Can someone explain?

Specialties Geriatric

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I am a Nusing Student, eager to learn. Can someone explain the difference in RN working in LTC and RN working in hospitals. Do they have some geriatric training (besides the one at school) :bookworm: before starting the job? or the training comes later? Thanks.:)

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90% of your real training will happen during your first job. You learn basic skills and how to think critically in nursing school. LTC and Hospital nursing are very different but you will qualify for either when you pass your Nclex

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Thank you Hpy_VlyRNBSN;

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Specializes in retired LTC.

A geriatric pt is the same whether he/she is in a hosp or a NH/LTCF. Chest pain is chest pain and SOB is SOB. The same principles of the ABC's of care and Maslow principles apply equally regardless of the setting. The provision of acute care by staff will be the same.

What is really different is that a geriatric pt admitted to the hosp is 'fixed up 'and then discharged; whereas the NH/LTC pt is 'fixed up' but is at home (albeit the NH) already. That makes a difference for long-range plans. Our care seeks to keep pts as well as poss while they stay at home (the NH). We deal with the chronic care. We treat the acute UTI just as the hosp would, but we also manage the long term renal insuff, hypertension, arthritis, and other problems day in and day out.

Finer and more detailed nuances of their care develops as the nurse works more with the older population. With experience, all staff, hosp & LTC, become more knowledgeable and proficient in geriatric care. Learning is an ongoing experience.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Experience will be your best teacher. That and seasoned, knowledgable nurses who you can ask when stumped. Best wishes.

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Thank you! I just started in allnurses and is great to have responses from experienced nurses. When I finish the RN program, I will continue with Geriatric studies. I think this is an area that will expand in the future.

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Specializes in dementia/LTC.
Thank you! I just started in allnurses and is great to have responses from experienced nurses. When I finish the RN program, I will continue with Geriatric studies. I think this is an area that will expand in the future.

I have heard there are specific certificates for nurses in geriatrics as well for future education. I haven't done the research to see what they entail, our education/infection control nurse told me I should look into it if I ended up wanting to continue working in geriatrics.

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I work at a SNF in a hospital setting, I use all the med surg skills I learned in school. Like the person said before, CHF is still CHF.

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

Amer.Assoc.Long Term Care nurses has certification programs for the LPN, RN, MDS nurse, culturak change and DON:yes:

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