I am currently a new RN working on an acute hospital unit. I have been unhappy here since I started, not sure if it is because of my particular unit environment or that I am overwhelmed by acute care. I have been given an opportunity to work LTC, and it has become increasingly appealing to me. One thing I enjoy about LTC is really getting to know your clients and build relationships with them that are a lot different than hospital patients who have a lot of acute needs and are admitted for shorter times. I should stress that I am considering LTC because I genuinely like the idea, and also because I think it would be a less stressful alternative to where I am currently working and unhappy (it's not because I have no other options and am just trying to get hours in before something else comes along).
However, I have a couple reservations. I am worried that I will lose a lot of my acute care skills should I ever decide to go back that way. Also, public or community health is where I would ultimately like to end up, in a few years. Is LTC a good route for getting into public health, or would I be better off sticking in acute care for now (even in a different unit).
As an aside, what is your advice for how to get into public health? Are there certain courses/experience I should try to get in the next couple years that would make me a more appealing candidate?
