Hospital or LTC

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I desperately need some advice. After graduation my plans was to work in acute care. I felt like having a strong foundation in medsurg would make me a better nurse in the long-run. Unfortunately when, I graduated, Stmarys was more interested in BSN's rather then ASN's, so I ended my employment there and accepted employment in LTC on a rehab unit. I care for 10-15 pts, mostly post hips, fx, total knees. I was afraid that I would lose my skills working in LTC, but so far that hasn't been the case. My issue is: I was offered a position in hospital last week. I've accepted the postion, but I really enjoying working for my current employer. I'd be taking a 9000 a year paycut working at the hospital, but i really want the experience! Right now I'm the sole income in my family and not really sure if I'm making the right decision financially. Im afraid that if I stay in LTC, I'll be stuck. I've heard from other nurses, once you've been in LTC for awhile, it's harder to get into a hospital, due to lack of acute care experience. Is this true? What would u do if you were me? Stay ( where I'm mentally and financially happy) or go to acute Care for the experience ( which is priceless) ?

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That's a hard decision. But I would go to the hospital.

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Specializes in LTC.

You're mentally and financially happy? Stay that way!

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If you enjoy your job, make more money, are learning and using your skills, then why do you want to go to the hospital?

If you are asking then you probably already know the answer. If it felt right I think you would have accepted the hospital job and not looked back.

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

Can you work at the hospital full-time and maintain employment at the LTC facility on a part-time or PRN/per diem/casual basis?

Can you work at the LTC facility full-time and accept employment at the hospital on a part-time or PRN/per diem/casual basis?

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Specializes in Hospice.

Its all about how you sell your experience. if you like your current job and you make more money....i would probably stay. good luck!

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well you've already accepted the job, so what's the issue? sounds like you already made a decision. do what YOU want to do, not what other people want to do.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

I don't understand why people think if they work in LTC they will be "stuck there". Many people begin in LTC and move on, others choose to stay. Do what makes you happy. Life is too darned short.

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Hospice, Mgmt, DON.

That's a lot of money to give up if you are the sole support...can you really afford that???? I think you certainly can get a hospital gig down the road..stay where you are for now. (I was a single parent,too-kids grown up now)

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Hmmm... If I was happy with where I was, used nursing skills daily (since that is important to you), and make $9,000 more than the hospital job... I would stay. I don't believe you will get stuck at LTC. What if that $9,000 a year paycut really affects your finances so that you are struggling, what if you become really stressed out at the new job, and what if you hate it?

Oh, what floor did you accept the position on?

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Specializes in ltc,hospice.

Life is too short, stay where you are happy. You don't lose skills in ltc, there are quite a lot of skills to acquire! They may be different, but every specialty area has its own unique set of skills. Live life to be happy, not for your resume. Good luck!

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele/SNF-LTC/Supervisory.

As a new grad, I started on a Med/Surg/Tele floor. While I did get to experience a lot of different things.. I can't say that I had a lot of time to "learn" the why's and have it stick. I always felt too rushed. Too many patients w/too much changing too quickly etc. I did just about two yrs on that floor. I now work in LTC and am finding while still busy, I have a moment to look something up if needed and explore deeper. All of my patients have a bunch of diagnoses, so I'm still experiencing those, and getting the opportunity to develop relationships with my patients. I also find that I'm learning more about the rules and regulations of nursing in this field (I'm supervising which may be why) but truly... I wish as a new Grad, I had started in LTC, then moved to a Med Surg unit part time for a little acute care excitement. I don't know why many hospital nurses and some in nursing schools downplay the enormous amount of experience and learning that can be attained in LTC.

Can you do part time at the Hospital? Or part time at your current LTC job?

Do both! Best of luck in your decision!

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