Nurses Helping Nurses
allnurses Network: Central | Jobs | Books | Newsletter
allnurses: A Nursing Community for Nurses
Home General News Blogs Articles Students Region Specialty Degrees F.A.Q.
LTC: Directors Nursing and Assistant (DON/ADON) /

Would you take this job?



Did You Know?
allnurses is the largest community for nurses on the web. We now have over 388,584 members! Join today to network with other nurses, laugh, share, and much more.

Dec 30, 2008 06:55 PM

Would you take this job?

Updated Dec 30, 2008 at 06:56 PM by Not_A_Hat_Person

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?


Share

Search Tags
None
Top

 
Advertisement
Sponsored Links
 
Reply
8 Comments
No. 1
Old Dec 30, 2008, 09:12 PM

Default Re: Would you take this job?
12 patients???? That's nothing. I've worked in buildings where one nurse had 60 patients on 11-7, 30-40 on 3-11.
Top
 
No. 2
Old Dec 30, 2008, 10:22 PM

Default Re: Would you take this job?
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......
Top
 
No. 3
Old Dec 31, 2008, 09:23 PM

Default Re: Would you take this job?
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!

Pooksmom
Top
 
No. 4
Old Dec 31, 2008, 11:53 PM

Default Re: Would you take this job?
If you have doubts, then its not for you.
Top

1 Reader Gave Kudos
 
No. 5
Old Jan 01, 2009, 12:09 AM

Default Re: Would you take this job?
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.
Top
 
No. 6
from caliotter3
Old Jan 01, 2009, 12:20 AM

Default Re: Would you take this job?
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.
Top

1 Reader Gave Kudos
 
No. 7
Old Jan 01, 2009, 12:52 AM

Default Re: Would you take this job?
One nurse to 12 pts is a fantastic ratio for LTC/rehab. Sounds too good to be true, really.
Top

1 Reader Gave Kudos
 
No. 8
Old Jan 01, 2009, 04:54 AM

Default Re: Would you take this job?
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.
Top
 
Reply




Thread Tools


Who's Online
340 members
3,336 guests
3,676

13

lawsuit - But don't most RN's work through breaks/lunch...

0

Patient Evaluation of Retail Clinic Care

1

The hard to reach on-call doctor, and its effects on...

5

Woman charged with passing off prescription drug as...

13

Man in "Vegetative State" was conscious for 23...

2

Interesting article on ThedaCare's Collaborative Care Model

12

Possible breakthrough regarding MS

63

16th Philly area hospital to stop delivering babies: Mercy...

10

Really interesting article on Indian open hearts

10

High-Tech Pump Does What Her Heart Can't



37

Dear preceptor

1

Society Needs Care Too

13

Why am I doing this, anyway?

2

Nurse Heal Thyself

9

My Papa, why I am the nurse I am today.

17

I made it through

11

An angel's gaze

16

A Sister Never Forgets

16

Ruby's Marbles

38

What Do Operating Room Nurses Do?

14

My Little Old Jedi

20

I love this job......

23

"I hear voices"

19

Preventing FRUTI (Foley Related Urinary Tract Infection) in...

24

Error and Attitude





Sponsored Links

Currently Reading This Page: 1 (0 members & 1 guests)

Interested in the hottest topics of the week? Subscribe to the Nurse-zine Newsletter.
Enter email address: