ER to LTAC

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I have been an ER nurse for my 9 year career as a nurse. I wanted a change and found a job on an LTAC. I love the company and those I will be working with. I am just nervous because they only have me on orientation for 2 weeks. Was wondering if anyone has any advice in making this transition? Thanks.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

My orientation was 2 days in a snf when i was a new grad lvn. It really wasn't adequate but I survived. The biggest difference is the huge increase in patient number. Its hard at first but as time goes by it will get easier as you learn the residents. Your ER experience is awesome and with your honed assessment skills and nursing knowledge you should be great.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

When I worked in an LTACH, I got 5 shifts, plus a day with RT and a day with the WOCN. It was not enough in my opinion, but I managed and just asked a ton of questions of my colleagues even after orientation. I've never worked ED myself, but whereas you're more used to focused assessments, LTAC pts have a lot of different factors coming into play and have been in the hospital a long time. Some of them, months. Your ability to juggle a bunch of things in the ED will definitely help you in LTAC.

Feel free to come back and ask questions once you get started; you can PM me too if you want since I don't check the LTACH forum every day.

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