Long Term Care Job?

Jules A, MSN · Aug 11, 2015

If you enjoyed geriatrics I think it would be an excellent start. There is always a need in LTC for competent prescribers who enjoy that population.

I think in most urban and many rural areas a 45 minute commute each way is about average. I have commuted 90 minutes each way in the past and currently have one PRN job that is 90 minutes and while it gets old sometimes in a way I enjoy having the time to relax, regroup and listen to some raunchy heavy metal music.

Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 12, 2015

Long term care is a great place to start as an FNP IMHO. I spend a portion of my clinical day rounding at these facilities and I feel like it has made me a better provider.

You will extensively utilize your primary care skills managing medications and doing physical assessments on a daily basis. With the patient population comes a huge variety of chronic conditions that require close monitoring.

You will also become skilled in treating acute issues similar to what you find in an outpatient clinic, and will need to be vigilant to more serious acute issues as well. I honestly feel like rounding at LTC facilities keeps me on my toes a little more than working in my clinic because the population base is older and more chronic.

In terms of your commute, it's obviously not ideal, but the experience will be worthwhile if they compensate you accordingly.

hunnybaby24, BSN, APRN, NP · Aug 12, 2015

Did you get special training for your LTAC rounding?

Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 12, 2015

I spent a few days rounding with my boss in the facility and had some experience with it during my NP program. Having worked the majority of my career in critical care, it was actually easy in terms of treating acute problems. Managing the primary issues became easier as I became more confident in my clinical practice.

bethymaester · Aug 13, 2015

So the preliminary phone interview went well and I have an in person interview coming up, so I didn't ask any contract type questions over the phone. I did wonder if anyone knows what a typical call schedule would be? I thought he said they are expected to work M-F, 8 - 5 but accept call starting at 7am up to 7pm . . . every day? That sounds strange to me, but I don't know. Also, is pay typically higher or lower for NPs in LTC?

Edited to add the orientation is 6-8 weeks of daily rounds with the collaborating physician. Since I would be the only provider on site 4 days/week after orientation, I guess that makes sense . . . does it sound like enough?

Jules A, MSN · Aug 13, 2015

6-8 weeks orientation? OMG I'd be in heaven. I literally had zero orientation and very limited electronic documentation assistance so I just can't imagine actually getting an orientation. Personally as in psych or corrections I would assume LTC pays extra because not many NPs embrace those fields.

IsabelK · Aug 16, 2015

My job search has been discouraging and the closest I've come to an interview (still waiting to hear back from a couple places) as a new grad without relocating is for a long term care facility in a very small town that would be an hour commute. So, two questions:
1. Any advice/opinions/concerns/questions I should ask about working in LTC as a FNP?
(I did have a semester of NP clinical in a LTC and actually enjoyed a lot of it).
2. Any advice/opinions/experience regarding a commute that long?
(I have a 2 year-old who will be in daycare but the director said the hours are fairly flexible as far as start and end time).
Thanks!

I'm in the middle of orientation for LTC. Been an NP for 4 years, spent two in geriatrics and two in acute care. I'm getting 6 weeks of orientation, then will be on my own. But on my own is kind of a misnomer because my company has a lot of NPs in the area and there will always be support even if it's "I'm gonna call someone with more experience". I have to be available 8 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday at least by phone, no call. Pay is better than anything I've ever made. Flexibility amazing.

bethymaester · Aug 17, 2015

I'm in the middle of orientation for LTC. Been an NP for 4 years, spent two in geriatrics and two in acute care. I'm getting 6 weeks of orientation, then will be on my own. But on my own is kind of a misnomer because my company has a lot of NPs in the area and there will always be support even if it's "I'm gonna call someone with more experience". I have to be available 8 AM - 5 PM Monday through Friday at least by phone, no call. Pay is better than anything I've ever made. Flexibility amazing.

Your schedule sounds nice! You don't have to be on site all day? If you're comfortable saying, is your pay hourly or salary?

Jules A, MSN · Aug 17, 2015

Your schedule sounds nice! You don't have to be on site all day? If you're comfortable saying, is your pay hourly or salary?

And how much? :) I know this can seem gauche but for the love of Pete it isn't taking any money from the NP willing to disclose and can help advance our profession if we are open, supportive and not willing to work for subpar wages.

IsabelK · Aug 17, 2015

I am salaried. The company I work for has a strict no disclosure policy about benefits. I will say I'm not hurting.

Jules A, MSN · Aug 17, 2015

I am salaried. The company I work for has a strict no disclosure policy about benefits. I will say I'm not hurting.

Thanks for the reply. Fortunately I haven't had a confidentiality clause in any of my contracts yet. I find it highly suspect and not at all employee friendly as I would imagine they don't want a discussion in an effort to not have to compensate others equally.