Looking to re-enter the field via LTC

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I'm curious to hear people's opinions: Would LTC be a good re-entry point for an RN (me!) who has been out of the field for >10 years (raising my kids)? I have 6 years nursing experience total, the first year as a new grad spent in LTC, the remaining in hospital. Or should I just scrap the idea of returning, and explore different career paths?

Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I worked in LTC and the hospital and home care before I took 10 years off to raise my kids. Went back to LTC and haven't left. It's not for sissies! You'll run all day long and take care of sicker patients than you ever imagined. You might find that you like it....you might hate it. Give it a shot.

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Thank you, purplegal! Are you in long-term care? How long did it take for you to feel comfortable where you are now?

Yes, I work in a LTC/Rehab facility and spend the majority of my time working with the rehab patients. On my unit, we actually only have one LTC resident. It didn't take too long for me to become comfortable. I had a 3 day classroom orientation and 5 room on the floor orientation. On my 3rd day of on the floor orientation, I was on my own. At that time, there was only 8 patients. After I was off orientation, the workload just gradually grew and grew so that we're now at full capacity. The acuity of patients has grown higher overtime as well. I probably became comfortable because my workload grew gradually as being exposed to more challenging patients gradually.

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I will have to say that it is very disorganized and chaotic. Medications, even crucial ones, often do not come in for hours after a patient is admitted. Paperwork and medications are scattered all over the place. However, the expectation for perfection is pretty low and most people are appreciative for what you are able to get done. You'll probably leave at the end of the day not accomplishing every single thing, but as long as you get the most critical aspects of the patient's care completed you'll be fine and no one says a word.

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How many is full capacity, purplegal?

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Are you planning on staying in LTC, CapeCod Rn, or do you hope to eventually transition back to hospital?

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Specializes in Med-surg, telemetry, oncology, rehab, LTC, ALF.

You know, it just depends.

I just re-entered the nursing field after being away for about 2 years. I had

I've been lucky, so far. The facility that I'm training at is a retirement community with different levels of care. I've been fortunate to have very patient, understanding and experienced nurses and nurse supervisors to help show me the ropes. Look for a facility that is willing to invest in you. Also try to be as specific and honest as you can with your supervisors re: orientation. Tell them you've been out of nursing for a while and you feel like you need a very thorough orientation.

I second the comment re: increasing acuity. It's not rare to see PICC lines, IVs, foleys, traches, etc in LTC. However, I still prefer the working and learning environment over the hospital any day!

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I've been lucky, so far. The facility that I'm training at is a retirement community with different levels of care. I've been fortunate to have very patient, understanding and experienced nurses and nurse supervisors to help show me the ropes. Look for a facility that is willing to invest in you. Also try to be as specific and honest as you can with your supervisors re: orientation. Tell them you've been out of nursing for a while and you feel like you need a very thorough orientation.

It's really encouraging to hear that. One of the factors that makes me hesitant to rejoin the field is reading through comments about how there is so much backbiting and other factors that contribute to such a negative environment for nurses. Thankfully, most all of the nurses I've worked with (whether in LTC or hospital) were very supportive of each other. I'm a little scared to find out how much the social environment has changed in the time I've been out. But I know it can vary widely among facilities, or even units within the same hospital.

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Specializes in Med-surg, telemetry, oncology, rehab, LTC, ALF.
It's really encouraging to hear that. One of the factors that makes me hesitant to rejoin the field is reading through comments about how there is so much backbiting and other factors that contribute to such a negative environment for nurses. Thankfully, most all of the nurses I've worked with (whether in LTC or hospital) were very supportive of each other. I'm a little scared to find out how much the social environment has changed in the time I've been out. But I know it can vary widely among facilities, or even units within the same hospital.

Yeah, it absolutely varies. I came from an acute care environment (med surg) that had really depressed me re: nursing as a new grad. It wasn't supportive at all.

This facility is completely different...the nurses really seem to care about each other and do what they can to help each other out. They're also eager to teach.

I'm sure there's a good facility that would love to take you under their wing and help you renter the nursing field. :)

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I'm sure there's a good facility that would love to take you under their wing and help you renter the nursing field. :)

Thank you!

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.
Are you planning on staying in LTC, CapeCod Rn, or do you hope to eventually transition back to hospital?

I hope to transition to the local fabric store! I'm about ready to give up being a nurse.

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Specializes in LTC.
I hope to transition to the local fabric store! I'm about ready to give up being a nurse.

So am I. I'm in the late planning stages of my exit strategy. Countdown to execution: 2 months. :)

That aside, OP, if you can possibly work nights for awhile that could help you brush up on skills and time management in a less hectic environment regardless of the venue you pursue.

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I hope to transition to the local fabric store! I'm about ready to give up being a nurse.

Oh wow! Well, you've certainly put in your time, with 30+ years. Best wishes with your post-nursing career!

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