Just got a dream job at a LTC/SNF!!

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

I'm so excited. I still don't have a start date but am told it should be around the end of this month or beginning of December.

This is a dream facility. The nurse manager and the DON are WONDERFUL! I knew when I went in to fill out an application that it was a warm and welcoming environment and they were unbelievably welcoming to me.

I will only have about 20 patients and something I guess is unheard of....unlimited orientation. They are all so supportive and they said they don't ever want anyone to feel uncomfortable so it's as long as I need! Oh and the DON even said early in the interview that they understand if a mistake happens, they want to work with you that both you and they learn how to prevent this in the future. (I didn't even ask so I was doubly impressed)

They are ending up creating a postion for me out of 2 shifts 3-11p and 7a-3p. Originally they thought they had an opening for the 3-11p but a nurse who has been off for 6mos for knee surgery decided to return just the day of my interview but they think I will fit in so much the DON is working to make it work!!!

It's funny b/c orig I hadn't had that "warm/fuzzy" since my rotation at the burn unit. And before starting nursing school I actually thought of this exact facility as I heard of it through my church. It's unlike many of the revolving door LTC's that are abundant here. Anyway through nursing school they try to push you more to the hospital and though I still have an interest in BTU....who knows, I think being supported and *wanting* to go to your job makes all the difference.

I was lucky enough to meet the mgr for my desired shift when I went in that evening to fill out the application and she offered me a tour and I got to meet some of the other nurses who blew me away with their enthusiasm towards me. It then took awhile to meet the DON since she is swamped and now between creating a schedule for me and getting all the mandatory testing completed I guess it will be awhile longer and even though I want to be working, I feel truly blessed I found this.

Anyway I wanted to share the joy

[DPRN]

Congratulations! I am happy you received such a warm welcome. Where is this facility??

[systoly]

:yeah: Great!!! Print out a copy of your post and carry it in your purse or keep it in your locker for future reference. If you have a bad day at work, read it.

[nyteshade, BSN]

Congrats! Welcome to the world of LTC! We need nurses that want to be here.

[sethmctenn]

May you be blessed in your chosen facility and may you be a blessing in the lives of your patients!

[josinda421]

congrats

[military spouse]

:yeah: Great!!! Print out a copy of your post and carry it in your purse or keep it in your locker for future reference. If you have a bad day at work, read it.

I've been a nurse too long because I was thinking the same thing. Hope everything turns out to be just what you hope. Enjoy!!

[hotnurse84]

congrats...but also beware I felt very "invited" and "welcomed" in LTC facility and I later learned they were all good actors!!! hehehe Good luck

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

Thanks all.

I'd like to clarify "dream job" I know in reality there is no such animal, but this is as close as it comes. They start off the day with prayer which may not work for some, but for me...it's awesome. I mentioned that I got to meet pretty much everyone that would be on my shift and it was the same impression I got from the BTU and I was correct about the cohesiveness of that group as well. Not to mention it's 10 minutes from my house!

I did my homework on this place. It's ranked v. high on the state website that rates LTC's and it shows. Unlike the revolving door facility that's ranked poorly and again...it shows.

Good or bad, I trust my sixth sense. When I did my preceptorship I knew meeting for the first time the nurses and seeing the interactions on the floor it would be less than supportive. Didn't exactly help matters that I got greeted with eye rolls and "great, we've got students" said nastily. I was nothing less than respectful and polite however I knew there was no amount of money that even if they wanted me to work there would I go. Yes, I want a job but I'm not willing to go just anywhere and put up with overwhelming grouchiness daily. Some grouchiness can be normal but I honestly believe if you are that miserable in your job then leave. You are not doing the patients any favors when they can blatantly see a nurse eyeroll them. I heard the comments from the patients. I understand the importance of a nurse knowing her stuff, but I feel equally important is compassion. Some feel they can be a great nurse w/o it...I disagree.

I know every day is not going to be sunshine and roses. Nursing school for me was made up of more bad/stressful experiences than good. But the good....those small touches of human kindness DID make it all worth it, no matter how small....knowing that you are making a difference and they in turn touch your heart as well.

I'm honored to be part of taking care of the greatest generation we will ever have seen. I love their stories, I love their spirit and I plan to treat them with the dignity that all humans should be shown. I'm even more blessed that I can do this in a faith based atmosphere, that to me....is my dream.

After I'm there for a while I'll come back and update. I have no problem eating humble pie and admitting I was wrong if I am, but like I said IME when I walked on a floor or in a facility I more or less could gauge the prevailing attitudes and culture of the place and it proved true time and again. This place has low turnover and hard to get into as the DON told me they look for people that "fit" that to me, as well as the very clear friendliness, says alot.

I've read about the crummy facilities and have no doubt that they exist, that's a shame if there's no alternative in your area. But I know there are good places as well, as I mentioned I was well acquainted with this place from my parish who is actively involved there. This place is for real. Sometimes you run into organizations that for the most part do care about their employees as people. Yes it may be rare (again a shame) but I've been part of such places so I know it happens.

[military spouse]

Thanks all.

I'd like to clarify "dream job" I know in reality there is no such animal, but this is as close as it comes. They start off the day with prayer which may not work for some, but for me...it's awesome. I mentioned that I got to meet pretty much everyone that would be on my shift and it was the same impression I got from the BTU and I was correct about the cohesiveness of that group as well. Not to mention it's 10 minutes from my house!

I did my homework on this place. It's ranked v. high on the state website that rates LTC's and it shows. Unlike the revolving door facility that's ranked poorly and again...it shows.

Good or bad, I trust my sixth sense. When I did my preceptorship I knew meeting for the first time the nurses and seeing the interactions on the floor it would be less than supportive. Didn't exactly help matters that I got greeted with eye rolls and "great, we've got students" said nastily. I was nothing less than respectful and polite however I knew there was no amount of money that even if they wanted me to work there would I go. Yes, I want a job but I'm not willing to go just anywhere and put up with overwhelming grouchiness daily. Some grouchiness can be normal but I honestly believe if you are that miserable in your job then leave. You are not doing the patients any favors when they can blatantly see a nurse eyeroll them. I heard the comments from the patients. I understand the importance of a nurse knowing her stuff, but I feel equally important is compassion. Some feel they can be a great nurse w/o it...I disagree.

I know every day is not going to be sunshine and roses. Nursing school for me was made up of more bad/stressful experiences than good. But the good....those small touches of human kindness DID make it all worth it, no matter how small....knowing that you are making a difference and they in turn touch your heart as well.

I'm honored to be part of taking care of the greatest generation we will ever have seen. I love their stories, I love their spirit and I plan to treat them with the dignity that all humans should be shown. I'm even more blessed that I can do this in a faith based atmosphere, that to me....is my dream.

After I'm there for a while I'll come back and update. I have no problem eating humble pie and admitting I was wrong if I am, but like I said IME when I walked on a floor or in a facility I more or less could gauge the prevailing attitudes and culture of the place and it proved true time and again. This place has low turnover and hard to get into as the DON told me they look for people that "fit" that to me, as well as the very clear friendliness, says alot.

I've read about the crummy facilities and have no doubt that they exist, that's a shame if there's no alternative in your area. But I know there are good places as well, as I mentioned I was well acquainted with this place from my parish who is actively involved there. This place is for real. Sometimes you run into organizations that for the most part do care about their employees as people. Yes it may be rare (again a shame) but I've been part of such places so I know it happens.

It sounds like you are well-prepared and realistic. I worked at a place that was somewhat similar and it did make for a nicer environment. I hope you enjoy it and it meets both your needs and expectations. Congratulations on finding it and being offered a job there!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[217shana]

It's great that you have found such a wonderful facility. I often tell staff members that first impressions are so important. I also know nurses that constantly complain about everything so the old saying misery loves company is in full effect then the same nurses wonder why they can not get help at their facilities. Nursing students pick up on negative attitudes and negative work environments.