New grad LTAC job

Specialties LTAC

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Specializes in LTC, camp nursing, LTAC (new to this).

Hello all, I accepted a position at a Kindred LTAC in MA. I was looking in the other forums and came across some posts suggesting a new grad stay away from LTACs. I would appreciate any information or advice anyone has to share. I haven't been able to find a specific LTAC forum. I would love to hear from anyone with LTAC experience.

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Specializes in Med surg.

Hi RN1822,

I also am in the same boat just a different state! I am hearing that it is a challenging position but very good experience. I did not see any negative responses. In fact they say you develop good critical thinking skills, time managment and so on... What more could you ask for:yeah:. Yes I agree who ever is in charge they should make a LTAC thread/link.

Some are mixing it up with LTC and they are two different places. When do you start?

There are some very smart nurses on this site that know alot about LTAC.

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Specializes in LTC, camp nursing, LTAC (new to this).

I start the first week of September. I am very excited about the position although I was so happy when they offered my the job I probably should have asked more questions. I am starting on the most acute floor with their most complex patients. I haven't found any books specific to LTAC so I have picked up 2 CCU books from Barnes and Noble and I am trying to start studying now so I will have some foundation for my orientation. Good Luck on your new job as well. Keep us posted on your progess. Have you already started?

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Congrats! I think any job that is willing to give you an appropriate orientation and support is a good place for a new grad to start. Ltac offers a lot of skills that will be good to master. I am not familiar with Massachusetts, but have heard it is a really rough market for new grads, if that is the case, take the job and make the best of it! I have, however , heard some mixed things about Kindred. Make sure they are orienting you long enough, and make sure there is someone to go to when you need help. Best of luck!

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Specializes in Med surg.

I start in September, I really feel lucky because most new grads have to take what they can get but I got what I wanted. Yes it's going to be challenging and so was nursing school! I am also preping with major disease process like RF, HF, wounds.... basically nursing skills...

Rumor is they offer a lengthy orientation 3-4 months. So yes congrats and I'm sure you will be great!

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Well make sure they do provide you an adequate orientation. Do NOT let them throw you to the wolves. Make sure you get ACLS Cert. if you are not already. Good luck. It can be a great environment to learn a lot. You have very complex patients who needs lots of specialized care.

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Specializes in Operating Room, LTAC.

Hi guys!

I'm a new grad and I was offered an LTAC position. I am definitely thinking about taking it. It wasn't my first choice (med-surg was), but it was what I was offered and jobs are hard to come by today. I have until next week to make my decision, and if no one else calls me then I'm going to go for it. I completed a rotation of LTAC in my last semester of nursing school. I had no idea what to expect, because I never really heard of it (only from a friend that rotated in LTAC the previous semester). Most of the patients have central lines, PEG/NG tubes, TPN infusions, are on vents, continuous antibiotics, are on dialysis...etc. I see from lots of threads that it's a great learning experience and that's what I hope to get. As far as orientation, mines also begin in September. I'm actually excited and ready to buy my scrubs :-). And I also agree with Nursingilove...there should definitely be a thread for LTAC here on allnurses.com. Hopefully we can keep each other updated.

God Bless & Good Luck!

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Specializes in MICU.

I went straight to an LTACH from school and it's been a great learning experience...I am getting experience with vented, critical care patients and experience with med/surg. You see lots of disease processes, lots of wound care....and contrary to popular belief the patients are sick! My biggest gripe is I feel like some of the doctors we admit to think it is basically LTC and we have to push a little more to get orders for labs/tests/meds. But overall I think it's been a good learning environment...

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Specializes in Operating Room, LTAC.

@ACullen...I'm glad your experience is going well. I hope mines go the same. How long would you say is a decent orientation for a new grad working in a LTACH?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Rehab.

I recently started at a LTAC, but it isn't Kindred. My orientation has been 5 weeks on the floor so far, I think it will be 8 weeks total. However I am not a new grad. I think new grads have a guaranteed 12 week orientation and experienced nurses have enough until they feel ready.

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Specializes in MICU.

I got 6 weeks as a new grad and I felt comfortable at the end of my orientation..but we have had people here get longer orientations if they need it. I think what is important is making the most of your orientation. ASK QUESTIONS! Your preceptor is a great resource while you have them...use it!! Tell all the nurses on the floor you want to practice your skills...they will usually be happy to let you practice on their patients and it's a good way to get the practice in while you have your preceptor as a safety net.

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Specializes in Med surg.

I am soooo happy to hear more about LTAC's!

I am so excited to start I know it's a big adjustment from nursing school to the floor. It sounds like I found exactly what I wanted. I will say it again. This site should have its own thread, I'm going to ask around. I believe we could really learn a lot from each other.

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