Hospital, LTC, or Both

Raefabian4 · Jun 14, 2009

Personally, I have worked in a hospital and LTC and if you are in need of money, I would do both if you can work it out that way. If money is not your first motivator, I say go with the experience. That is one thing I regret is that when I graduated LPN school in 1993, I went where the money was and that was LTC, however, I was lucky that I did get work in a hospital for a short period of time and I loved it!!! At the very least, try both and then make a decision. Good Luck!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jun 14, 2009

Hi everyone,
I am graduating June 19. I currently work as a tech in a hospital and was offered a position TCU unit after graduation. The pay is $11.11/hr. I was also offered a position in a LTC facility with starting pay at $19/hr plus shift differential for nights and weekends. The hospital position is an hour from my home, the LTC is in my town. My question is as a new grad should I work at the hospital for less pay but gain experience, work at the LTC for more pay or work both? BTW, the hospital job is part time 3 days a week and the LTC job is part time nights. Thanks for all advice!!

Are you graduating as an LPN or RN? Are they offering you a position as a tech or a graduate nurse? Personally, I would go for the hospital.

litebrightgirl · Jun 14, 2009

I'm graduating as a LPN. I also wanted to mention that I'm married with 2 children 12 and 3 yrs old. My husband isn't happy with me working an hour away but understands and is supportive. I'm so confused as to what is the best decision for my career at this point. I eventually want to go on to get my RN and possibly BSN.

litebrightgirl · Jun 14, 2009

Also, the hospital job is offering me a new grad position. I would work in the capacity of a LPN on the floor, not a tech! I'd be the first LPN they've ever had on this floor.

want2beanurse2 · Jun 14, 2009

Hi, I soon hope to be in your position of graduating and looking for employment. Congratulations!! Most hospitals in my area dont hire LPN's so if you would be the "first" then I think you should go for it, only if money is not the determining factor and you can help your husband provide for the family on that income. $11.00 that's terrible!! In Michigan at at LTC facility a new LPN can expect to make at least $23.00. Now for myself, I think I would go for the job at the LTC facility because right now I need the money and you will still gain experience. After a year or so you could always reapply at a hospital and hopefully make more than $11.00 I think our transporters, housekeepers, and dietary staff make at least that amount or not more with no school. (Not to offend anyone, all jobs are equally important...just making a point.) I dont recommend working both jobs, children grow up fast and need their mother. (Cant remember if the jobs were on opposite shifts?, if so that would be too much mentally, physically and again it takes away too much time from home.) I work part time nights at most 3 days a week with children and that takes alot out of me. Hope this helps! Who wants to travel one hour one way? gas is back up again! I dont even want a job that's more than thirty minutes away because I'm in Michigan and theres a chance for snow from Nov all the way to April!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jun 14, 2009

Then your salary would probably go up once you obtain your license. Good luck! I'd take the hospital position in a hurry!