, etc! Typically, I get two aids if I'm lucky. We are required to do 5 baths, and sometimes I don't get a TMA. I end up putting 4 or 5 residents to bed at night, while trying to get them their medications and treatments. I recently had a few days off, and when I told them I wouldn't be able to work, they continued to ask about other shifts. 12 missed messages worth of begging me to work. I tell them no, and they continue to ask. Not to mention I only received 4 days of orientation as a new grad. Most nights, I feel so overwhelmed. I feel like I am a failure of a nurse. This facility is paying for me to advance my education, and I am very grateful. But my heart breaks most days because I feel as though I am failing my CNAs and residents, who I think deserve so much more. Any tips or advice from people who were in similar situations?? Did you stay or find a new job?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Is there someone you can talk to as a resource at your job? Maybe a more seasoned nurse can tell you some tips and tricks. It does sound like a lot of patients for just 2 aids, and its very difficult for you to be puttinf residents to bed in addition to the med pass and other nursing obligations. It could go either way but right now it sounds like you need more resources or something so you don't burn out. Above all you don't want your license to be at risk because youve been put in an unsafe position. I'm sure you are doing a great job- it is very common to feel you aren't doing enough but know you are making a HUGE differnce. Just want to make sure you don't feel overwhelmed/unsafe/unsupported cuz that's when youll burn out and we need all the nurses we can to stick with long term care

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your advice! I have mentioned several times that we need more staff to assist on the evening shift as well as the night shift since we only get one aid then! They continue to tell me that the budget is exceeded and no other staff can be brought in. Not to mention there is no other staff at this time. I feel like I'm almost there already. I feel so sad that these residents aren't getting the care they deserve.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

About your comment about asking another nurse. I have asked the day shift nurse, and she has no complaints. But when I look at the charting, I see that the case manager has done several treatments for her. The other night nurse has called me for help four times in the last seven days. Thank you for your advice!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It is really hard to feel like that (about your residents deserving more care). No matter what we do for our patients its hard to escape thinking like that. However, know that everything you do is making a difference!!

If nothing changes at your job it sounds like it is unsustainable. Are you expected to give the baths? do you have all 30 of these patients? Especially as a new nurse, you may need a more supportive environment

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am the only licensed staff when I work so I am not allowed to leave the floor. I can not take breaks or give baths. The CNAs are expected to do them. So they used to give 5 or 6 baths and put all 30 residents to bed. There are 2 aids on evenings and 1 at night. I used to put 4 or 5 residents to bed and help with lifts, but now we have so many high acuity patients that I am not able to help put residents to bed, do my med pass, and treatments like I used to. I am barely finishing my med pass and treatments at 1045pm.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

you are right to be focusing on your meds and treatments. It sounds like if you had more support or orientation time maybe you could "Stick it out" But sticking it out when youre at risk of burning out and being completely overwhelmed is not good. Do you work both evening and night shift? and are you expected to work a full 8 hours without a break? i know the reality of nursing is often not taking a break, but management should at least pay lip service to you needing a 30 min meal break....

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi! I work 12 hours and am not allowed to clock out at all during those times, let alone leave the nurses station.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

From my understanding its illegal to not have your employees taking breaks. Thats more of a problem for your workplace than for you, but it is sketchy. Also, where it becomes your problem is the burnout issue again. I more often than not so not get a break and I know that's how some shifts go, but it really isn't good for us! I hopw chatting a little has been able to help you. Everywhere is understaffed to some extent and there are issues at every place you go, but you should feel supported, you shouldn't feel like youre totally drowning, and you definitely shouldn't feel like youre so busy that it's an unsafe sitch/your license is at risk. You shouldn't have to compromise any of those things! There are other places you can work

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you! It has, very much! They told me it can be excused because technically there must be a licensed staff on at all times. But if time allows, I may take a break to eat at my desk, but I can't leave the floor. And I can't punch out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I'm not sure what state you work in but 'licensed staff on at all times' seems like a feeble excuse for telling you to stay on the floor your entire shift. I work in a large building. If we call CODE BLUE, every licensed person is supposed to respond meaning there are 4 of the 5 units without a nurse on the floor. They're all still in the building.

I've been in the business since dinosaurs roamed the earth--pre-OBRA--. Times have changed so much. My first 3-11 med pass consisted of taking the cocktail cart around and handing out mixed drinks. My last 3-11 consisted of teaching one of the nurses on how to hang TPN, manage a chest tube, and admitting 6 very sick people between 5pm and 9pm. The business has changed tremendously. We are expected to be med-surg nurses with nursing home staffing levels. I stay because I still find it rewarding and challenging.

Only you can decide if you want to stick it out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work for a smaller company. We are a 34 bed facility, and we have one floor nurse on at all times. More nurses are there during the day because the director of nursing is there, and the case manager. But I am the only licensed nurse on at night. There is also only one nursing assistant from 11-6. There are a lot more high need patients then before, and it is becoming difficult to provide care for all these residents.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion