I am a NURSE

[LTC_RN]

WOW! That still feels unreal to type :) I graduated in May 2015, passed NCLEX in July, and started working in August in a LTC facility. I'm still amazed that I managed to make it though nursing school and the NCLEX! I think I checked the nursing board website at least 10 times during the week after passing just to make sure my licence still stated "active" LOL

Anyway, the majority of my former classmates are now working in hospitals and when I tell them that I took a LTC position they always say, "Just keep trying...you'll get a hospital job eventually." My two sister-in-laws work in hospitals as RN's and both of them feel that I'm wasting my time in LTC and that I won't be marketable in the future.

Here's the thing... I'm perfectly HAPPY working LTC! I was hired in at the same hourly wage as the hospitals near me and I feel that I get plenty of hands-on experience! I am charge nurse of two halls. I currently have 23 residents that I provide care for during my 12 hour shifts. In my four months on the job I've had to insert IV's, foley caths, and suppositories. I've given all types of injections. I've placed several wound vacs, changed dressings on all types of wounds, and removed surgical staples. I've toileted and bathed more residents than I can count. Perform assessments, take vitals, and call physicians on a regular basis. And unfortunately, I've seen 5 resident deaths. This doesn't even include the stacks of paperwork, labs, charting, making appointments and transportation arrangements for residents. Oh yea, and passing medications :)

But most importantly, I get to become familiar with my residents. I can walk in the room and notice if something is wrong just by the way my resident looks or speaks...I don't think you can get that in acute care hospitals.

I am proud to be a LTC nurse. Will I stay in this specialty forever? Who knows. But I won't be disappointed or feel like I short-changed myself if I do.

[amoLucia]

Way to go!!!

Congrats on your achievements and continuing positive vibes for a LTC professional future.

Love your last sentence.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

Thanks for your post. I feel the same way about my LTC position. I work evenings and love my job and love my residents. There so many nursing jobs out there that there is a niche for all of us.

We use our nursing judgment and our critical thinking all of the time. I am thankful that the nurses I know don't treat me any differently because I work LTC or am an LPN.

[KThurmond]

Different strokes for different folks. I'm glad you like it :)

[Illuminati]

So.. Why does everyone seem to think one should try for hospital jobs straight out of school??

[nurseredd]

I am a LTC nurse on a psych floor and LOVE it as well. I also work per diem in the hospital. I've learned amazing time management skills working LTC (ahem 32 patients on a 2 hour window for meds!)

[KDuncan890]

Own it and dont let anyone tell you your not a real nurse. I spent 3 yrs in long term care and decided to try out the hospital after making the transition from a LPN to a RN and I hate it. Im trying to back into long term care so I can make a difference in a population that actually likes their nurse lol.

[annie.rn]

Good for you! It's so nice to know that there are people like you taking care of some of the people who need conscientious caregivers the most.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Good for you! Nice to see a new LTC nurse that doesn't feel like it is second class job that is just a stepping stone to the Holy Grail hospital position. Not every nurse aspires to work in the ER, ICU, NICU, [insert coveted specialty here] and that is OK. Doesn't make you less of a nurse and don't let anybodies opinion to the contrary get you down.

[Penholder]

Thank you for this. I graduate in May and honestly, I don't want a hospital job. I have been a CNA for 12 years in LTC, rehab and Geri-psych. At least starting off I don't want to be anywhere else.

[annabash_rn]

Congratulations and good for you! LTC needs more nurses like you. Keep up the good work :)

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I've always worked LTC by choice. I may or may not remain in LTC but I am certain that I will continue to work with geriatric patients.

The acuity in LTC has changed, so you'll learn just about every skill that you would working a medicine floor. Aside from that, you will develop sound assessment, prioritization and delegation skills.

I was a charge nurse, then unit manager, now educator. I participate in quality initiatives also, and I have two certifications in geriatric nursing. There are many opportunities if you enjoy working with the elderly.