what's wrong with Skilled LTC

Nurses General Nursing

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I've been working in Skilled LTC and would like to get back into the hospital but am finding it very difficult. It seems as if hospitals want current acute care and LTC means nothing!!! I have had to do many more things at the LTC than a hospital nurse--like put in trachs due to patient pulling it out. We don't have 24hr Doctors. Does anyone else think this is unjust?:uhoh3:

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I also work at a nursing home. It is unjust, but the reality remains that LTC is at the bottom of the pecking order in regards to nursing specialties. Departments such as the ICU, ER, and L&D tend to have much more prestige in this field. Much of the LTC apathy is related to societal attitudes toward elderly people. We are more willing to assist the babies, children, teens, young adults, and middle aged folks, yet the elderly have been devalued.

If you ask many young nurses, "An elderly woman and an infant are in need of your help, but you can only help one person, so which one would you save?", and they will typically respond, "I'll help the infant, because the old person has lived their life."

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Very sad... Don't give up!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Welcome to Allnurses! Good luck to you. I think today's skilled LTCs are what med-surg units were like years ago, and it takes a very skilled and competent nurse (and some med-surg units are mini-ICUs) and you certainly should be given the chance to transition. Hang in there.

I work in a hospital and when a patient pulls a trach there's no time to wait for a doc. It's scarey when a patient does that isn't it? Been there and done that more times than I can count. LOL

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Specializes in LTC,HOSPITAL,HOME CARE,TRAVELING.

I too had worked LTC/REHAB facility where we dealt with trachs,pegs,and on one unit vents I left there and was able to get back in the hospital being an LPN.I have been at the hospital for 5 years and am now going back to LTC.I had told myself at the end of nursing school that I would never work LTC only as a last resort,but since moving back to ohio 16 years ago that is where I spent most of my time.My skills I have gained from the hospital will make me a better LTC nurse.I am actually looking forward to it this time .To be able to have some continuity and someone that appreciates what I do instead of frequent fliers that don't care that I have to pay for that tele monitor you wear for a week because your non compliant outside the hospital just as much as in the hospital.So if that is what you really want then keep trying you will get there.Maybe even look for a PRN position to get your foot in the door for now.

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Specializes in Lie detection.
i've been working in skilled ltc and would like to get back into the hospital but am finding it very difficult. it seems as if hospitals want current acute care and ltc means nothing!!! i have had to do many more things at the ltc than a hospital nurse--like put in trachs due to patient pulling it out. we don't have 24hr doctors. does anyone else think this is unjust?:uhoh3:

i'm surprised you're having a hard time finding a job.. new grads can get a job so why can't an exp. nurse???

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[color=#483d8b]just crazy! ltc is very valuable nursing experience.

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Specializes in LTC Rehab.

Love LTC the relationships you build with your residents is priceless, when they get sick and you take care of them they are so grateful for anything you have done for them you don't use all your skills like you would in a hospital but taking care of these frail little people is wonderful

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Have you tried other chronic care units? SNFs in hospitals? Chronic dialysis? Wound care?

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