Interview for LTC Charge.... new grad

[Staragate]

I was a CNA for the SNF that I interviewed at for a year and a half. I know the place and I know the people. The CNAs burn out and leave quite often, for good reason. The RNs, hardly ever leave.

Anyway, I interviewed yesterday for a charge nurse position for the Sub-acute side. These are people that were discharged from the hospital for some rehab before going home. Sometimes they are still pretty sick.

I have never held a management position before, unless you count leading children in activities. Frankly, I'm scared to death of the 60 patient, 3 nurse, 10 CNA load I would have. The orientation time given was: when I'm ready.

I feel like I interviewed well, but left with a bad gut feeling. At the end, I dread going in as a CNA. Not because of the type of work it is, but because we were chronically understaffed and ran out of supplies. I'm thinking she'll extend me a job offer, since I'm fresh out of school and cheap. I am just not sure if I want it.

I passed NCLEX a week ago, and have been filling out applications like crazy. 10 hospitals in town and most are already done hiring their new grads for the season.

Any advice?

[chibiRN]

The only posting available at the LTC facility I want to work at is for a Charge RN. I wasn't going to even apply because I'm a new grad but your post has inspired me to give it a shot. Thanks! And good job by the way- you sound like a nurse I would trust caring for my own family

[Staragate, ADN, ASN, RN]

Ha! Yesterday, I got all my assessments done in the morning. I'm still really thorough, so it takes me a while. I got charting done midshift and got out in time. No emergencies, no admissions.... just the LOL who pulled out her PICC after it had JUST been reverified. :)

[gmondina]

I work in LTC and a charge nurse means you're one of the floor nurses but still responsible for the LVS and CNAs. As a new grad you should not go to a SNF it's going backwards. Eveyone should have experience in the hospital. It is hard to get into the hospital later because you have no experience in the hospital. Try to go to the hospital but if you have no choice then go to the SNF. But I would not recommend the SNF for new grads.

[Staragate, ADN, ASN, RN]

We take opportunities where we can get them.

[noc4senuf]

I know this is a little late but, needed to address new grads in LTC. There is no reason to have hosptial experience first. There are nurses out there that never wish to work in a hospital. In LTC you learn to function without an MD constantly available at your side. Over the years I have hired many new grads and they do very well, especially on the TCU (rehab). Hope everything is still going well for you.