ltac

bsrn0523 · Jan 28, 2009

You can expect tracheostomies, vents, chest tubes, g and ng and j tubes, iv's, piccs, triple lumens, ports, nephrostomy tubes, jp's- you name it we have it. I currently work as a nursing supervisor for a 320 bed skilled ltc with 2 ltac units, and everything I saw on a med-surg floor I see here. I would expect your interview questions to be heavily related to the necessary skill set. You will definately be asked about your experience, most acute situations, etc...

Good luck to you, I love it!

ello7 · Jan 28, 2009

I worked in an LTAC as a new grad.

Lots of vents, lots of trachs, lots of feeding tubes. Like bsrn said, you see a little bit of everything.

When I interviewed, they just asked me about my experiences, and how comfortable I am with vents, chest tubes, etc.

Good Luck!

NeekNurse · Oct 5, 2009

Does anyone know if in LTAC one starts many IV's since most patients have longer term lines? thanks

PeachPie · Oct 6, 2009

Does anyone know if in LTAC one starts many IV's since most patients have longer term lines? thanks

Maybe if you admit them or it's time to restart one, but most of them have PICC lines or Port-a-Caths since they're getting long term therapy and we're trying to minimize pokage. I didn't get a lot of good IV experience in LTAC, as they either already had long-term lines, puffy from fluid retention, morbidly obese, or little old ladies with biceps the diameter of my wrists.

LTAC is a gentle start for a new grad, and I learned many basics. However, not to be a downer, but you may run into problems later. When I started acute care hospital, I was not ready becuase I hadn't been exposed to much, yet I was not considered a new nurse. LTAC is not good experience for building yourself up as a nurse. However, it's better than a nursing home for starting out and getting your year of experience so other places will start looking at you. I like the setting, and I like the fact that you can see people's progress.

NeekNurse · Oct 6, 2009

Thanks so much for answering my question! Actually I don't mind spending 6mo to a yr in this setting since my first, first job out of school was in adult day care, which, while a challenge in its own set of ways, also has no business being the first job on a new grad's resume. So I am looking fwd to all the hands-on procedures. Thanks again for your reply!