Looking to re-enter the field via LTC

[frappuccino1]

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?

[frappuccino1]

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.

Appreciate your taking the time to post! Looks like you're about my age. If you don't mind my asking, what made you want to leave nursing?

[jb009]

I'd run from LTC like hell, especially at any mostly Medicaid facility, unless you just love torture!

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

I have decided to leave after watching the focus of resident care move way down on the list of priorities in favor of making more money.

There is less floor staff, higher acuity, more documentation and more focus on squeezing every last penny out of the residents and their benefits.

My facility is a non-profit, but in the last few months have added 3 new reimbursement nurse positions and at least 2 new office positions with rumors of yet 1 more, all reimbursement related. All the while we are working with fewer floor staff. Everyone is running ragged but it's the residents who are truly being sold short.

I've worked in many different buildings and know it would be no better, if not worse to go to another building.

I realize that most of the issue is due to the government cutting reimbursement rates for services as well as demanding more thorough documentation to receive those reduced payments. But if those changes have reduced a "non-profit" facility to swing decidedly in the direction of scrambling for every dime they can find, imagine how for-profit facilities are running? I shudder to think.

My conscience will not allow me to continue to work in an environment where the frail and elderly are treated as nothing more than a source of income and staff are run into the ground because more staff "are not in the budget."

There are many more reasons for why I'm leaving, but that's the meat and potatoes of it. I simply can't do it any longer.

[frappuccino1]

My conscience will not allow me to continue to work in an environment where the frail and elderly are treated as nothing more than a source of income and staff are run into the ground because more staff "are not in the budget."

Thanks so much for sharing your impressions with me. How sad! I shudder when I consider how much worse things could get for nurses and patients. I truly hope you will find peace and fulfillment in the next chapter of your life!

[caffeinatednurse, BSN, RN]

I should have included in my comment: I work in a primarily private pay and private insurance facility. I typically have a few Medicare residents on each hall (they require specialized charting/documentation for reimbursement, so I always notice the 3-4 residents that have Medicare) but the vast majority appear to be private pay or have private insurance. Thus, staffing is typically less of an issue and the residents seem to receive a more than adequate amount of care and attention. I can happily say that I would allow my grandparents or parents to be residents at the facility I work at.

I also make more $ per hour than the RNs at the local hospital.

It all depends on the facility. Working in a CCRC facility (with many levels of care) has been great for me. If there's a retirement community or CCRC near you, consider applying to those. It seems, at least in my area, that the residents receive better care there and the staff seem to be much happier, too.