I am leaving LTC yet again

Specialties Geriatric

Published

They say that some people never learn from their past mistakes. When they said that, they must have been talking about me. I left LTC many years ago stating "I will never ever do LTC again". However, after working private duty for a few years, I returned yet again to LTC. I was under the delusion that perhaps things had changed for the better at LTC. They haven't. Things are much worse. I am now job hunting for "ANYTHING" but LTC. I will take a pay cut. That's OK with me. All I want now is my "sanity" back. Is anyone else planning to leave LTC?

Specializes in Pediatric.

That's how I felt about PDN. I hope you find somewhere awesome to work at.

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

I worked in LTC for six years before abruptly exiting in a glowing flame of burnout. I will not return to LTC again unless I was on the brink of homelessness.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER LTC MED SURG CLINICS UROLOGY.

I'm an RN who loves LTC. I've done it all. Med surg. ER. Clinics. Home health. Urology. Urgent care. Two months ago I left my LTC of six years and accepted a med surg position with a local hospital. I grew tired of a lack of any type of effective management and the lazy staff (CNAs and nurses) that I had to work with day in and day out. It's sad when upper management supports and condones neglect and poor patent care. This new job monitors staff very closely, which I find to be very effective. 👍

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm a new nurse, and I work in LTC. I'm 3 months in and am eagerly awaiting the coveted year of experience so I can move on.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

LTC is not easy and is not for everyone. This can be said for all areas of nursing. Acute care is becoming very similar in high patient ratios, little room for advancement, constant short staffing, constant turnover (including management), etc. It can be tough to find our niche which is why it is important to try other types of nursing if one hates their current role. Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

I worked in LTC as a CNA and LVN. I would never work there as an RN. It's sad because that population is in need of caring and competent staff, but corporate management in these facilities are so horrible and staffing so poor that I would never risk my license by going back. The people who work in LTC and stay are ANGELS and I am truly grateful and impressed by them. It's a terribly difficult place to work and the people who do only do it because they care. God bless them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks to all for your great comments! I have a job interview this Tuesday and am hoping to leave LTC very soon.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Update: I just now got hired working in group homes for the DD. I pray this will be my last job for the rest of my life.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
LTC is not easy and is not for everyone. This can be said for all areas of nursing. Acute care is becoming very similar in high patient ratios, little room for advancement, constant short staffing, constant turnover (including management), etc. It can be tough to find our niche which is why it is important to try other types of nursing if one hates their current role. Best of luck!

I'm not saying this has no basis in truth but... In my experience hospitals are nowhere in the same league in terms of ridiculous staffing, ridiculous supply, immature admin, and ridiculous expectations.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.

I have been coming and going since 2010 lol Lord. I was an STNA for two years then when I became an LPN starting working at a LTC/Rehab the first 6 months out of school. It was freaking crazy, way too long of a book to put down. But it scared me off and I went to office nursing the next 4 years. I am in the middle of my LPN to RN bridge program now and need something truly PRN so I am in the process of interviewing at a LTC about 5 minutes from my house. Hoping that since it will be PRN, so close to my house, and the nurses told me they actually liked their DON that it will be something that can last me till I graduate if I get it. Once I get my RN, I would go back to the clinic over staying in LTC if I couldn't get into a hospital job. I actually love clinic nursing but I just want to get a few years of med/surg experience before I go back for good.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment