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Why do you work in a(n) LTC facility?



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Mar 03, 2009 08:40 PM

Why do you work in a(n) LTC facility?

by ChunLiomyRn2b Platinum Member

I've had 3....yes only 3 days at nursing home clinicals, and I think I could write a book. I have felt every emotion and feeling known to man and have had many wonderful and some dreadful experiences.

I truly admire the men and women who choose to work in nursing homes. I'm just curious from all the CNA's out there, what's your reason for picking this environment?

Thanks, and I sincerely want to hug ALL of you for what you do


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11 Comments
No. 1
from julie0802
Old Mar 03, 2009, 08:52 PM

Default Re: Why do you work in a(n) LTC facility?
I am an LPN working in LTC. It is a atmosphere that is not right for everyone. I love working with geriatrics, but hate pediatrics. It just depends what you are attracted to. For me, the money is a motivating factor also. I make about 7 dollars more an hour working in a nursing home than I could in a hospital or drs office. LTC is hard work. You get cussed out, belittled, vomited on, crapped on, peed on, etc., etc. But being a part of someone's life as they write their final chapter in life is irreplacable.
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No. 2
from fuzzywuzzy
Old Mar 03, 2009, 10:48 PM

Default Re: Why do you work in a(n) LTC facility?
I work in LTC because old people are awesome.
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No. 3
Old Mar 03, 2009, 11:04 PM

Default Re: Why do you work in a(n) LTC facility?
I deeply dislike children, infants, teens, and needy pregnant women. Therefore, I would be a poor fit for areas such as pediatrics, postpartum, NICU, PICU, labor & delivery, obstetrics, teen clinics, and other areas that involve caring for these patient populations.

I am an LVN. In my city of residence, LTC facilities pay LVNs several dollars more per hour than the hospitals. Therefore, I'll continue to work in nursing homes until I attain my RN license next year.
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No. 4
Old Mar 04, 2009, 03:01 AM

Default Re: Why do you work in a(n) LTC facility?
I have worked in regular nursing homes, I have worked in memory care, and I have worked at a hospital.

Currently, I am working at a facility where I switch between memory care and regular LTC. While there were things I liked about working at the hospital, there were bad things, too. I chose to come to this facility for several reasons. For one, the residents are very well taken care of. Expectations are very high, and while that can make for a stressful environment, no one is neglected and things are actually done right. I make almost $4 more an hour at this LTC than I did at the hospital. Better benefits, better coworkers. And, to top it off, the nearest hospital is a 30 minute drive, while this facility is less than two miles from my home.
It's just a good fit for me.

I will urge you though, to give LTC a chance. It's terrible at first, any CNA job is...because you don't have a routine yet and you don't know your residents yet. You truly do almost all of your learning on the floor. Even now, when I start a new job, I feel like a new CNA again, having to learn a whole new group of people, each one of whom likes things done a certain way.
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No. 5
Old Mar 04, 2009, 02:34 PM

Default Re: Why do you work in a(n) LTC facility?
I liked working in LTC because I developed bonds with a lot of people...I knew what to expect everyday and I had a routine, and I knew the residents' routines. I knew exactly who would be on their call light right at 9pm and I knew what they wanted before I went in the room. And I didn't have to introduce myself every time I went in a room. It is a lot of work, but many older people I worked with rarely had family come visit and I felt like I was the only one they had...so I didn't really mind fetching the strawberry ice cream that didn't have seeds in it right before my shift ended....
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No. 6
from mimib
Old Mar 04, 2009, 03:41 PM

Default Re: Why do you work in a(n) LTC facility?
Because i'm a glutton for punishment! LOL!
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No. 7
from mimib
Old Mar 04, 2009, 03:44 PM

Default Re: Why do you work in a(n) LTC facility?
I love my residents deeply but to be honest, when i was 16 i knew i wanted to be a nurse so i figured the expirience would look good when i graduated so i was only going to stay at my LTC long enough to get my CNA.(my LTC offers it for free but you have to work there 3 months before they'll pay for your test). I worked there for a year though and loved it. I took a year off but missed it so much i went back and have been there 2 years now.
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No. 8
from care_baer
Old Mar 04, 2009, 09:25 PM

Default Re: Why do you work in a(n) LTC facility?
Originally, I took the CNA course through my school, because it helps me get into the Nursing Program. I got hired on at my clinical site, which also helps me get into the Nursing Program, and I'm done with all my prerequisites, so I thought a little money and experience wouldn't hurt. I love it so much at my facility, I love the residents (even the difficult ones), my coworkers (for the most part), and there is a lot of employee perks. Honestly, I have been thinking that during Nursing School I still want to work there at least on call, and have thought about working there after I get my RN. I surprised myself with how much I enjoy what I do.
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No. 9
Old Mar 05, 2009, 04:54 PM

Default Re: Why do you work in a(n) LTC facility?
I appreciate everyone's replies. My attitude from day 1 to day 4 did a total flip. I said good-bye to all the residents I encountered and thanked them for letting me "practice my skills". I also thanked each preceptor. It was an experience I will hold close to me forever. Who knows, maybe I'll add geriatrics or LTC to my specialty one day .........and yes older people ARE AWESOME!!!

Now I get to look forward to clinicals at the hospital, and as I've heard and read, it's a whole other ballgame.
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