Did I settle am I hurting my career?

Nurse_ · Feb 16, 2013

I don't think it'll hurt your chances to work in a LTC. I think working your license, no matter what kind of facility it is, makes you more attractive for hire. You can still look for a job while working, while being comfortable with passing meds and taking doctors orders.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 16, 2013

Sometimes, you have to settle for what is available at the moment. Whether or not you need to settle in this case depends on the job market in your local area. If you have already been rejected by your top choices for employment, you will need to settle for what is available and move forward from there -- building your professional track record. Sometimes, we make decisions in life that have consequences we don't always like.

Who knows? Keep an open mind. You may find that you like LTC -- and if you are good at working with the elderly, you will have many career opportunities available to you within the specialty of geriatrics. With the population aging, you may be able to develop a really nice career for yourself as new roles open up for nurses specializing in geriatrics.

jujubeee · Feb 16, 2013

I definitely don't think you're hurting your career, unless you're wasting your license and sitting on your butt doing nothing! I worked for a medical spa for a few years and still ended up being hired at a clinic despite not having to use "acute care type skills" at my last job. Make the most of it. Learn as much as you can and DO as much as you can.

Liddle Noodnik · Feb 19, 2013

I recently posted about taking a year off after nursing school to have a baby. I looked for a job for about 6 weeks and never heard ANYTHING but "no new grads" and rejections. After reading a lot of post about "old new grads" and "trouble finding jobs" I started panicking and applying everywhere. I got a offer in LTC and rehab. If I take it will I be hurting my career?Will I loose skill? Did I give up to soon? I haven't even applied for any residencies yet. I'm afraid if I wait any longer I will really get into trouble about being too far out of school with no experience. I went to one of the best programs in my state with a decent GPA. I feel like I worked really hard and I deserve a good position. But I am not above working Ltc if I can get where I want to go.

I think having a year experience anywhere will give you a better chance at getting a job than if you don't work at all. and who knows, you may love LTC. oh please love LTC, they need good nurses! :)

sbostonRN · Feb 20, 2013

You're definitely not settling! LTC can be really wonderful. Each facility is different so do your homework before choosing a facility. Check their scores on the Medicare ratings website and do a tour of the facility. Does it smell like urine? Do the residents and nurses/CNAs seem happy? I works on a rehab floor in a LTC for a year and got great experience...most of my patients were there for a few weeks to a few months. I got experience with hospice patients, wound dressings, trach care, G-tubes, tons of IV meds, etc. Most importantly I learned time management and prioritization. My skills helped me land a job in a long-term acute care hospital where I currently am. You may decide you love LTC/SNF nursing too :)

JennypennyBsn · Feb 21, 2013

Thanks for the advice. I went to the facility with an open mind, but there were no other RN's working there on the floor. The facility had been in recent trouble with the state and it just seemed like a bad place to work. I am going to look into LTC places with better Medicare ratings and of course pursue acute care and maybe dialysis. Thanks again:)