ER to LTC

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Specializes in ER, medsurg,children psych.

Hi, I have been an ER nurse for 7 years working mostly nights. I have recently been offered a day shift position in a nursing home. I was just wondering if anyone else had made such a transition and if any one had any tips for someone considering working in LTC? Thanks

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

i know a nurse who moved from the er to home health after working about a decade. although it is not exactly the same transition i consider ltc community health and see it as similar. according to her she is very happy! her familial circumstances changed and working the er was no longer in her family's best interest. she told me that the skills she learned in the er is really helping her in home health ... good luck to you!

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Specializes in ER, medsurg,children psych.

That is my situation also, I need off nights. I love the ER, but I think that I could love LTC also. Most of my coworkers think I am crazy, but I need to do what is best for my family and this is it. The ER docs have a pool going to see how long it will take before I get fired or quit. LOL. It will be very strange having to call for orders for everything and I have never seen so much charting. I hope I have made the right decision. Thanks for your help.:nurse:

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Well, I've seen good and bad reactions to LTC. Since working in the ER, you are prob excellent at time management, assessment, advocating for pts, being independant and knowing your "stuff" and having everything on hand.

Enter the LTC word.......

Flexability, organization, management skills..everything you have already, but need to use in a different way.

Most of the ER or ICU nurse I 've worked with have done well after they get over the intial culture shock. Once most of the docs get comfortable with your skill level, they will def listen and accept all of your suggestions or requests for things. The charting is a monster that will take alot of time to get used to.

Make sure they still give you a good orientation esp to the paperwork.

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Specializes in Gerontology/Home Health CM, OB, ICU, MS.

[Make sure they still give you a good orientation esp to the paperwork.

Excellent advice :yeah:

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Specializes in Management, Endocrine, ER, Corrections.

Thanks for this initial post! In much the same way, I am leaving the ER (not forever, but for now) due to family demands, and headed to LTC. I was a CNA prior to becoming a nurse so I am familiar with skilled nursing facilities. Yet, I still wonder about the transition... any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

As someone else mentioned, I think you really need to be prepared for a huge culture shock. Be ready to really listen to all you're being told - you're not gonna believe all the "over the top" regulations we have to comply with. If you can get past this you will probably do fine.

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