Climbing the career ladder in LTC... is it worth it?

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While for some it's a no-brainer... more money, status etc... but have any ones of you taken an upper level position (manager, resident care supervisor etc...) and regret it later, possibly going back to pushing cart? In our facility this type of job is all about logistics. Tons of paperwork, calls, issues resolving, endless meetings, there's very little nursing in that, it's just typical office/management job. And, oh, an 8-hour 5-day, Mo-Fr schedule. I have 12hr schedule (with a few 5-days off in a row periods), and I love it. Tons of free time, come get the job done and leave life. And plenty of paid overtime opportunities, so that I'm sure covers most of salary difference.

What do you think about that? If you were given an opportunity to be promoted to a management job at your facility, would you take it?

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Specializes in Peds Homecare.

If you are happy where you are, then stay. Don't ask for headaches and ulcers.

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Specializes in multispecialty ICU, SICU including CV.

You know, my sister-in-law is a DON at a LTC and I think it is a big misconception that she works 8-5. She has to carry a beeper 24/7 and has to cover shifts when they are short.

I also think the money isn't that good. I am a hospital charge RN with not much more experience (5 years or less) than her and I think I out-earn her by quite a bit. I think if you want to make more cash, get out of LTC and into a hospital -- don't take on all the responsibility and the headache. I don't think that the income is enough for what DONs have to deal with.

Anybody know the pay difference between hospital staff nurses and facility management nurses for sure?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I've been working in LTC for more than four years as a floor nurse. While I have been offered other positions (weekend supervisor, treatment nurse, assistant director of nursing), I've refused them all. I do not like 5-day work weeks, I enjoy having plenty of days off, I do not like being on call or carrying a pager, I dislike cliques, and I do not like the political games that are often played with the daytime management team at many facilities.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Been there, done that, got the battle scars to prove it. I'd rather stick with working the floor, if my aging body will permit it.

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Specializes in Hem/Onc, LTC, AL, Homecare, Mgmt, Psych.

While it's more politics & meetings, & more pressure to improve quality measures & PR, moving into a management position... I really don't regret it I guess. There are some days that I dreadfully miss being on the cart and passing meds, doing treatments, growing close to the residents.

I work 4 days a week 8-5 now after getting my RN. On call every 4th weekend. Sure beats working every other weekend & holiday! Sure beats passing 1,000 pills a day! Sure beats being on my feet for 8 hours & breaking my back to do a good job!

I still get out on the floor & help with any IV's, blood draws, treatments, daily charting when the med cart nurses are bogged down. That is.... when I can get out from under my paperwork.

Make a list of the pros and cons. That helped me choose the mgmt position. Some days I feel like a tool but I have been learning a lot in all the meetings and training seminars we have to go to.

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I LOVE being in management. I am good at it, it's like I was born to be a manager. In my facility I am the ADON and I work every third week-end as the nurse on the medicare hall so I still get to do the floor nurse stuff too.

I recently just got my FNP degree and start a new job in about a week. I am going to miss LTC and my management position so much but my salary will almost double so I hope I learn to enjoy this new endeavor just as much!

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Specializes in Gerontological Nursing, Acute Rehab.
You know, my sister-in-law is a DON at a LTC and I think it is a big misconception that she works 8-5. She has to carry a beeper 24/7 and has to cover shifts when they are short.

I also think the money isn't that good. I am a hospital charge RN with not much more experience (5 years or less) than her and I think I out-earn her by quite a bit. I think if you want to make more cash, get out of LTC and into a hospital -- don't take on all the responsibility and the headache. I don't think that the income is enough for what DONs have to deal with.

Anybody know the pay difference between hospital staff nurses and facility management nurses for sure?

I must respectfully disagree.

In my area (and in other areas that I've lived in) LTC makes more money than hospital nursing, sometimes significantly more.

DON's can make close to a six figure salary. I know some that make over $100,000/year.

It is true that you will be on call 24/7 as a DON, less so if you are an ADON, Head Nurse, or other key staff position.

You have to really want to be in management in order to be an effective leader. If you are just doing it for the hours, the weekends/holidays off, the money or the prestige, you will be in for a rude awakening and will not be happy with your choice.

Good luck with your decision!

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Our facility pays $3 more than all the hospitals in our town (starting wage).

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I've been in management for more years than not. I wouldn't go back to pushing a cart for anything. I am on call 24/7 for emergencies or problems. I never go anywhere without my cell phone. I am NOT in a clique and do not encourage any 'politics' with any of the staff.

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I've been in management for more years than not. I wouldn't go back to pushing a cart for anything. I am on call 24/7 for emergencies or problems. I never go anywhere without my cell phone. I am NOT in a clique and do not encourage any 'politics' with any of the staff.

Sorry to get off topic for a minute...but, CapeCodMermaid, I have read your posts before and always admired your attitude..you just seem like such an awesome nursing administrator....any chance you're going to move to Ohio? Because we sure could use you! Have a great weekend with no emergencies or problems !

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Anybody know the pay difference between hospital staff nurses and facility management nurses for sure?
I am in a major city in Texas. The DON at the nursing home where I am employed earns a yearly salary of $95,000. Some DONs at larger nursing homes in this area are earning salaries that easily exceed $100,000 annually. Many hospital staff nurses in my area with comparable years of experience are not earning anywhere near $100,000 yearly.

The DON (director of nursing) of any facility must assume a massive amount of responsibility, accountability, and integrity, so it only makes sense to compensate them well for the services that they render. For instance, my previous DON was escorted out of the facility by federal surveyors and had her nursing license referred to the state BON for a little white lie that eventually blew up in her face, so it is imperative for a nurse manager to have the utmost integrity.

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