BSN - Working in LTC/TCU appropriate?

[*4!#6]

I will be graduating with my BSN soon. I have applied for some hospitals and some nursing homes/TCU's. I have gotten some response back from some LTC's/TCU's and have some interviews lined up. I work in a hospital but haven't heard back from any applications, although I have been told my application is being held for any new future openings by a nurse manager I close with. So I guess I have two questions --

Should I interview and potentially accept a job in a LTC/TCU knowing that my chance are good I might eventually get employed by my current employer?

Is it appropriate or typical for a BSN nurse to work in LTC/TCU? I know many ASN's and LPNs work here, but I'm wondering if this is appropriate for a bachelor's prepared nurse (not saying I'm any better because of my four year degree). I would be happy to start out in LTC as I enjoyed it previously and would welcome the opportunity for experience (and for employment in this tough economy). But I don't want to be working below my skill set.

[Mom of Diskids]

I have a Master's degree in Nursing and work LTC......... it doesn't matter what letters you have behind your name, no nursing task is "below" you.

[*4!#6]

Sorry if I made it seem like this was "below" me ... I meant no offense. Trust me, I have been the lowest of the low, the CNA flushing a pad full of liquid tube-feed BM down the giant toilet in the dirty utility room at 2:00am in the morning. Or having to clean up a foot-long thick glob of mucuous from a patient's tray. Cleaning up a resident's overflow toilet of flushed pads and other items. Hehe I miss those days and I know I would like to work in LTC. But my ultimate goal is to work in cardiology in a hospital. Would starting out in LTC be a poor choice for me?

[Mom of Diskids]

Unfortunately, there is a "stigma" in healthcare that LTC is below Acute care. I have known healthcare recruiters to snub there noses at anyone who even has the words "long term care" on their resume! If cardiology is where your heart is pointing you, then it would do you well to apply for any and all hospital jobs...even those NOT in telemetry! If you get your foot in the door in acute care somewhere you can always transfer to cardio at a later date if a job opens up.

[sciencer]

I have a BSN and work on a TCU in a LTC facility. There are quite a few of us with BSNs, actually. Most move on to hospital jobs within a year or so.

It is completely different than working on the LTC floors, which also have their unique challenges. I've been there a little over a year, and hospitals are finally calling me now, but it has been a great place to start. Most people don't seem to understand just what we do there. I would take the interview. I don't know how jobs are where you are, but it is very hard to get into hospitals here. All but a few people from my graduating class had to start in an alternative area other than a hospital. Good luck! Hope you get what you want and appreciate what you get! Sounds like you have a good start.

[nyteshade, BSN]

Sorry if I made it seem like this was "below" me ... I meant no offense. Trust me, I have been the lowest of the low, the CNA flushing a pad full of liquid tube-feed BM down the giant toilet in the dirty utility room at 2:00am in the morning. Or having to clean up a foot-long thick glob of mucuous from a patient's tray. Cleaning up a resident's overflow toilet of flushed pads and other items. Hehe I miss those days and I know I would like to work in LTC. But my ultimate goal is to work in cardiology in a hospital. Would starting out in LTC be a poor choice for me?

You'll find yourself doing those things in acute care too!