ER nurse new to LTC!!!

Specialties Geriatric

Published

i have been a rn for almost a year. er nursing is all i've ever known or done. no routine meds or calling a doctor on the phone for a panic result or any other issue..the doctors are usually a few feet away from me. more autonomy in my ability to initiate orders. i have no idea about scheduled meds but i know a whole lot about medications in general due to practice.

i just got this prn job at a ltc facility. they called the unit a transitional care unit. my orientation is for 5 days, then i am put to work.

i dont think im worried about the skilled part. more about the paperwork and the routine. i dont know if the orientation is sufficient or i am just not believing in myself enough... i dont know!

Specializes in GERIATRICS, DEMENTIA CARE, MED-SURG.

I don't understand why nurses see LTC as a step down from acute care. I have done both and personally have found LTC the more rewarding of the 2. Though it is challenging emotionally and physically at times.

Our elders deserve so much and so often as I have seen someone state here they are "warehoused" waiting to die. If all the good nurses leave where does that leave them?

I agree things need to change but no change ever come from leaving........ get the families involved...........talk to your managers...........suggest changes.............and if you have to get political, but please don't just walk away................

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

Ask for more. It's a big jump from ER to LTC. I made a similar jump from trauma ICU to hospice. It takes some getting used to the different pace. Also many LTC patients are on CMO. That's a very different focus from what you're used to. This is your opportunity to see how they work with you.

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Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.

Aw...LTC is fun! If you find the right one anyway. I totally heart the one I work at. My residents are so cool I get up at 0500 just to hang out with them at 0630!

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Specializes in GERIATRICS, DEMENTIA CARE, MED-SURG.

LTC, you either love it or hate it.....do me a favor, if you don't like it please leave. This is not just a job, I feel it is a calling. These folks deserve the best.

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