Anybody ever work for HCR Manorcare/Heartland

[Nola009]

I am a newly graduated RN and was offered a job with HCR almost immediately after applying. I am told that I will be getting a month-long training/orientation with one of the company's seasoned preceptors. I have heard some not-so-nice things about this company in general and was wondering if it would really be wisest to stay away from this employer. The rate of pay that was offered was by no means great, and the HR director told me that I would become responsible for 15-20 patients on a skilled unit. That seems like an awful lot to me! My student loans will need to start being repayed very soon. Any advice/guidance anybody can give me would be greatly appreciated.

[Nola009]

If you have no other employment options at the present time, I would go ahead and accept the job while treading very carefully.

If possible, avoid the 3-11pm shift at ManorCare because their facilities get slammed with seriously ill new admissions during the evening hours. You will feel stuck and overwhelmed if you receive anywhere from 3 to 8 new admissions while trying to get things done for your 15 to 20 residents who are already there.

7-3pm shift has management, more staff and support. 11-7am shift moves at a slower, breathable pace. But the 3-11pm shift will tax you mentally, especially when the sick admissions arrive and you do not have the special supplies they need (BiPAP machines, IV pumps, CPM machines, etc.).

Thank-you for the insight. And the 3-11 pm shift is exactly what they asked / begged me to do! I don't feel comfortable working under such conditions, almost alone without another RN in sight. I don't think that it's right to ask an experienced RN to do all of that and well, of course I would have a lot of trouble keeping up. I think I need a more nurturing environment to start off with. The problem is where am I ever going to find that? I have applied to a few good places w/ low staff turn over I worked at as an aide, but they are really small facilities so idk if they have a need for RNs very often. I even applied for a LPN position. I understand that I would be working under the only license I have (RN) and probably for a LPN pay rate. If it will help me gain valuable working experience, plus bring some money in, I'll do it!