Tell me the good things about LTC!

[NewEnglandRN]

Brief summary:

I worked as an RN in the hospital environment for 2+ years (Med-Surg/NICU); I even tried Home Health Care for a few months. I just cannot seem to find my spot in Nursing and don't want to keep jumping positions.

So, I sat down and made a list of what I like/ do not like about Nursing:

I like providing continuity of care, getting to know my patients and their families. I also like leadership and do well in a supervisory role. I love patient education.

I did not like the constant anxiety I felt in the NICU setting, wondering what horrible thing could happen next.

I have just accepted a Baylor position in an LTC/ rehab facility. But, after reading many posts here, it sounds like it is a "step-down" for me as an RN. This facility will advance me in a supervisory role, and I like the extra responsibility that comes with it.

Can someone please share the positives of working in an LTC environment?

Many thanks!

:redpinkhe

[MaritesaRN]

I don't consider it a step down either. Some LTC's don't pay as much vs hospital pay and some pay more so go figure. For me LTC was a job where I only had a 5 minute commute. That's what got me in here as an LPN and what is holding me here until I get my RN.

You do get to know your pts very well, and they look forward to seeing you. And having that breakthrough and establishing a good relationship with difficult family members is awesome. There is teaching, and wound care and trach care and hemovacs and lab draws and PICC lines etc. Geriatrics is such a fragile population that there is always something going on to keep you thinking.

Over time.... you control the care that enables pts to get better and leave, or maintain, you help people be comfortable as they die. You develop a good rapport with the visiting MD's and pharmacists. As a clinical mgr, supervisory position, you'll have more politics and paperwork than I do as a wing nurse but some people really enjoy and excel in those positions. Supervisors don't seem to go as crazy as fast as the wing nurses IMHO.

Sara

Hi Sarah, I am thinking of changing career direction. Been in office work as Medicare auditor , but would like to go to geriatrics, I think.......LTC for me in the past is negative due to some past experience wherein the place smells bad, understaffed and overwork. I like to know more please as to what entails if you are an RN in a place like this? do they continously give you education/classes etc? Thank you.

[MaritesaRN]

Wellllll.....first of all, I don't think of it as a step down. You will be learning and using different skills than that of the NICU.

Find a LTC that has skilled care and not just LTC/ intermediate care. You will find tons of wound care, IVs for abtx, tpn, fluids, Tube feedings, teaching for diabetic, cardiac wounds...etc. We have trachs, but no vents (some subacute faclities will)...you will see a mix.

Positives....I like the continutity of care..after a while, you feel like family.

oops...I have more on this, but the kids are bothering me..

Is LTC ( w/ skilled care?) for me. I really feel for the old people but I am cautious of the staffing . I hear it is so understaffed? What are the good points in working in an LTC?