Is LTC a good option for me during FNP school?

[BirkieGirl]

Hi everyone- i am here to get some honest feedback about this. I am in the middle of FNP training and have about 2 good years left before I am graduated and have my boards done.

that said...i have been working in an office setting in a very specific role (not an office nurse) for almost 20 years. while i do love the work, i am simply tired of this role and really want to explore new options for a while...I am also facing a situation where i have been told that if I can't continue my 40 hour 8-5 commitment, then i can't continue in that role. so ultimately, at some point i will be forced to leave. i carry the benefits for my family, so simply NOT working is sadly, not an option...

so i have been invited to interview for a couple of different LTC facilities. my bestie, who finished FNP school years ago, told me to go LTC or Home Health during school to help balance everything, and still be able to work.

i do not see LTC or HH as a cop-out. Please don't think that this is an 'escape' for me. I am just interested in something different. Please tell me about your experiences in LTC, if you would do it again, what you love, what you don't, and if you think that it is do-able to work LTC during grad school. I THANK YOU!

[anewsns]

I think LTC would be good as I think many FNPs do work there , you can observe them. It's really , really hard work. My least favorite part is the Med pass and most of my 3-11 shift involves it. You can't do much real nursing when you're stuck in a heavy med pass and most of these people can use a lot of RN assessment and intervention. You can sorta make a game of it though. Less med pass on days , more nursing. I won't get into specifics , but we do a lot of non-RN stuff that could be done by CNAs or non-licensed personel and we are expected to plaster a smile on our faces. You do have the potential to make serious improvements in people's quality of life and make their lives better. There is nothing like genuine thanks from residents and family members. At my facility we have really good teamwork, I always felt good about that. Yes, I would do it again. At the same time , I would do anything again, there is value in all experience.

[Blackcat99]

Working in a nursing home is exhausting both mentally and physically. Sadly, I have witnessed some LTC nurses who have dropped out of nursing school because of the constant stress.