Hospital or LTC

[JeepDudeRN]

Hey Everyone,

I graduated last month, and passed NCLEX this week. I was recently laid off from the hospital, and the hospitals in my area want experience, and have no new grad postions. I am also in LTC, and it looks like I may have to stay there for a little while. My question is, when you get into LTC, are you stuck there? Is it hard to get into the hospital afterwards? Everyone says there is a nursing shortage, but alot of new grads I know are having a heck of a time getting into the hospitals. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[Alicia0514]

I read your post, and the best option(s) I can recommend is work in the LTC field if you already have a position with them for now, until you are able to find an acute care position.

I would definitely continue to watch local hospital employee directories and look for openings for a GN. Or you might want to consider working with an agency who has a contract with the hospital(s). Do not take the first position or option available. You want to do your research and make sure that this is somewhere you can grow and allows for a long term commitment from you. Some things to consider is if the company is offering a large bonus you may want to do some further investigating and find out why, and find out what there patient ratio's are before making an agreement.

I would not allow myself to become complacent in the LTC setting, unless you see this as a long term career for you. If you plan on continuing your education, then you will want to get into an acute care setting. This setting allows you to utilize more critical thinking and assessment skills. Acute care also allows you to explore many different avenues of nursing. It is basically on what your interests are.

Hope this helps !!!