Hospital vs LTC tough Decision

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Hi to all again , this is me one more time . Wanted to hear an advice from experts on this beautiful site,

I am in a very weird situation , when I got certified recently I stared applying different places, ltc's and local hospitals in my area. After received tons of NOoo 's without experience . Decided to take an opportunity in a nursing home wich is every other weekend ONLY? . My first wk orientation is in a week . And yesterday I just received a phone call from HR from a local hospital., wich I was anxious waiting to happen before I get hired in the NH .

Now I don't know what to do. I know I've heard about working in a hospital setting is huge better opportunity more things to learn. But I don't know now wich is wich . Cause also an interview at a hospital does not mean offer accepted. Pls anyone here that were in the same situation ?? ?thanks for any advice in advance.

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In my opinion, it would be better to work at the nursing home first to gain experience before interviewing with the hospital. I worked LTC for two years before I applied and was hired for my current hospital position. Even though I care for less patients at my hospital job, the acuity is often much higher and the pace much faster than the nursing home.

We had two brand new CNAs come on part time and PRN over the summer while they were on summer break from college. They struggled to keep up and with the routines and procedures. They definitely could have benefitted from LTC experience first.

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I see , when it's a very very first time job I ll definitely struggle anywhere . Thank you I may think it over now

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I would go with the hospital job

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Specializes in Long term care.

No harm in at least going to the interview at the hospital! You will get to SEE what the job will require...what they are looking for and you can then decide if it's something you feel comfortable doing.

If nothing else, the interview will be good practice for you. Even if you aren't offered the position at the hospital, you will know what they are looking for, you will meet a few people who do the hiring and hopefully, (if it doesn't work out this time)it will increase your chances next time around.

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Specializes in Long term care.

P.S

I will bet that the every other weekend position at the nursing home will soon turn into more hours for you. Maybe even full time in a fairly short time.

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The hospital job will be better for your career progression in the long run. If you turn down an offer there, you have no idea when, or if, you will ever get another chance. LTC jobs will always be available again.

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:cheeky: You are right nothing harm! Thanks

and also it's always good to hear about faces of the coin. Thanks a lot

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Thank you carlottier!!!! LTC always hire !! Hospitals are harder to have at least an interview !! Thanks a lot

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Looking back, I had a hospital position offer first out it school but turned it down because I wanted a job that paid more. Nursing homes are always hiring & now I can't get a job in a hospital because they wanted nurses with experience.

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Specializes in hospice.

If you're planning to go on and become an RN in the future, definitely take the hospital job. You will learn so much more in that setting. Nursing home residents tend to be fairly stable. If they are sick at all they will probably be suffering from chronic diseases or cognitive decline. In a hospital you will see acute illness. You will learn how to do things that you will never have a chance to see in a nursing home. Plus, if you ever get your RN, you have an in at the hospital. You will be considered for jobs before applicants who come from a nursing home background.

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