RN returning after 10 years.

Hello: I have been out of nursing for 10 years. I also let my license lapse but retook my boards and have my license again. I am going to start a refresher course the end of August. However, have not been able to find work until I have the refresher course. I did become employed a couple of weeks ago in a LTC facility with skilled and subacute care.

When I applied with a hospital they told me it was a good idea to work in a skilled LTC to renew my skills. But I was not placed in the skilled unit as promised. Instead I was placed in LTC with a backbreaking patient load. Apparently, this was to get me and leave me in LTC.

I persisted and asked for what I was promised. I got 5 days of orientation on the LTC, 1 day just observing. The DON did not want to put me in skilled, so the next thing I know I got a schedule with 2 days orientation in subacute, trachs and vents for 15 patients, 1 lvn and a couple of cnas, I think. Then on the 3rd day I am supposed to be charge nurse.

Do you think this is out of line, or are these patients less acute than in hospitals. It seems kind of scary to me with just 2 days orientation. Or maybe this is a ploy to get me back to LTC? It is pretty obvious the DON in not keeping her promise to put me in skilled care wanted to keep me in LTC. One of the nurses told me that new graduates didn't last in skilled care. But now I am going to be in subacute (med/surg nurse previously).

So I am hoping that to begin with these patients are less acute. Anyone know anything about these subacute facilities.

Thanks. Hope I get some info from you.