CNA acute care vs. CNA LTC

I did both while I was in nursing school.

I only lasted 3 months in the LTC facility, then went on to work in the hospital for the rest of my time in school (2 years).

However, I think it was because I worked in a poorly managed LTC facility. There was no teamwork, and the RNs had that "I don't have to do that kind of work anymore" attitude. It isn't like that everywhere.

There is a lot to learn in LTC. You will learn more about wound care and treatment there than anywhere, for example.

I found better teamwork in the hospital, and I learned more there than I did in the LTC facility I worked in. But again, I think that had to do with the particular facility I was at.

I was very busy in both places. In both cases, I worked night shift. In the LTC, I was one of 3 aides, each with about 15 patients. I turned them every two hours, kept them clean and dry, and did the occasional VS. In the hospital, I was often the only aide for 30 or so patients. I did all of the VS, some q4hrs, turned and cleaned those that needed it, helped others to the bathroom. I was also responsible for all of the blood sugars, totalling the I/Os, and emptying drains/foleys/NGs in the hospital.

So, I really think it depends on the particular facility.

I have mostly done LTC, and I can't lie, it is a tough row to hoe. I would suggest you spend some time in long term care, but also have some applications into hospitals. I don't think you would regret the experience in LTC> I do think it would be great to put most of your CNA time in at a hospital. You will get more opportunity to learn and see a variety of nursing skills implemented. A broad exposure to different working environments could help you solidify your goals for after nursing school. Nothing like experience! You may decide you are crazy about geriatrics!

I'm in an acute psychiatric unit. I prefer it because there is a variety of people with different levels of functioning moving through. So it's not all people that need to be bathed, or fed, or toileted. A lot of them can do most things on their own. Though, the LTC units can have pretty highly functioning patients.

I'm tired... zzzz

I 'm in LTC and it is hard work. However, I love geriatrics and we have great teamwork. Hospitals have always seemed to me like greener pastures, but at my job I can have the schedule I want and some great flexibility with great supervisors. I occassionally think about applying again; I was hired as an OB Tech at the hospital but was beginning A&P in school so I said no to the 12 hour shifts...
LTC is great for basics in infection control and wound care. I lost 13 pounds my first month there so I'd say it's great for weight loss and chronic migraines too. It's a workout. If I were you I'd shoot for the hospital right off the bat, because I have a feeling when I hit clinicals this fall for nursing school I'm going to wish I had a broader experience as a CNA.