How To Get Ahead In Nursing?

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Hi all!! I am new to posting on here, so please forgive me if this isn't in the right section, or has already been addressed. I finished my CNA classes in the beginning of July and now have a job at a LTC/Rehab facility. I took CNA classes to get experince in the nursing/medical field. I enjoy my job, though at times it is tough. My question is, other than working as a CNA, is there any other thing I can do to make myself stand out once I start applying to RN jobs. I have plenty of time, I start pre-reqs in a week. I have heard it is difficult for new graduate nurses to get jobs. If anyone has any advice about what I can do, I would appreciate it very much!

***Also, I am most likely going to take a EMT-B class in January, but I will continue working as a CNA while doing so.

Specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Get a job in the hospital. LTC jobs as a CNA/LVN/RN doesn't help much when looking for a spot in the hospital because LTC setting is a totally different setting than the hospital. If anything, I'd say work as an EMT over a CNA, you'd definitely get a lot more experience. Once you get your foot in the door in the hospital, get to know the charge nurses, house supervisors/recruiters. That's key in getting a job in the hospital.

Get a job in acute care or in a ltac ( long term acute care- very different from ltc) you will gain a lot more exposure than at ltc. LTC is great for learning time management and basic nursing skills, but getting exposure in the acute might help you get a job as an RN in the future.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Get a job in acute care or in a ltac ( long term acute care- very different from ltc) you will gain a lot more exposure than at ltc. LTC is great for learning time management and basic nursing skills but getting exposure in the acute might help you get a job as an RN in the future.[/quote']

Most LTCs are like Med-Surg...in my area, LTCs have post-ops, IV therapy, wound care, vents, even dialysis...so it's not just LTAC...LTACs have the added benefit of having critical care patients; especially ones who have ran out hospital days and are too unstable to go back home, or can't go back home.

Just wanted to put it out there that LTC has a ton opportunities, and the patient population is just as acute in the hospital. There is a also a myth being perpetuated that "non-hospital" experience will prevent one from getting a future hospital job as well; which isn't the case...there are a ton of AN members who will tell you otherwise, including myself. :yes:

FWIW, right now you are in a good position; you are gaining experience in healthcare that is transferable. Best wishes on your studies OP!

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

And to add...you are in a position that your facility will offer you a position once you pass your boards, as long as you are in good standing with that facility.

You can stay there or decide to go into acute care...or stay there and moonlight In acute care...the possibilities are endless; it's just getting that first job MAY be difficult; but then again, you are not in that position, as long as you continue to enjoy your work, go to school and pass your boards.

In my area all of the LTC's that I know of do not have post ops, vents, or dialysis. The population at these places mostly consist of pts who are confused and have some form of Alhziehmers/dementia,psychosis or hospice. To me, hospice was very rewarding. The one that I worked at had a small rehab unit that accepted pts who were either hip/knee replacements, or were there for some other reason for physical/occupational therapy. In most cases, there is only one RN for the facility, and during the day, four LVNs. At night there is one RN and one LVN on the floor. The pt load per nurse is much higher there than in the acute setting as well. There they will have at least 20 pts each as opposed to 10 pts each.

If you decide that LTC is where you want to work as a nurse after working there as an aide then that is great exposure for you.

Thanks everyone for all your advice! Also, maybe I should have clarified more, the facility i work at is both rehab and ltc, but is transitioning to all rehab. At the moment we only have one hall that is long term care, the rest are pts sent from the hospital there for therapy. I do hope to get a job as a CNA in a hospital. I am going to take an EMT class, so I will also try to get a job as either an EMT or an ED Tech at one of the local hospitals. Again, thanks for all the help and advice, I really do appreciate it!

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