Help! I need advice!

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · May 16, 2011

I hated LTC, but most times I found the RN just supervised.

Safety always comes first for me, jobs second. I don't catch trains at night, I always paid for parking and got someone to walk with me to the car park, or chose a busy one that many people used. I always checked my car b4 I got into it, and always locked my doors immediately after getting in the car. Can you use taxis or can someone pick you up from work?

They often take people with no experience because you don't need much - it's not like ur dealing with IVs and pumps or med/surg patients. They also say 'no experience' to suck people into work who are desperate and need a job (like you). LTC is a terrible place to work - I hated it and will never go back. Usually residents get appalling care, the smell makes me gag, the nurses don't know what they're doing and couldn't care less, the carers never follow directions and there are endless arguments with doctors who won't visit their patients. I avoid LTC/dementia facilities like the plague.

I think if u need the work u will have to take it, but ask at work if others can give u a lift home and/or pick you up. Try to Google strategies to make yourself safer, there are many books around and stuff on the net re safety. Also, maybe start a car pool service yourself, then you have other people around u and u can make friends too.

Failing doing this job, try all the nursing agencies near you and see if you can get something more suitable through them.

Good luck.

BrookeeLou_RN · May 16, 2011

Do they offer any security? Locked doors? Security person to walk employees to cars at shift change. I worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital years ago and it is in very bad section of Baltimore. But I felt safe since there was security and if you left for any reason before regular shift change security walked you to car and waited to make sure car started and waved you out of garage.

If I was desperate for work, I would apply and then ask all those security type questions if I got an interview! No harm in that..

Best of luck:)

Chin up · May 16, 2011

First off, yes, they want you. RNs are coveted greatly in LTC. Second, yes I would work in a high crime area. I did in the 80's at a large Boston hospital that was centered in the highest crime ridden area of the city. Gangs, drugs and prostitution were rampant. I also worked the 3-11 shift. All employees were escorted to and from our vehicles and had security around us at all times. I never felt threatened or scared. So, as long as protective measures with heavy surveillance are being used, I would not hesitate. Good luck. Peace!

Black Jade, BSN, RN · May 16, 2011

I had rotated to clinics in areas that were not safe. I wasn't afraid, but a little nervous. I just made sure not to let my guard down. Your safety is priority above everything else.

Brea LPN · May 16, 2011

I hated LTC, but most times I found the RN just supervised.
Safety always comes first for me, jobs second. I don't catch trains at night, I always paid for parking and got someone to walk with me to the car park, or chose a busy one that many people used. I always checked my car b4 I got into it, and always locked my doors immediately after getting in the car. Can you use taxis or can someone pick you up from work?
They often take people with no experience because you don't need much - it's not like ur dealing with IVs and pumps or med/surg patients. They also say 'no experience' to suck people into work who are desperate and need a job (like you). LTC is a terrible place to work - I hated it and will never go back. Usually residents get appalling care, the smell makes me gag, the nurses don't know what they're doing and couldn't care less, the carers never follow directions and there are endless arguments with doctors who won't visit their patients. I avoid LTC/dementia facilities like the plague.
I think if u need the work u will have to take it, but ask at work if others can give u a lift home and/or pick you up. Try to Google strategies to make yourself safer, there are many books around and stuff on the net re safety. Also, maybe start a car pool service yourself, then you have other people around u and u can make friends too.
Failing doing this job, try all the nursing agencies near you and see if you can get something more suitable through them.
Good luck.

I take offense to your post. I'm a LTC nurse. Residents in my facility get good care. I know what I'm doing, and I actually care alot. My CNAs follow my directions. Most doctors visit their patients regularly. You should have stated these things happen in a place were you previously worked and not bad-mouthed all LTC facilities. :madface:

DSkelton711 · May 16, 2011

Thanks for all replies!

Working LTC I would think would be difficult because of not only the number of patients but also they are much more complex these days. I applaud all of those that do it and do it well. I like the idea of interviewing if they were to call me (can always use the experience) and check out security, if any. I do have my own vehicle and definitely believe in the buddy system. Well, only one way to find out! I think I will apply and see what happens! Thank you all.