[sconoli]

I'm a new GPN, I graduated an LPN program in december and am waiting to take my NCLEX-PN, I am working in a LTC facility which I worked at before I went to school so I am familiar with residents, staff, etc. Problem is, I am not "happy" with the way management treats staff, people get promoted b/c they are "buddies" of administrator, the new DON got hired b/c she was friends with the administrator, you get the point. Well, right now, I am waiting to hear if a local hospital is going to hire me. I want to continue my education and get my RN and I know the hospital will help me with tuition. Should I stay where I am or go to the hospital if they decided to hire me. I make more where I am now and I feel a loyalty to my coworkers, but I know about the petty things that go on there. I know the hospital pays less, about a dollar less on the hour, but I'm thinking of my future in nursing. What should I do? Each job is about the same distance to my house and in the future, I'll be moving closer to the hospital in a couple of years, I just hate to let down my coworkers. Advice is greatly appreciated.

[kayleighac]

do what u gotta do. i say go to the hospital, if they pay ur tuition, u get alot more experience in hospitals too

[ingelein]

All facilities have their own set of problems, it is difficult to change jobs, especially if you are very comfortable with your residents and fellow staff.Maybe it would be worth going to the hospital and keeping your foot in the door at the nursing home, in case you dont like the hospital.How about going to on call status or part time at the nursing home?

[pagandeva2000]

Right now, you are familiar with the demon that you know (the nursing home). The grass is not always greener on the other side, and things go through cycles. Maybe for now, the nursing home is this way, but if there is a new DON, the who scenerio may alter. I see the same things happen in hospitals.

I think that if you are able to work per diem at the nursing home while checking out the situation at the hospital, you would be able to make a better decision. This way, you can secure a place in case the hospital is not what it is cracked up to be. Best wishes!

[morris-lpn]

here in louisiana, ltc pays better than the hospitals. i am in the same situation, should i stay at the low paying job, or move to the better pay? decisions-decisions

[PurrRN]

Just remember that your feelings of loyalty to co-workers, patients or institution will not promote your goals in life and in fact may prevent you from acting on oportunities that may in YOUR best interest. Yes, loyalty is a good and noble trait to have, and as long as it is a two way street, I believe in the concept. In my opinon however, positioning yourself to better your circumstances is not being disloyal. Yes, the grass always seems greener on the other side, however, if you have researched your options with the hospital and know that your goals lie in that direction, then I see nothing wrong with leaving where you are to pursue those goals. Good luck to you.

[TheCommuter]

All workplaces are going to have close-knit 'cliques' to a greater or lesser extent, so pick your poison carefully. You may never be able to escape the favoritism, nepotism, and cliques by simply switching jobs. Good luck to you, and I hope you can arrive at a decision that benefits you.

[DivaNurse2007]

I started my job at a nursing home about 3 months ago( sub Acute station- working Day shift) and I am starting to feel frustrated as well. I love my job residents and co workers, but I feel as though there are times were I am putting my license at risk, because I have a load of 29 patients, in which there is a lot of paperwork because of my station where there are short term residents. I find that I make mistakes sometimes on not charting on one patients condition to all the appts and lab work and such things like that because I do everything(we have no unit clerk).I try to do as much as possible and work an average of 10 hour days!! Is this normal for nursing homes or is it going to take time to getting use to ?

[nitenurse02]

You have to do what you must. The hospital may not be much better. Either place will have its pros and cons. You will get more exp at the hosp (and they will help with tuition). Loyalty is good, but you should decide what is best for you and your career first. Good luck to you in whatever you decide.

[BayouLPN]

This replyis for Sconoli & DivaNurse2007. DITTO. I love my residents, my coworkers, even my bosses. We are all so close and tight. I have been with them for 16 months and the owner/DON has practically raised me as a new nurse. She has educated me on labs, procedures, side effects of certain drugs, how to recognize early signs of illness, even taught me some procedures that I cannot do but wanted to know how just for the knowledge. I have 50 residents by the way and most are in some state of dementia. I LOVE these people but my nerves are shot. I can never leave the old job behind, heck, I rarely leave on time. I am going to a new facility and will train for L&D soon. My boss cried when I turned in my notice...I cried. But, my mental & physical health must come first even if the pay is WAY less. I have requested to stay on PRN and have full confidence that she will use me as such. I am also signed up to go to the Seniors Mardi Gras Ball as a volunteer chaperone. Just because I don't feel I can work full-time in this setting any longer doesn't mean I can't give to my people. The same could be true for you. Offer yourself PRN, volunteer but take a position that is best for you.