Quote from nulife4good
Hi all,
I'm a new nurse (less than 1 year experience) and I have an interview at an LTAC today. I don't have any experience with this level of care--my background is at a Transplant PCU and honestly, I'm stressed out since my patients are constantly going down the tubes on my shifts. My typical patient load may include treating a hyperglycemic patient (blood sugar over 600), a post op day 1 transplant patient, and another patient on a cardiac drip with sporadic chest pain. I'm a bit freaked out with the safety risks for each of these patients and realized that I'm in over my head as a new nurse. I want to transition to Med/Surg but unfortunately, my lack of experience has made it difficult for me to find work. I applied for this LTAC position since it was listed as a Med/Surge level of care and they were the first and only place that has responded to my application in the past 2 months.
After researching the general discussions and this board in particular, I haven't seen many positive comments about being an RN in an LTAC. My question is for you seasoned LTAC RNs, what is it that you like about LTAC and what motivates you to remain in your facility?
Thanks in advance!
Just to follow up, the LTAC HR rep called today and extended an offer! I'm excited (and terriefied) that this facility is willing to take a chance on a semi-new RN. I haven't accepted the offer yet, I'll call tomorrow, but I'm feeling relieved. Currently, I've been painted into a corner at my existing job--I'm close to getting written up which would prevent me from transferring, so I'm glad that I can have a fresh start someplace else. Thanks everyone for your insight into LTACS!
Sep 27, '12 by Enthused_Nurse2BEsme, I'm putting your "brains" to work starting next week. I'm a student on tele and OB and I feel I need more organization to my notes. I've been using plain binder paper to take notes for report and throughout the shift --> no more!Esme12 likes this.
Sep 28, '12 by Esme12Quote from Enthused_Nurse2BGood!!!!! Look at them all feel free to cut and paste your own creation for your own needs. Feel free to PM anytime or post questions in the nursing student assistance forum!Esme, I'm putting your "brains" to work starting next week. I'm a student on tele and OB and I feel I need more organization to my notes. I've been using plain binder paper to take notes for report and throughout the shift --> no more!
Oct 1, '12 by nulife4goodQuote from nulife4goodJust to follow up, the LTAC HR rep called today and extended an offer! I'm excited (and terriefied) that this facility is willing to take a chance on a semi-new RN. I haven't accepted the offer yet, I'll call tomorrow, but I'm feeling relieved. Currently, I've been painted into a corner at my existing job--I'm close to getting written up which would prevent me from transferring, so I'm glad that I can have a fresh start someplace else. Thanks everyone for your insight into LTACS!Hi all,
Oct 2, '12 by itfeelsgr82savealifeCongrats on the extensive offer! You'll gain lots of experience working in a LTACH. Good Luck!