Great nursing home in Pittsburgh?

luvschoolnursing, LPN · Jan 25, 2009

Do you want to work only in a nursing home? I think many of the hospitals in Pittsburgh hire LPN's and they may have more flexibility as far as hours go and would probably pay more. What part of Pgh do you plan on moving to? I'll ask around if I know anyone.

rn4lyfe08 · Jan 25, 2009

I don't know of a nursing hme, but I do know a pediatric rehab hospital that is wonderful. The Children's Institute! It's in Squirrel Hill.

It is small. The pediatrics unit sees everything from brain injury to SCI to ortho to transplants. Some children have CP and are there for tendon releases, etc.. you'll see MVAs, failure to thrive babies/children referred to as "functional feeders".

Upstairs they have a behavioral unit specifically for Prader Wili Syndromw patients. Patients on this unit are not always children but always have prader wili syndrme, or are PWS-like due to genetic abnormalities or more commonly brain tumor removals. This unit is more like assisted living, but isn't always for the "faint of heart", it can get rough just like on anyother psych floor. I think I'd been there over 6 mos. before I saw my first seclusion.

Most staff are very friendly and you are trained and get your skills checked off during orientation. You'll have a 4-5pt assignment, but the charge nurse gives meds. You'll work with RNs, LPNs, and Health Care Workers (like NAs). Everyone can take a pt assignment and provide most care, but the charge nurse rotates between the RNs. Really cool, a little laid back, depending on the day and unit.

They will let you work 12hr shifts, but you have to find someone to work the other 12. This usually isn't difficult. Lots of students started there after I got hired. I worked there while in NS school and found it to be great. They usually really try to accomodate your school schedule. Not too sure about the pay for nurses, but HCWs were paid pretty well considering pt load and what LTCs were paying.

Enough of me labbing about it. Check it out for yourself. www.amazingkids.org

hope this helps!

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2009

Even with the yrs of experince, I'm not sure you would get that much in LTC or even acute care. Not many do 12hr shifts, but I could be wrong.

What area of Pittsburgh?

catlvr · Feb 2, 2009

Thanks to all for responding. I'm so excited about moving back home!

I am not sure that working with kids is for me; I have much more affinity with elders, and genuinely enjoy it, but I"ll keep it in mind. I hadn't realized that LPNs could get hospital jobs - it is very difficult here in PHL, unless you started there as an aide and the nurse manager knows you personally. I'd love to go back to school, perhaps someday...

Where to live is a big question - my family is in the North Hills, but I would really like to take transit to work, so would like to live on the trolley line. Dormont and Beechview are charming.

sh1901 · Feb 2, 2009

There are many nursing homes in Pgh. and although all of them allow the three 12's, some of them do. It's just a matter of checking it out and seeing what they offer. A couple places I can think of are; Golden Living Centers has several locations in Pgh, as well as ManorCare. There is also Kindred Hospital on the Northside and Kane Nursing Home which is located in Homestead, Scott Twp, and 2 other locations that I can't remember right now.

good Luck!