asking all nurse supervisors...

[enchantedpixie]

Would you recommend that a new LTC supervisor already have LTC experience, or do you think they could be successful with nursing knowledge from other clinical areas?

[tyvin, BSN, RN]

Are you talking about an RN who has experience in "other then" LTC; if so I would say yes. Experienced RNs are extremely adaptible and as long as this person understands what they're getting into I think it's fine. I was hired as a Charge in LTC with no experience and did well.

Experienced RNs who go into LTC thinking it's easy are in for a real shock.

[steelcityrn, RN]

Sometimes it is better if you don't, as with other nursing areas you would then be trained the way that facility wants the work done. But, Im sure they are looking at applicants that have experience.

[MouseMichelle]

personally I would say if you are to be a LTC supervisor that you need LTC experience on the floor, other's would disagree with me, it depends on how adaptable you are. If you are asked to work as a LTC supervisor could you get experience on the floor for a while? It just depends on how quick you are, how much training etc. But I suggest get LTC experience.

Good luck

[OldNurseEducator]

This sounds like a "loaded" question? Does your new supervisor come from anarea other than LTC?? Fess up now....

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

I think it's sensible to have experience in the area you are going to supervise. I speak from personal experience. I had a background as sort of a jack of numerous nursing specialties, I had supervisory experience. But I had no experience either as a staff RN or a Supervisor in the area I supervised, which happened to be LTC and GeroPsych.

Let's just say that was not the best job I have ever had.

that said, only you know yourself the best. Maybe you can walk in somewhere new and supervise well. I hope you get a great orientation. Best of luck, whichever way you decide to go.

[ocean waves]

Hello. I agree with the posters who say "...sensible to have experience in the area you are going to supervise." In addition, it seems wise that a new LTC nursing supervisor also have significant supervisor experience and/or education in nursing management issues. One of my pals is a new LTC supervisor, and she is expressing difficulty with staying on top of all the required management tasks---this pal is a darn good nurse, however, she did not have significant management experience or leadership education prior to taking this gig. This new superviser pal is doing the very best she can in her job, and her LTC facility is very fortunate to have her as a dedicated employee. Best wishes.

[JTworoger]

Enchantedpixie,

I answered your question in the ADON/DON forum, but I repost is it here.

This is a very difficult question to answer, because I'm sure that many would either agree or diagree with my statement that I'm about to say.

I personally feel like a nurse who has experience in another aspect of nursing is a great asset anywhere, however, I feel if you are changing your specific aspect of nursing, then you need to get a good feeling for that aspect before persuing a supervisor role.

With that being said, you don't want to overwhelm yourself with meanlingless situations if you don't know how to handle them just yet. How a nurse handles something on a Medical/Surigcal floor, for example, may handle a situation totally different then a nurse who is actually working in a nursing home.

My advise to you is, get a feeling for the job before you take a Supervisor role, because honestly, as a nurse your going to be a supervisor anyway, just may not be over the same amount of people that you where applying for.

I worked in the ER for 3 years before I came to a LTC facility due to being burned out and after a couple months, I took the MDS position and let me tell you, sometimes I feel like I have to much responsiblity.

In the end the choice is yours, but that is my advice/suggestion. I hope this helps!

Jeremy

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Think it's do-able with excellent basic education, the right attitude / aptitude, and excellent support -- "mentorship."

[SunbabiLPN]

I think to supervise anyone you have to be familiar with their job duties which is really hard to know unless you have lived the daily LTC life for awhile. There are many shortcuts that we have to take to get everything done in a timely manner and I've found that supervisors who don't know the routine hinder us more than they help us.

[iceprincess492]

I think it would be extremely difficult to be a LTC supervisor without having LTC experience. LTC has so many different guidelines that we have to follow. Even if you are an excellent nurse in another capacity I feel you would be setting yourself up for failure. I have been in LTC for 12 years and would never be able to leave and go to acute care setting in any type of supervisory position.