hosp vs ltc

Nurses General Nursing

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i'm trying to decide just where my place is in this nursing world. i've been an lpn for 2 years now. i've worked in only one place(LTC). i am currently waiting to hear if i've tested high enough to get into an rn program this january(got my fingers crossed). i don't hate my job, i'm just a little bored of the same thing everyday i go to work. the stress can be high, but i feel i don't get to wigged out about it ( it never helps when you do, you still have the same problems to deal with. you've just wasted that much more time freaking out). i have a great charge nurse who has taught me so much. i love my residents. the company i work for on the other hand, i'm not so fond of. i love to learn new things and do new things. i'm just not getting that where i currently am. i've only done clinicals in a hospital, never worked in one. i would like to try it. i feel i could see and do things i would never see or do where i work at now. i'd like to hear from anyone who has worked in both or one or the other, just so i could get an idea of how they compare. thanks:confused:

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I've worked in both, and I much prefer the hospital for many reasons......only one of which is pay & benefits being far better than in LTC. Comparing stress levels is rather like comparing apples & oranges: they're different in each setting, but I don't think one kind is necessarily worse than the other.....nursing ANYWHERE is stressful, period! I think it's easier to keep your skills and learn new ones in an acute care setting, and it's been my experience that hospitals are much better equipped overall than nursing homes, where improvising is the order of the day. (Ever had to use Foley catheters as feeding tubes, or duct tape to repair a merrywalker?)

Just my $.02 worth.

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thanks. I think i'd like a hosp it's just kind of scary making that jump. i think a hosp will maybe give me the challange i'm looking for and not getting in my current position:nurse:

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I am an RN and have worked in both and can say that I prefer working in an acute care setting. I just worked the last 6 months in a LTC facility with 72 beds. The stress was high and there was a lot of monotony too. I feel much better back in acute care because I see more conditions, can actively practice many more skills and am able to do more specific things for the patients I see.

You probably need to work in acute care for a bit to see if it's something you will like. As an RN you can work in LTC's as well.

Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Stroke Rehab, Elderly, Rehab. Ortho.
Originally posted by slp

thanks. I think i'd like a hosp it's just kind of scary making that jump. i think a hosp will maybe give me the challange i'm looking for and not getting in my current position:nurse:

I can appreciate how you feel - I have been in a nursing home for 10 yrs and want to move to a hospital but it scares me half to death.... but I need to update my skills too and have a different challenge... Only difference for me is that I am moving to the USA from the UK to do it - so double the scary bit...LOL

Go with how you feel...:)

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I have been a nurse for 27 years and have worked in many areas including Ltc and critical care. I like being in a hospital and fast paced world vs the routine of LTC but remeber that no matter where you work it is important that your fellow nurses support you and appreciate you and don't settle for less. Attitude is everything so put on a smile and work as a team

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

I have really enjoyed both areas.I am a full time float now in the LTC-I get to know everyone and never get bored.I went into med-surg after I graduated and then later went to LTC....At one point after taking a few years off to be home with my son I went back to med surg-I was more then a little apprehensive.My nurse manager really worked with me to build my confidence back up....I had a good orientation and they made it clear that if I felt that I needed more time it would not be a problem..( I made out fine) The greatest thing about nursing is that you can go from one area to another for completely different experiences...LTC and acute care just don't compare in my book....

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Congratulations. I think you have reached a real milestone in your life when you can assess your situation and determine you are not in an environment that helps you reach your potential. This means you really do HAVE potential. Glad you are going to school and, as for employer, while none are perfect I am at the age where I think it is important to be content with yourself and your job. Good luck.

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