RNs who work in Long Term Facilities

[PatriceRN1004]

I am a new graduate & I have had a lot of difficulty finding employment. I recently got a phone call for potential employment at a nursing home however I'm concerned I'll lose my skills. For all the nurses that are experienced is it common for new grads to start at places like that to gain that first year of experience. And if there is anyone that is currently working in one what are some of your duties. Thanks in advance!

[NurseGuyBri]

I had the same concerns about losing skills. In *any* nursing job, you will "lose" skills, but you always gain others. I agree with CapeCod too, we are a SNF but do IVs, trachs, vacs, etc. It feels like med surge. And- let me tell you- in a good SNF, your assessment skills will go through the roof! Remember, you will never have all of the nursing skills for all jobs- you just need the RN base or LPN base to know HOW to make safe, sound decisions. that alone will be your scaffold. What you hang on it comes with experience. I worked in an ICU and learned about A-lines, ABGs, PICC insertion, trauma... good stuff. I have forgotten the details, but if I went back, they'd come back to me. In the SNF, I honed assessment, IV, TPN, wound care (great wound care), and IMMENSE preventive skills that I didnt use as much in the ICU. it's tomatoes and potatoes, oranges and apples. Learn what you can, find what you like, learn that skill set, and love it.

[jacquelyn.]

I completely agree. Working in a SNF I have learned so much. My assessment skills have gotten amazing, because I know if they go down hill there is not way I am equipped for a code. Me and two nurse techs :). I've also become a pretty good supervisor and teacher in all of a few months.