First Job: LT Care or Hospital?

[LogCabinMom]

Hello all -

I'm hoping some of the more seasoned RNs out there can give me some advice -- and thanks in advance --

Background: I'm graduating May 13 from my ADN program, I'm 40yo, and I have 3 young kids (and a good, supportive husband).

I've just been offered a job at a LT care facility nearby my home (30 min) for decent pay, also student-loan reimbursement if I stay for 2 yrs. It's also a SNF, so they do IVs and wound vacs, etc.(how many, don't know). They seem very excited about me. (I have a previous Bachelor's in Business, and they see me heading toward a staff educator position, IV specialist... but I don't know how much of that is to just get me in the door.) They want me to start right away and would like an answer on Monday.

My Problem: My dream is to be an ER nurse; possibly even a flight nurse.

I've applied to 3 hospitals which are also in the same commuting range, and have so far been called for an interview with one, but then had to decline because they only wanted days, even tho I applied for eves/nights, and haven't heard from the other 2 (but honestly it hasn't been that long since I applied-within a week).

My Question: If I do go to a LT facility first-off in my career, how will I be looked at by hospitals when I want to make the switch a couple years down the road? What are the advantages to working LT care?

Will I be doing myself a dis-service by accepting the first job I've been offered?

Thanks, Everyone - I hope someone takes the time to read this and help me out.

[NeosynephRN]

If your dream is to be an ER/Flight nurse...so you honestly think you will be happy in LTC. Not that there is anything wrong with LTC, but it may not be what makes you happy. I just graduated last year, and I remember being offered my first job. It was on an Ortho/Uro floor. I knew I could do the job, and would not hate it. But was it my passion...no. I waited it out a bit, nervous that I would never get offered another position. I was a job in the ICU...cause like you I want to be a flight nurse someday. I interviewed in a couple ER's and my ICU...this is definately what I WANTED. I am learning so much, and I think that is becuase I want to be there everyday! Good Luck in your decision!! Congrats on your upcoming graduation!

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

I agree with the above---I too was a "non" traditional student, married with 4 kids. If you really want the ER, my thought is you have to position yourself in the hospital setting. It is my opinion that you will learn more ER skills in an Hosp setting vs a LTC setting.

On the flip side---I always thought I would be an L&D nurse~~ they didnt have a position for me, I was offered a Med Surge job and I knew that wasnt what I wanted but would take it just to get my foot in, then ICU contacted me and it just seemed like a perfect fit, I took the job and have never been happier. I never envisioned me as an ICU nurse, now I really cant see me as anything else.

Best of luck to you---your future is so exciting.

[YellowFinchFan]

The hospital will give you the experience you need to achieve your goals of ER/Flight RN etc.

LTC will always be there for you even if you work the hospital and decide that's not your goal (EMERG.Med.)

Hospital experience can open many doors for you.

Good LUCK!!!

[OSUcardio]

I've been working at a long term care facility for 7 years and I soon will be leaving for a new job in the hospital. I had been trying to get a job in a hospital setting for 8 months. The only reason why I ever got the chance for an interview was because I knew someone who worked there. I believe alot of the times hospitals look down upon people who work in LTC. So my advice is go to the hospital.