[DaveUproar]

I just recently graduated from LVN (LPN) school within the past month. I've been sending resumes, etc, for weeks. I finally got two job offers. The first job offer is on a Med-Surg floor, the second is a charge nurse position at an assited living home with Alzheimer's and Dementia patients.

Here's the problem. I know if I want to get good experience the Med-Surg job is the way to go, but the pay is quite a bit less than the other position.

I'm a little stuck and and in need of some advice.


Dave in San Antonio

[psalm]

I am surprised a new grad would be considered as a charge nurse. Pts. with Alzheimer's will inevitably have medical problems: DM complications; COPD; PE; pneumonia; cellulitis; DVT; electrolyte imbalances; cardiac issues, etc. Would YOU be comfortable assessing these complex patients/residents for any of the above with the limited experience you've had in your clinicals? The buck will stop with you if you are in charge, so I would encourage you to do the med/surg first. Good luck

[DaveUproar]

Hey there,

The Alzheimer's/Demetia job is at an assisted living location where the patient's major problem is just the Alzheimer's/Dementia. During the interview I shadowed a nurse. Oddly enough, about of 60 residents only 2 were diabetic, 1 patient on oxygen, and a hospice patient who had a home health nurse. This is also the first place I've been to where they have medication aides as well.

The fact that they called it a charge position surprised me as well. According to my former instructor, this job would be almost like babysitting.

I'm leaning more toward the Med/Surg position because I'm wanting to learn as much as possible and eventually specialize when I'm done with RN school.


Dave

[Critterpuss]

Do what is best for your career. Take the position in med surg. Get as much experience as you can for that, at least two years. This will be a firm foundation for your career. I did this twenty three years ago and they were the best years of my career. I now work in critical care and get paid well. I noticed that the nurses with a firm med surg experience always excelled and were confident where the nurses who got shuffled into a specialty area burned out.

[Suesquatch]

Dave, go for the med/surg.

I took a job in LTC as a new LPN and clinically my skills are next to nothing. And I am bored! I recently accepted a spot in med/surg at about the same money.

Good luck! I'm working towards my RN, too.

[DaveUproar]

Thanks for all the information ladies and gentleman.

I took your advice and took the Med/Surg job. When I accepted it I found it some interesting information.

Paid tuition for their LVN to RN program (you have to sign a 1 year contract with them). Only thing is its a diploma program not a degree program-- but an RN is an RN

3 month paid training. Meaning I'm following an RN and learning the ropes.

[Suesquatch]

Originally Posted by DaveUproar

Paid tuition for their LVN to RN program (you have to sign a 1 year contract with them). Only thing is its a diploma program not a degree program-- but an RN is an RN

3 month-day paid training. Meaning I'm following an RN and learning the ropes.

Excellent! Degree, schmegree. You can apply it to a BSN.

And following an RN and learning what s/he does will be marvelous.