Recent Grad RN moving from LTC to a hospital?

[Joe33]

I am a new grad RN from California and I just got my first job as an RN in a nursing home in Seattle. I love where I work right now, but I feel like I would love to eventually move to a hospital or work part-time in one and full-time in the other. Will potential hospitals look as my LTC experience (I am looking to get 9 months-1 year of LTC experience at the least) as more valuable than a new grad straight out of school, or will it not count for much when applying to med-surg positions?

[Daliadreamer]

That's exactly what I did- I worked in LTC right after I got my RN. After three months of searching for a job, I decided to apply to a LTC position and was called for an interview the next day. I was originally planning on working there for one year then start looking for a hospital job, but I got bored really fast and began looking after 9 months. It took about a month, but I did get a job at a hospital, and I LOVE it!

So it can be done! You will get the experience that will eventually get your foot in the door. The interview that I had for the hospital went very well- they knew that I knew how to prioritize my patients because of the heavy RN to patient ratio at the LTC facility, which was a plus.

[Mariposa2009, BSN, RN]

Hey Joe33,

I started my nursing career working on the vent unit of a LTCF. I have stayed with the company for a year and recently accepted a hospital position on an ortho/neuro unit. So yes, it is possible to obtain a hospital position after starting out as a new grad in LTC. However, I would recommend working on a floor/unit within your LTCF that will better prepare you for the acute care setting i.e. sub-acute care, rehab or a vent unit. On these units, you will utilize your skills a little bit more than on a regular LTC unit. The manager that I interviewed with was very impressed with my knowledge of ventilators and skills that I have learned at my LTCF. I agree, that 1 year is a good length to gain basic nursing knowledge at your LTCF. I feel that working in LTC is a great place to start as a new graduate. You will learn time management, hone your assessment skills, build your communication skills, learn how to chart, and so much more. Good luck with your endeavors!

[Ashley_RN]

I am a brand new RN, actively looking for a job myself so I cant say much but.. I currently work in a very large, well-known teaching hospital as a CNA (I'm hoping to stay here!). A few months back, the HR Department held a seminar for all Nursing personnel re: the poor job market out there, etc. I wasn't able to attend but received the "Minutes/Briefing" from that seminar in our system wide email... it said, (quoting from memory) "An RN coming from a Nursing Home, Rehab or LTC is not considered as having sufficient enough experience to work in this acute-setting hospital." I was SHOCKED (and discouraged, as there are so little jobs out there and these are the only places that seem to be taking us new grads) Anyway- RN's working in these facilities see so many things, DO so many things, develop/perfect ALL nursing skills, are AMAZING/HARDWORKING RN's and their experience SHOULD DEFINITELY count. I couldn't believe it. Now, I'm unsure if this meant only during these rough times that they are thinking this way or if they always do, but either way I was blown away by it. It has to be just right now right!? Kind of like how every place is only looking for "experienced rn's" and do not want "new grads at this time." It's too crazy to think this is the way it always is! This, of course, is the only hospital I know.. so I cannot speak to others. I sure hope it's not this way, ANYWHERE for that matter. I hope this doesn't scare you, I just wanted to share. I'm hoping others on this site who work in managerial/HR positions have more to say on this topic, or even people who have been in your situation, I'm really interested. If I were you though, I would call the HR Departments of some of the hospitals you may consider in the future and ask... couldn't hurt! Goodluck in your new job :)

[Poet74]

I graduated in may 2009 and all I have been able to find is LTC. Most of the recruiters I speak to in hospitals will only say "LTC exp is better than nothing". That is the only reason I stick with LTC instead of going and working at a fast food place. I just can't stand the attitude LTC has developed since the economy has gotten bad. They hire new or recent grads like crazy, give the zero training orientation then send the off to sink or swim. It seems most don't give a damn about you or your license.

[Selene006, BSN, LPN]

I worked on a subacute/ LTC unit for almost 2 years. When I finally got hired at a hospital, I was told that I would be starting as a "new grad" again because my past experience wasn't equivalent. Go figure.