Would you take this job?

Specialties LTC Directors

Published

Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

I've been offered a job at an LTC facility, but I'm not sure if I should accept.

It's about 40 beds, with 2 floors of short-term rehab and 1 of LTC.

The pros: it's close to public transit (I don't own a car). I would earn twice as much as I'm earning now. I would finally have some RN experience. It seems like a nice place. They have 8-hour shifts.

The cons: It's only 16 hours a week to start, so I would have to keep my current job. I didn't spend the last 3 years banging my head against a wall so I could work 2 jobs. I would be work 3P-11P or 11P-7A. After 5:00 pm, I would have to care for 10-12 patients with 1 CNA and no one else. I could call a resource RN at home, or talk to the nurse (RN or LPN) on the other floor. Otherwise, one I finish orientation, I would be on my own.

I'm new to nursing. It isn't critical care, and I want to learn as much as I can, but this doesn't seem safe.

What do you think?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

12 patients???? That's nothing. I've worked in buildings where one nurse had 60 patients on 11-7, 30-40 on 3-11.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Ten to twelve patients? I have that many DIABETICS on my ICF unit, which means a minimum of 24 fingersticks and insulins to give during my shift.........to say nothing of the other 20 residents, many of whom have tube feeds, dementia, or skin issues. And I consider myself fortunate, because most LTC nurses have it much harder than I do; I almost always get my work done on time and am able to help the CNAs most evenings as well. I can't even imagine what I'd do to fill my time if I only had 10-12 patients and a CNA......:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Care,Psych, Long Term Care.

Yes, LTC is different in that a nurse can safely take care of a more clients compared to a hospital.

Hats off to you for seeking feedback on whether this job looks like a safe situation. Nurse/client ratios differ a lot in the various specialties.

It looks like you may have found a good place to work esp. as a new nurse. It may be a slower pace than some other LTC facilities and that is a good thing for a recent grad.

I hope that it works out for you! :nuke:

Pooksmom

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in acute care and geriatric.

If you have doubts, then its not for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, it seems like you kind of have your mind made up after reading this:

"I didn't spend the last 3 years banging my head against a wall so I could work 2 jobs."

I think you should keep looking. Maybe you could find something that offers more hours so you wouldn't have to work 2 jobs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Having worked some of the horrendous patient loads previously described, I have to agree that this does not sound like a bad assignment. But if it does not sound right to you, then you shouldn't do it. However, I would reconsider your attitude about two jobs. Many people work two jobs (with varying hours, commitment to each) as a form of job security. You never know when one job may go south and you will be happy to have at least some income until you find something else. So don't be so quick to write off more than one employer as an automatic negative.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

One nurse to 12 pts is a fantastic ratio for LTC/rehab. Sounds too good to be true, really.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in acute care and geriatric.

Hello People, we might think that the nurse - patient ratio is fantastic but if she is not comfortable with it- then the job is not for her- even for double her salary!!! One mans garbage is another mans treasure!!!!

As a new nurse she might be better off in a facility with other nurses around where she can learn and grow. Even if it means a higher number of patients.

To work alone you need a certain amount of self confidence that only comes with experience.

Re working 2 jobs- again its not for everyone. These are such personal decisions.

Whoever said that it sounds like she already made up her mind was right.

I support her in whatever decision she makes- and congrats on your new license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment