Anybody ever work for HCR Manorcare/Heartland

SquishyRN, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2013

I am a newly graduated RN and was offered a job with HCR almost immediately after applying. I am told that I will be getting a month-long training/orientation with one of the company's seasoned preceptors. I have heard some not-so-nice things about this company in general and was wondering if it would really be wisest to stay away from this employer. The rate of pay that was offered was by no means great, and the HR director told me that I would become responsible for 15-20 patients on a skilled unit. That seems like an awful lot to me! My student loans will need to start being repayed very soon. Any advice/guidance anybody can give me would be greatly appreciated.

A month long orientation and 15-20 patients is fantastic in LTC. If you're actually given what you mentioned as promised, then what you've been given is actually is pretty good for a SNF. I'm just giving you some perspective since you don't have any other frame of reference.

I've worked in three different LTC/SNFs and received no more than 3 days of orientation at any facility, even as a new grad. My patient load would be around 25-30 patients in one facility to 35-45 patients in the other two. The former wasn't bad at all since those 25-30 patients were LTC, but in the latter facilities those 35-45 patients were skilled. And these places aren't dumps either, they get 5 star ratings in DHS surveys. So no, I don't think 15-20 patients on a skilled unit is "an awful lot" in the when it comes to LTC.

CrossCountryRN2008 · Oct 30, 2013

That is not a heavy load in rehab SNF. I worked at a Manor Care as a new grad got less than 2 weeks and thrown to wolves as night RN supervisor with 20patients of my own

Nola009 · Nov 7, 2013

Thanks xoxo

Blondenurse83 · Nov 7, 2013

Yeah that orientation sounds amazing for manor care! I also worked for them as a new grad on their rehab unit and I got 4 days and then was thrown on my own! However, my pay was comparable to hospitals in the area (I live in ohio) and I learned a lot! Good luck.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2013

I took a job with HCR ManorCare approximately 7 years ago and lasted two weeks before I ended up quitting. I was promised "as much orientation as I needed," but received two shifts of training before I was cut loose to work on my own.

I worked the 3-11pm shift, which is the busiest shift due to the volume of new admissions that roll through the door during that time frame. The residents on the Medicare/skilled rehab unit tend to be very sick and high acuity.

Nola009 · Nov 7, 2013

Thanks Commuter & Blonede nurse -- After all the bad things I was hearing (not just here) I decided to do more research and think about it before I took the job. I'm continuing on my search to find a new job where I can get some good training

Nola009 · Nov 7, 2013

I took a job with HCR ManorCare approximately 7 years ago and lasted two weeks before I ended up quitting. I was promised "as much orientation as I needed," but received two shifts of training before I was cut loose to work on my own.
I worked the 3-11pm shift, which is the busiest shift due to the volume of new admissions that roll through the door during that time frame. The residents on the Medicare/skilled rehab unit tend to be very sick and high acuity.

I wonder if it's still like that. Then again I don't wanna find out the hard way either ;:) Thanks for the info

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Nov 7, 2013

HCR provides different levels of care. From rehab, to assisted living, etc. What area would you be working, exactly.

15-20 patients for a new grad with a month of orientation is NOT doable.

HCR has a bad reputation in the community for nursing care/positive patient outcomes.

This is because they hire new grads, (at a low salary no less) and work them like mules.

You will also be starting out in a negative LTC type setting... possible stuck in that nasty rut for awhile.

As you can tell, my vote is run the other way.

Good luck, keep us posted.

Nola009 · Nov 7, 2013

HCR provides different levels of care. From rehab, to assisted living, etc. What area would you be working, exactly.
15-20 patients for a new grad with a month of orientation is NOT doable.
HCR has a bad reputation in the community for nursing care/positive patient outcomes.
This is because they hire new grads, (at a low salary no less) and work them like mules.
You will also be starting out in a negative LTC type setting... possible stuck in that nasty rut for awhile.
As you can tell, my vote is run the other way.
Good luck, keep us posted.

As much as I want a JOB your vote makes sense to me. I tried to explain this and my own reasoning to my husband... and he just doesn't 'get it'. He seems to think I am shying away from hard work when I just don't want to walk into a disaster waiting to happen! And yeah, they pay pretty bad.

nrsang97, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2013

Run. I worked for them as an aide. I would have a most of a hallway and have to get everyone up and dressed and in the dining room by like 0800, my shift started at 0700. It was pretty impossible. The other staff was not helpful when we were needing to lift someone. Just not a good environment.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2013

If you have no other employment options at the present time, I would go ahead and accept the job while treading very carefully.

If possible, avoid the 3-11pm shift at ManorCare because their facilities get slammed with seriously ill new admissions during the evening hours. You will feel stuck and overwhelmed if you receive anywhere from 3 to 8 new admissions while trying to get things done for your 15 to 20 residents who are already there.

7-3pm shift has management, more staff and support. 11-7am shift moves at a slower, breathable pace. But the 3-11pm shift will tax you mentally, especially when the sick admissions arrive and you do not have the special supplies they need (BiPAP machines, IV pumps, CPM machines, etc.).