I just finished school for nursing?

Question

I just finished school with an LPN. Im scared of working in the hospital. Is it okay if I start off in the nursing homes. Where is a good place to start? Im afraid Im going to mess up and not be good.

Answer 1

Hi there! I have been an RN for 8 years now. My opinion is this: I would start in a nursing home. The LPN's responsibility is to pass meds to a whole hall of patients, do dressings changes, routine patient care. By starting here, it will teach you organization and time management skills. Nursing homes have pretty much a constant day in day out routine of the same patients, thus the same meds and care. This gives you the benefit: 1- learning the patient care procedures; 2- learning drugs you are passing; 3-enhancing your memory skills; and 4- enhancing time management skills. Once you get your routine down, you can try moving to the hospital say after one year, where you have to be faster but for a smaller group of patients. Nevertheless, you have to be accurate. Don't be afraid to hesitate a little (I disagree w/ the person who says hesitation does not prove greatness)...you are in a profession that affects person's lives. You are giving meds that can harm a patient, if you are not sure....BY ALL MEANS hesitate, and double check and recheck yourself. Don't be afraid to ask a senior nurse. When I started I was very afraid, but what what gets you respect is admitting when you don't know and finding out how to do it the right way!!!

Answer 2

A nursing home would be a great start. Just remember theyre usually understaffed, so its more stressful.

Answer 3

me too!Just start in anursing home. Ya kind of know what to expect on a day to day basis. Hospitals can be VERY busy from day to day. Good luck to you.

Answer 4

Sometimes you just have to jump in head first. You could learn a lot from an experienced RN. Hesitation does not create greatness!