I don't like just giving meds all day!

[4treasures]

I work in a LTC, and pass meds for 18-40 pts, and it takes about 5-6 hours of my 8 hr day. I had about 2 weeks orientation, and have been on my own for 2 weeks. I am just starting midnights. I really would like to get into pt education or some kind of research or problem solving.

Any suggestions on where to look, or what it is called I am looking for? I just grad in may, so I am thinking I need some clinical experience first. I am starting my RN to BSN next week.

I understand that a lot of a floor nurses day is spent on meds, but isn't that a little much?

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

That's what one does in LTC until one gets into management.

[caliotter3]

You will find it easier to get into research or teaching once you have obtained a BSN and an MSN. Right now, you kind of have to take the jobs that are out there until you get experience and more education. We had an RN who had specialty certifications in working with the elderly population. After awhile, you may find that you want to specialize in this population. Just give yourself a chance and remain openminded. Good luck with your job.

[iRN86]

just be happy you have a job

[josinda421]

I'm definitly with you. I too want more than just passing meds all day and being pulled up on every little mistake. That's why I'm going back to school

[lllchillylll]

Working in LTC really stinks. I hate the fact that you don't really get to do any real nursing besides passing pills. When you have the opportunity to do other patient care like wounds or colostomies, you barely have any time to do it. Its very frustrating.

I was very fortunate to find work on rehab floors which doesn't have as much patients, has a higher acutity in comparison and it breaks the monotony of crushing pills and rushing from one med pass to the other. I've been burned out in the nursing homes after I worked in it for a year and a half and took a good 4 months off to regroup myself.

I'm going back for my BSN and am really looking foward to working in the hospitals. When I did my clinicals there (We never trained in LTC) I felt so satisfied with my work and it was rewarding. At least with hospital nursing you do other things and you really get to know your patients.

[iheartangelinajolie]

Apply for to do home health, MDS, pharmacy consulting, hospice marketing...honestly...if you wanna get out of LTC then you need to network.

[Selene006, BSN, LPN]

I feel your pain! I'm an LPN working in a LTC setting dealing with the same issue. That's why I'm back in school for my BSN. There's nothing wrong with being an LPN, but most times I feel like just a "pill-pusher." Half the time I can't give attention to the patients who just need someone to talk to because I'm the drug peddler making the rounds and I have 2.5 minutes to pop their pills out, take their vitals, watch them swallow, and move on to the next. All thirty of them...I have massive respect for LPN's in LTC, but the setting is not for everyone.