Clinic to SNF?

[acim]

So I know that this topic has been beaten to death and I have been through majority of the archives that I could find on here but here it is again :)

I was a medical assistant for years and recently became an LPN. I had difficulty finding a job and finally landed one in a clinic setting. Vitals, phlebotomy, taking down pertinent patient information...the only thing I feel separates my experience from an ma and an lpn is that I don't order the Dr's lunch anymore :/ I recently found out that I have an opportunity to work at a SNF and sub acute rehab and a correctional facility (though that one is part time). It would be 6:30 am to 2:30 pm with a 1:15-20 and 5 cnas. I'm scared to leave a "plush" clinic for the unknown but...I want to feel like I went to nursing school for a reason. I also want to decide whether I will go forward with getting an RN. The thought of not being good enough with meds and time management scares me...as well as delegating. But I also feel like I want to try--at least for myself, kwim?

The SNF is also 9 minutes away from my home vs the 40 minutes and fighting for parking I go through now. I know I have to give up holidays and weekends...all I want to know is if it's worth it? Will I be able to experience being a nurse instead of feeling like a supped up version of a medical assistant. I mean no disrespect and please pardon me if I come off this way. Just looking for direction or advice. Another perspective.

Thanks

[LeChien, BSN, RN]

I have worked in 3 SNFs and have not had good experiences with any of them. Always understaffed, leaving you on your own most of the time. No appreciation from anyone. 5 CNAs...that's unheard of where I'm from. Day nurses were lucky to get 3. You would most likely be doing a lot of patient care, not that that's a bad thing, but with all the other "nurse" tasks like charting, IVs, falls, and passing meds, it takes a lot of valuable time from you. In my opinion yes you will still feel like a glorified medical assistant.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

My LTC experience has been positive. Yes, we are currently understaffed. Do I do some patient care? Yes, I do. There are a lot of meds to pass and charting. These things are all part of nursing. Do I sometimes stay late to finish my charting? Yes. Why? I feel that the patient's needs come first. I make lots of notes and then when I pass the floor to the night shift, I am able to finish my charting in an uninterrupted way. I ended up working as a CNA last evening and when I do that, it reminds me why I became a nurse. I get to use my nursing judgement, call Doctors along with many other things. I remind myself that I am there for the residents.

If you feel pulled to work in a LTC, go for it. It takes a special kind of person to work there and the only way to know if you are one, is to do it.

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

Depends on the SNF. Is there any rehab/post acute patients? As an LVN I'm finding I get a great range of experiences and skills with which to build upon. We get lots of IV ABT, IV hydration, catheters, injections, assessment skills stay sharp r/t needing to monitor post acute patients who are taking a turn for the worse and need to transfer back.

Also since I work PM on a rehab floor, I've gotten a ton of experience doing admissions! I feel that's helpful experience for any nurse.