Long term care

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Specializes in LTC.

I have been working in a long term care facility since I graduated its been a year now, and the more time that goes by the more I just dont think this is for me, but the money is so good that everytime I think of leaving I realize I cant make that much in a dr. office any advice will it get better. I dont like the idea of making someone comfortable when you know they are dying and you cant even call the ambulance does anyone else feel this way..

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

If LTC isnt for you, then you need to get out of it before you are burnt out. Look for jobs elsewhere. To me, a LTC nurse, making someone comfortable when I know they are dying is extremly satisfying. That is why I would never make it in a hospital. In nursing, we all have our "calling" - the hard part is figuring out what that is. I got a hunch that once you find your calling, you will be a very good nurse, and you will be very satisfied. The beauty of nursing is that with so many specialties, we all fit in somewhere where we absolutely shine. For me, it is LTC. I would be a horrible peds, or ob-gyn nurse. Thank god there are nurses that shine in that area!!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I don't like calling the ambulance if a very old, very sick hospice patient is actively dying because I personally feel it would be better for them to die at their home (the nursing home) rather than the unfamiliar surroundings of the hospital. I'm fully cognizant that no one is expected to live forever, and prolonging the inevitable (death) would be silly if it involves a hospice patient.

I'm assured you will be happy once you find an area of nursing that you enjoy.

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Specializes in LTC.

yes I agree my mother has done ltc for over 20 years and she loves it and maybe thats why I went that route but you are right it just may not be for me. thank you

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Specializes in LTC.

you are right I dont think we should prolong the inevitable I guess I was just having a moment, but i am just going to have to figure out where I belong in the nursing world..thanks

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

I was unhappy for two years doing a job I didn't like, because the pay was so good. When I didn't get as big a raise as I deemed appropriate, I resigned. I found a job that paid even moore. The only trouble: I was even more unhappy now. You see, the pursuit of money cost me dearly: almost three years of misery. And believe me, the people around me (mostly my wife) caught the spill over. The job I have now pays less, but I love it. I'm happier and my wife is happier. And as it turns out, overall, I make more money now, because I work a few hours on the side. When you like your work, 48 hours a week seem much less than fourty hours of misery.

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Specializes in LTC.

thanks that is very encouraging and you are right I need to find a place where I can be happy with my chosen career

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rooster1

We are not allowed to give legal advice on this site due to TOS. Your questions should be directed to the Board of your state since they are the ones who will be making the decisions regarding your unique case. There is a sticky concerning getting licensed with a criminal background that you should find and read. Good luck to you.

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tammy07

If you are unhappy after working a year in LTC, then you should look for a new area of nursing. One of the great advantages of nursing is that one can change their specialty from time to time and maintain their sense of satisfaction. Good luck to you as you decide where you would like to work next.

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