don't know what to do

[lilome]

I've worked in long term care for years. I have been at this particular place 4 1/2 years. I like it. It's challenging, but I like it. I just graduated as an RN and don't know if I should take the job position there or not.

Am I being a chicken by not applying at a hospital? Am I staying here because it's safe? Or is this where I belong?

How did you decide that ltc was for you?

[unknown99, BSN, RN]

Why don't you try a pool or prn position at a hospital close by. That way you are not committed to any certain hours, and you can decide if you like it or not.

[Paulette RN]

In my case, I tried different nursing once I graduated. My husband and I moved around alot so I was changing jobs frequently. But over the years, I found that I was enjoying LTC more than hospital nursing. I still love it. It is nice to get some hospital experience after you graduate so that you can hone your skills and get some "rounded" experience in med/surg. It does help you with your assessment skills, when you see them presenting in hosp. It is hard to step out of our comfort zones but it doesn't take long for a new place to feel equally as comfortable. I also realize that just graduating, sometimes we feel unsure of what we can do. (I know i was terrified after finishing training to think that I had to actually take patient loads by myself)

So the long and the short of this is get as much experience as you can, wherever you can and you will end up having the confidence you need to work anywhere. Good luck.....and yes LTC does rule....LOL

[lilome]

Thank you. I am working pool right now at the home, and frankly what they pay me is much higher than anything I've found. Now, if I take a regular position the wage drops by like $7. I should take a part time position at a hospital and stay pool where I'm at.

Now I just have to find the balls to do just that.

[Nascar nurse, ASN, RN]

lilome - I feel your pain. I have been a LTC nurse (LPN) for 19 years. After ALL THESE YEARS, I finally got my RN this past spring so I could "get better opportunities". Now after working so dang hard, I am scared to death to walk out of my comfort zone. I admit it, I am sick to death of LTC and all the politics involved, all the stupid corporate policies, all the unreasonable state regulations that can't possibly be accomplished, the chronic short-staffing ratios, etc, etc, but I just can't seem to get a foot out the dang door. Part of it is I am spoiled (M-F day job as MDS co-or), part of it is just plain scared. I don't know what I will end up doing, but it is nice to know that someone else shares my pain. Good luck