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I begin my prerequisites in June. I am the type to plan early for things, if I don't, I get major anxiety. That being said, I eventually want to get my NP license.

I have no desire to work peds, OB floor, ER, or Medsurg. But I do have a desire to work with the elderly. My question is do you find it necessary to do acute care first before going to ltc, or should I start out at a ltc facility aftet graduation? I understand (from what I have read on AN) that ltc has it's own set of headaches!! I just wasn't sure if it would be wise to go straight into ltc or if some nurses found more benefit in starting at an acute care facility like a hospital to gain experience and sharpen skills before going into ltc?

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Thank you!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

With the exception of PEDs, OB & NICU, I think you will discover that 'elderly' patients are cared for in all other areas. There are also some younger patients in LTC due to chronic health/ disability that preclude self-care. The primary difference between settings is due to the type and nature of the care/services provided rather than any scheme to segregate patients by age groups.

On the care continuum, the degree of "acuity" has a positive correlation with the need for RN oversight & intervention. As you move into less acute care settings, there are fewer RNs and their role changes from providing care to supervision of care provided by others. So, if you are drawn to the idea of actually providing care rather than acting as a supervisor for unlicensed staff, LTC may not be what you're looking for.

Many new grads begin their careers in LTC. In major metro areas, this is actually a larger market for ADN grads because acute care jobs are limited to BSNs.

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Our hospitals are requiring BSN within 5 years of hire. I am going for my ASN. I am looking for more hands-on care, thanks for that tip☺

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