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.
LTC is very rewarding. Just don't beat yourself up if you need a change. I generally work LTC 5 or6 years and then a small town hospital for ayear or two.:Hellboy:
Love this post OP. I'm graduating in May and I'm leaning towards working in LTC. I know things change so I'm open to other opportunities. I've always wanted to do LTC though. I like the idea of getting to know my patients. I like the idea of being a positive influence in their lives. I like the patient population.
I've read a lot of horror stories about LTC so it's definitely nice to hear about the opposite side. It's good to know that there are nurses who love their jobs in the less coveted specialties. I hope to join your ranks soon!!
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
So.. Why does everyone seem to think one should try for hospital jobs straight out of school??
In my case, my former instructors told my classmates and I that one to two years of acute care hospital experience was a 'must.' I dismissed this advice and entered LTC as a new nurse, where I remained for six years before moving on.
LTC nursing is the foundation of my nursing career and I would not have it any other way. The OP has a great attitude. We need LTC nurses who actually like it and want to be there. May she have a prosperous career!
I worked and currently work in LTC as a CNA, and I love working with the same residents, being familiar with their problems, etc. I got a job in a hospital because I thought I was "going to the next level," but I was miserable.
(I'm still taking nursing prereqs) but now I plan to be a nurse in LTC. People say that nurses who get hospital experience have more skills/are more marketable, etc. but honestly, why do a job to be more marketable if it makes you miserable?
Being satisfied with your job is a huge way to ensure you don't get burned out or end up depressed or otherwise. If you enjoy LTC, then by all means stay in LTC! Forget other peoples' preconceptions.
Animal House R.N., ADN, CNA, LVN
68 Posts
LTC is very rewarding. Just don't beat yourself up if you need a change. I generally work LTC 5 or6 years and then a small town hospital for ayear or two.:Hellboy: