Any nurses who enjoy LTC?

LTCNS, LPN · May 3, 2013

LTC most definitely has its good and bad sides, but always remember it's not the residents who make or break a place, it's usually management. Not always DONs or Administrators. I'm talking about corporate with their unrealistic expectations and ever increasing demands.

However, LTC can be very rewarding. There is great satisfaction in bringing a smile to the face of a lonely elder, holding the hand of the elder who has nobody else and just listening, being the one who can get an elder to eat all of his meals when nobody else can, etc...

I have always loved geriatrics. I left to work in a clinic for three months and was unhappy. I missed the lil old ladies and lil old men so I went back to it as head nurse in an alzheimer's assisted living home. Sure it has its challenges and can be somewhat depressing, but anytime I can bring a smile to one of my resident's faces or make them laugh by doing something silly, that's enough for me.

LisaWellsKraft · May 3, 2013

I dearly love working with the elderly. There are so many rules and regulations in LTC, and corporate can be a royal pain, but the residents can be so much fun! And if you have the pleasure of working with a great team, it helps you deal with all those regulations.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · May 4, 2013

Read ANY of the posts on other forums and you'll see nurses dissatisfied no matter where they work. I've been in long term care for years....I wouldn't trade my career for anything ( ok...so I'd trade it to be a movie star, but...)

cherowil · May 4, 2013

There are bad things about LTC but there are good things too. Especially the residents. They have become like another family to me. I really do enjoy my job as an LPN most days but I'm always so busy (with my 32 residents) that I don't have time to do anything except my job. It gets pretty stressful some days. And while I enjoy my job, I do not plan on being here forever. LTC is a stepping stone for me just so I can get some experience so hopefully a hospital will hire me after I get my RN license. Oh and the pay at the facility I work at is pretty decent too....

JBMmom, MSN, NP · May 4, 2013

I'm also a recent grad (wow- a whole year already!), only been working in LTC for going on five months. I didn't expect to like it, took a job with convenient hours, close to home, and expected I'd just "get through" it until I could move on after getting some experience. I've found it's pretty good! I think the resident load is a little too high to do everything I want (I've got 30, I know many here have more than that, and with higher acuity, so I'm lucky), but I enjoy working with my residents. I think it's largely about your tolerance- we've got dementia residents, demanding residents, and things just happen, so if you're unable to deal with distractions you might be easily frustrated. I'm lucky that the staff I work with is awesome, I had 10 days of orientation, the other nurses are very helpful, supervisors are great and most of the aides are really good. I don't think there's any way to know ahead of time how you'll like it. Many people love it, many others hate it. Good luck.

dragonheart, MSN · May 4, 2013

The question is-what area of specialization do you want to explore/pursue?

If you like the Long Term Care (LTC) population then you will have great experience working with them and be a great mentor.

If you determine that something other than the population served is the concern or issue, then your gained experience will allow for greater relocation and career move opportunities for you.

I like this site because it serves as a great reference and touchpoint. It helps me with informed decision-making.

I appreciate the honest and thoughtful responses provided in a networking environment.