Returning to LTC?

Specialties Geriatric

Published

Specializes in Geriatrics, Telemetry, Med-Surg.

When I was in nursing school, I never had the desire to be a hospital nurse, but I figured I'd give it a shot. I started off working as a RN in the same LTC facility that I'd worked as an aide in for years, then broadened my horizons and accepted a position on a telemtery unit. I thought the acute care experience would be beneficial. I've been working this unit for 6 months now (not long, I know), and recently I've been thinking of going back into LTC. Don't get me wrong, working on this unit has been a wonderful experience and I have learned A LOT, but I don't know if hospital nursing is for me. I miss LTC. As cheesy as this may sound, I feel as though it's my calling. A lot of people think I'm nuts for even wanting to work in LTC, but I honestly enjoyed it. I even filled out an app for a new LTC/rehab facility in town. So, has anyone else been in a similar situation? Should I pursue a position in LTC?

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Go for it - heaven knows we need nurses in LTC who REALLY WANT to be here.

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I think you should try to stick it out in acute care for a bit longer. I'm not saying you shouldn't want to work in LTC, but I think the knowledge and assessment skills you get in acute care are far superior and will serve you well if you go back to LTC.

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Specializes in Clinical Documentation Specialist, LTC.
Go for it - heaven knows we need nurses in LTC who REALLY WANT to be here.

I have over 20 years experience in LTC as a CNA and LPN, and up until about three years ago I thought I would never do anything else. I love to serve others and feel I have made a difference, but LTC has changed so much. I used to actually look forward to going to work, but when it became apparent that the "suits" just flat out don't care about anything but the bottom line, I was done. What happened to putting the patient first? To maintaining positive staff morale and doing whatever it takes to retain good staff?

Nurse to patient ratio in LTC's operating skilled units with 30 or more very sick patients for one nurse is dangerous and unfair to the patient and the nurse. The nurse gets reprimanded for getting five minutes of overtime, yet nothing is done to solve the problem of unrealistic expectations, staff turnover and call offs.

Bottom line is, there are nurses, like me, who really want or wanted to be there, who are very good at their jobs, but circumstances send them running for the hills. What you end up with are warm bodies who really don't care one way or the other because all the good CNAs and nurses have left.

If more LTCs were run the way CapeCodMermaid's home is run they would attract and retain good staff. I'm sure they're out there. I just don't see them anywhere around me.

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Specializes in LTC, Management, MDS Nurse, Rehab.
When I was in nursing school, I never had the desire to be a hospital nurse, but I figured I'd give it a shot. I started off working as a RN in the same LTC facility that I'd worked as an aide in for years, then broadened my horizons and accepted a position on a telemtery unit. I thought the acute care experience would be beneficial. I've been working this unit for 6 months now (not long, I know), and recently I've been thinking of going back into LTC. Don't get me wrong, working on this unit has been a wonderful experience and I have learned A LOT, but I don't know if hospital nursing is for me. I miss LTC. As cheesy as this may sound, I feel as though it's my calling. A lot of people think I'm nuts for even wanting to work in LTC, but I honestly enjoyed it. I even filled out an app for a new LTC/rehab facility in town. So, has anyone else been in a similar situation? Should I pursue a position in LTC?

Go with your heart :)

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I know a girl who works 3 days a week in an LTC and 2 days a week on a surgical ortho unit...

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I recently returned to LTC and things have changed. I don't feel I have job security in LTC. I see nurses getting written up for stupid stuff and even fired. You can work your butt off, do your very best and have no break and still end up getting fired in LTC.

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