Great LTC Clinical and Advice, Please.

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I just completed my final rotation in a very nice LTC facility.

I have always loved geriatrics and always intended to continue in this field.

The nurses were wonderful and I actually enjoyed it very much, even though the work is demanding.

They gave me plenty to do and learn and my preceptor really went above and beyond to show me all the computer/paperwork, how to do orders, send out labs, delegate, report, organize med pass... very very thorough.

After many rotations in the hospital setting, which I never felt satisfied nor comfortable with (though did well), I found myself actually feeling enthused and optimistic... actually thinking, "Yes, I can see myself doing this!"

I would like to bring in a nice huge box of mighty fine chocolates with a nice card attached as a token of my appreciation (which I have never done before, though my other rotations have been positive).

I would also like to get a position there.

Would it be inappropriate to mention in the card that I would be so honored if they would consider me for a future position?

Or is that TMI at this point and I should just wait until I get a good professional resume together after I graduate :yeah: next week?

Bottom line, I want them to know I appreciated the effort and time they put into me... and I don't want them to forget me.

PS:The nurse (bless her heart) bought me lunch (even though I protested I would not be around to pay her back) and suggested I apply. Would you do that if you didn't think the student had potential? Maybe she's just a darn nice woman?

Thank you.

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Would it be inappropriate to mention in the card that I would be so honored if they would consider me for a future position?

Yes, mentioning that you want a job there is inappropriate for a clinical rotation thank-you card. Send the thank you card and gift with no mention of jobs. Then when you graduate sent your resume and cover letter to the facility through the proper channels.

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Specializes in LTC.

Yes....it is. Wait. Then Apply. :)

Glad you like LTC! :)

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Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

Don't mention in a thank you a possible job. But I would ask a preceptor if you can leave a resume with him/her. I ran into a clinical instructor after I had graduated and the one nurse I had bonded with in LTC had asked about me recently. If I had given that nurse my resume I may have had a good resource in this very tough job market. Thankfully I was very proactive after graduation and found a job at another sub acute rehab facility. But I would have jumped on the chance to work in that facility with that nurse, and I felt like I wasted the opportunity when I talked to my instructor.

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

I am a DON in LTC. I recently had a group of nursing students in for several weeks of clinical. At the end of the rotation, one of the students stopped by my office and dropped off her resume and informed me she only had 2 months left but would like a written application once done with school. I replied that I couldn't really use her resume until then. She cheerfully said "I know, I just don't want you to forget my name". From my point of view...I loved her assertiveness. She wasn't rude or pushy in any way she just truly liked our facility and wanted me to know it. I haven't forgotten her name and will patiently wait until she has passed NCLEX.

Don't mention your intentions in your thank you note. The "Thank You" belongs to the nurses on the floor that helped you learn something. Cheerfully take your resume to someone in management who actually does the hiring.

Good luck

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Thank you for your replies.

I will bring in a token of my appreciation and not mention wanting a job.

I will prepare a solid resume instead and take it from there.

:)

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I've had nursing students in many of my buildings. I always speak to them as a group and let them know that if they are looking to make a career in long term care, we'd be glad to have them apply after they graduate. I don't think it's pushy. Honestly in this job market you need all the help you can get.

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