LTC career stories ... I need advice.

[Mawnka]

Well, to start I'm a new grad in nursing and I accepted a job in LTC as a medcart nurse. I'm being started out at 21/hr, which I thought was pretty good considering the economy ... Anywho, I would just like to know what I need to expect with this job. I would love to hear your stories of personal experience :)

[tuttle13]

I graduated last year and started in LTC/rehab 9 months ago. I float between 4 units, but I am primarily on our short term med/surg rehab unit since I am an RN,which is basically like working in a hospital. Lots of ortho pts as well as cardiac, COPD, PNE, strokes etc.. I also work on our geriatric LTC units either as charge nurse or med nurse. I never imagined that I would end up starting my career in LTC, but the bad economy left me no other choice and I am lucky I got this job. I actually have learned ALOT and I love my job, although I still want to work in acute care once they decide to hire again. I don't know if you will float or do more than just pass meds. I wouldn't be able to survive in LTC if I only passed meds in the same unit because it can get very boring. If your facility does rehab like mine, try to work in that unit as much as possible because that is where you can get the most experience. Good luck!